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If you're looking for a bold, fruity drink that rivals your go-to coffee chain but skips all the extra sugar, this homemade mango dragon fruit refresher is for you. With just three basics and a quick whisk, you've got an ice-cold tropical pick-me-up ready to enjoy. I whip this up whenever I need a colorful afternoon booster, or want something fun for hanging out with friends. Everyone always prefers it over the one you get at the shop.
The first time I made this was on a scorching afternoon when my niece visited and now we both make it all the time. She thinks it's way better than anything from a coffee spot.
Vibrant Ingredients
- Ice: cools things down for that frosty vibe
- Fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried dragon fruit: keeps the color bright and gives every sip some fruity bites; grab ones that look bold and ripe
- Green bean coffee extract (optional): want a caffeine lift? add this for a little buzz
- Mango juice: packs a tropical punch; go for pure juice if you can
- Dragon fruit powder: gives your drink that wild neon pink and classic flavor; pick one with nothing but dried fruit
- White grape juice: brings in a gentle sweetness and keeps things tasting fresh; clear juices look best
Easy How-To
- Serve It Up:
- Hand out right away while it's still chilly and bright. Give it a mix, so each sip has both juice and fruit.
- Pour It In:
- Gently fill each glass almost to the brim, covering those cubes and fruit bites with the base you just mixed up.
- Ice and Dragon Fruit:
- Drop a big scoop of ice and a couple of dragon fruit chunks into every glass. This keeps things frosty and makes each glass look special.
- Whisk It Together:
- Grab a big jug or bowl and toss in the dragon fruit powder, white grape juice, mango juice, and coffee extract if you want. Whisk like crazy for a minute until the color pops and there are no clumps left.
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Dragon fruit always makes this drink pop with insane pink color. Whenever I share this at parties or birthdays, it gets all the oohs and feels like a little bit of magic in a glass.
Keep It Fresh
This drink is best cold from the fridge for up to two days. Don't toss in the ice or fruit until you're ready to serve, so the flavor stays strong. If you have any left, give it a quick stir before you finish it off.
Swap Options
No dragon fruit powder? Acai powder gives it a cool twist, or use some blended fresh dragon fruit for a softer look. Don't have white grape juice? Any pale fruit juice will work, like pear or apple. Try swapping coconut water for mango juice if you want something lighter.
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Fun Ways to Serve
Add lime slices or a pineapple wedge for style points. Swirl in some coconut milk for creamy flair. Float a couple edible flowers to make any gathering feel fancy. Kiddos love seeing those cute umbrellas in their glass, too.
The Story Behind It
Dragon fruit, or pitaya, started out in Central America and now stars in drinks everywhere. Mango brings in big vacation energy, reminding you of Southeast Asian sips. Nobody invented this mix in one place, but it chases the wild, fruity combos you'll find at beach bars from Belize to Bali.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does dragon fruit add to this drink?
With dragon fruit, you get a blast of bright color, mellow sweetness, and just a hint of earthiness that pairs really well with mango.
- → Is the drink naturally sweetened?
For sure. The mango and grape juice pack plenty of natural sugar, so there's no need to pour in more.
- → Can I make this caffeine-free?
Yep! Leave out the green coffee extract and it'll be totally caffeine-free and perfect for kids.
- → How can I make it creamy?
Just splash in some coconut milk and stir until smooth if you want it extra creamy and tropical.
- → What’s the best way to serve?
Pour over a pile of ice and throw in some fresh or freeze-dried dragon fruit cubes to make it look and taste awesome.