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I made this vibrant dragon fruit mango lemonade after craving the super fresh and bold taste of the Starbucks favorite, but with way more real fruit punch. This is now my warm weather fix whenever I want something juicy and eye catching to perk up a regular afternoon fast.
When I first tried this out, my kids flipped over the wild color change after stirring the dragon fruit in. Now they insist on mixing it up and sneaking early sips every time.
Vibrant Ingredients
- Dragon fruit (also called pitaya): use powder for a quick mix in, or toss in cubes or dried chips if you like a little juicy bite
- Mango juice: all that tropical flavor and a richer sip go for the pure stuff if you can
- White grape juice: brings a mellow sweetness plus a silky feel pick one with no extra sugar if possible
- Lemonade: this tangy base ties it all together fresh squeezed or chilled store bought both work great
- Using frozen chunks or dry chips just means letting the dragon fruit soak in the drink a bit longer before your ice goes in
Simple Steps
- Top with Ice:
- When you’ve got the magical magenta color and everything’s mixed in, pile in the ice cubes, give it another light swirl, and drink right away for max freshness
- Mix in Dragon Fruit:
- Drop in your favorite dragon fruit—powder, dried chips, or frozen cubes. Let it hang out for a few minutes. The colors will shift and the texture will change as the fruit “wakes up” in your juice.
- First, Add All the Juices:
- Pour mango juice, white grape juice, and lemonade into a big glass. Swirl them together well so it tastes both sweet and tangy
- Bring Out the Color:
- Stir it up, making sure to smash any clumpy powder on the sides of your glass. If you used fruit chips, you’ll notice them getting juicy and bright purple as they soak
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Dragon fruit is what makes this drink pop. I’ve loved the speckles and wild pink color since I was a kid. Finding frozen dragon fruit at my Alaskan grocery store was a huge deal, and now it’s my summer go-to for fun drinks like this one.
Best Ways to Store
Cover and chill any extras in the fridge up to two days. If it starts to look a little separated or the color settles, shake it up or give a strong stir and it’s good as new. For the best look, get your juice base ready in a pitcher, and wait to add dragon fruit and ice until you’re just about to pour a glass.
Swaps and Options
- Can’t find white grape juice? Pear or apple juice will give you that same light, smooth finish
- No mango juice? Add a splash of orange juice and a bit more lemonade for a similar vibe
- Any dragon fruit—white, red, pink—will work. But for that show stopping color, go with the pink or red fleshed ones
Ways to Serve
- Use a big glass piled with ice—the layers and bright color look awesome
- Try adding a wedge of mango or a slice of lemon on the rim for an easy upgrade
- Serving a crowd? Make a pitcher and float dragon fruit chunks for a cool edible garnish
- Paper umbrellas are fun, but totally optional!
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Fun Origins
Dragon fruit comes from a cactus in tropical climates and it’s a favorite in foods from Southeast Asia and Central America. In this colorful drink, it helps bring a feeling of sunshine and adventure. Lemonade’s been a beloved summertime drink forever, and this version makes it all feel fresh and new.
Common Questions
- → Will fresh dragon fruit work instead of powder or chips?
You sure can toss in chopped fresh dragon fruit. The taste is a bit lighter, but it's super fresh.
- → What can I swap for white grape juice?
Try apple juice if you don't have white grape—it'll make the drink a tad sweeter, but still tasty.
- → How do I make the color pop even more?
Going with red-fleshed dragon fruit, either powder or chips, will pump up that wild magenta shade.
- → Should this drink be ice-cold when served?
Oh, totally! Let your dragon fruit soak first, then serve your drink over a bunch of ice for the coolest refresher.
- → Is it possible to whip up a bigger batch for a group?
No problem, just bump up your ingredient amounts to fill a pitcher. Stir it up before your friends come over, toss in ice, and pour.
- → Does it matter which mango juice I use?
Go for 100% mango juice for boldest taste. If it’s sweetened, your drink will just end up sweeter.