Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Mango Dragonfruit Refresher inspired by Starbucks, perfect for a tropical drink at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups (415 ml) water, divided (for syrup and mixing)
- ½ cup (120 ml) dragon fruit syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup (150 g) chopped dragon fruit or 2 tsp (4 g) dragon fruit powder (for syrup)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mango nectar or mango puree
- ¾ tsp (3.6 g) citric acid
- ½ tsp (1 g) green coffee extract powder (optional)
- ¼ cup (20 g) freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make Dragon Fruit Syrup: Combine 1 ½ cups (355 ml) water, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, and 1 cup (150 g) chopped dragon fruit or 2 tsp (4 g) dragonfruit powder in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Keep the syrup at a simmer; do not allow it to burn. The syrup is ready when it appears glossy and slightly thickened, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Step 2: Strain the Mixture: Carefully pour the hot syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or jar. Using the back of a spoon or spatula, press down gently on the dragon fruit solids to extract as much juice as possible. Caution is needed to avoid burns from the hot syrup.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients: In a shaker, add ½ cup (120 ml) of the dragon fruit syrup base, ¼ cup (60 ml) mango nectar, ¼ tsp (0.6 g) citric acid (from total ¾ tsp), and ½ cup (120 ml) water. If using, add ½ tsp (1 g) green coffee extract powder at this stage. Fill the shaker with ice cubes until nearly full. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
- Step 4: Serve Over Ice: Fill each serving glass with fresh ice cubes. Pour the shaker contents into the glass over the ice. Optionally, sprinkle freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces (¼ cup / 20 g total) on top to add visual appeal and subtle flavor.
- Step 5: Enjoy with Garnish: For a finishing touch, garnish drinks with a slice of fresh mango or a sprig of mint if desired. This adds aroma and complements the drink’s tropical flavors.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store the prepared refresher (mixed drink) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration: Keep the dragon fruit syrup base separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before using chilled.
- Freezing: Freeze the syrup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
- If your dragonfruit syrup is too thick, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water and stir, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes on low heat to adjust consistency.
- For a stronger mango flavor, add an extra 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of mango nectar during the final shaking step.
- If the drink appears dull in color, top each serving with extra freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces for enhanced vibrancy.
- To increase sweetness, add up to 2 tablespoons (25 g) of granulated sugar incrementally after tasting the mixed refresher base.
- To ensure the drink is adequately chilled, shake vigorously for 30 seconds before pouring over ice.
- Serve alongside coconut rice or mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp to add nutritional balance.
- Use the syrup base to create smoothies, fruit bowls, popsicles, or yogurt parfaits as summertime treats.
- Add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy variation.
- Garnish with lime juice or fresh mint for an extra zing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Not specified in source
- Sugar: Not specified in source
- Sodium: Not specified in source
- Fat: Not specified in source
- Saturated Fat: Not specified in source
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified in source
- Trans Fat: Not specified in source
- Carbohydrates: Not specified in source
- Fiber: Not specified in source
- Protein: Not specified in source
- Cholesterol: Not specified in source