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So I’ve been a little obsessed recently with homemade soda. I’m not sure why though. Perhaps it’s because I like the idea of turning beautiful, seasonal produce into a delightfully refreshing beverage. Or maybe because I like that I can control the ingredients that I am drinking. No strange chemicals, dyes or sweeteners. Now don’t get me wrong, I still love my Coke Zero, Diet Dr. Pepper and Cream Soda (and… Mountain Dew Baja Blast?). But homemade soda is a delicious, natural alternative that is easy to make and can come together in a snap. This Pink Dragon Fruit Soda is made with the juice of a pink dragon fruit, lime juice and simple syrup topped off with a glug or two of effervescent soda water. If you are in the mood to get all crazy, you can also throw in a shot vodka.
Some of you might be thinking right now “This is all good and all, but where the hell can I find a pink dragon fruit?!” I purchased one at local farmer’s market. If this is not an option for you, don’t fret. The process outlined below can be applied to any fruit. Blueberries, strawberries, watermelons, peaches, pluots, pears, blood oranges, etc. Use whatever is accessible to you. Continue reading for the recipe.
Dragon fruit comes in three colors – white, pink and red (or magenta). White dragon fruit is the most accessible, but is not as sweet as its colorful counterparts. If you use a white dragon fruit, you may need to add more simple syrup.
Here is a halved pink dragon fruit. The flesh is sweet, slightly tart and somewhat crunchy. The flavor of a dragon fruit is like a cross between a pear and a kiwi.
Pink Dragon Fruit Soda
Ingredients
- 1 Pink Dragon Fruit
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Simple syrup (recipe below)
- Soda water
Instructions
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Halve pink dragon fruit then scoop the flesh into a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Strain pink dragon fruit puree through a fine mesh basket strainer, using a spoon to expedite the process. Discard solids.
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Add lime juice and simple syrup to taste.* I started with 1 tablespoon of each then added a teaspoon at a time until I was satisfied with the sweet-tart balance. In total, I added 4 teaspoons of lime juice and 5 teaspoons of simple syrup (1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons).
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Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 3 - 4 ounces of pink dragon fruit syrup. Top off with soda water, stirring gently to combine.
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To make simple syrup: Warm equal parts white sugar and water over medium heat (I usually do 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water), stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Bring mixture to a boil, bubble for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Let cool before using.
Recipe Notes
* Amounts will vary based on the size and ripeness of your pink dragon fruit.
Pjsearles says
you know, if i keep eating all of this yummy food, i’m going to turn into one fat hoochie mama
Wickedpies says
I’m not sure I can find dragon fruit around here… I’m going to have to go look because this looks and sounds amazing. I’m all about making new homemade sodas, juices, and teas this summer.
Blake Wright says
you had me at dragon.
Linda says
I’ve been eager to try dragon fruit. Have seen that quiet often, but not dare enough to try. But now i know how to enjoy it better. =D
Kirbie says
This looks so pretty! I haven’t yet seen the pink dragonfruits sold near me. I can only ever find ones with white flesh.
Platanos, Mangoes and Me! says
I like waht you did with the dragon. I live near Chinatown in Manhattan and I see them all the time. I must puchase some and try your soda. By the way, I love your work…truly a talented person.
Catering in Brighton says
The Color of this Cocktail is so stunning. Great Refreshing summer drink.
Yudith @ Blissfully Delicious says
Aahhh that looks so delicious! I had wanted to try making my own homemade soda this summer; but I still haven’t gotten around to do it, and we’re already at the end of it 🙁 Nice picture too!!!
Erin says
This looks incredible! I so rarely have seen dragon fruit used anywhere (aside from Chopped) and this looks like such a fantastic idea.
Scott @ Inexpensive Eating says
Looks very refreshing. I think homemade sodas taste infinitely better – but I never thought of dragon fruit…
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
What a cool recipe! This soda looks so pretty and what a good way to use a fruit you don’t hear too much about!
Lilly says
Love the pretty pink soda! I noticed that fresh dragon fruits aren’t as sweet as the once who been sitting around for a couple of days. It’s like passion fruits, you need to pick the one that doesn’t look too good.
Sandra says
Beautiful color and it sounds so exotic. Buzz!
Food Expressed says
Dragon fruit is one of those fruits that looks so beautiful and exotic. Somehow though, travelling through Asia, I never came across one that had much flavour whatsoever. Hopefully you were luckier. Love the colour of the drink and the addition of lime juice
Maya Mohd says
Hi, I do a number of pink dragonfruit recipes and posts on my blog, but our dragonfruit flesh is a very deep fuschia, like the color of its skin. I’ve never seen this pastel pink species and I must say, it’s really pretty!
Shirley says
That looks so refreshing! I like this vanilla and lychee soda a local restaurant does.
You can also find dragonfruit at Asian markets.
anna says
Looks refreshing.Thanks for sharing
Best Mixed Drinks says
Hey there! I just wanted to let you know that I featured this drink of yours on my blog, I did a round up of 25 awesome vodka drinks and yours is on it! Props for creating something unique and interesting. =)
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks for the feature!
candy says
We call these pitaya or pitajaya depending on the color. I love these. Much prefer the bright red ones though.
Vincentia says
I’ll try this recipe this weekend. I have dragon fruits and lemons. Will surely buy the soda water. Thanks for sharing this recipe!!!
satyam bhookhun says
i would to get a idea if i make a coctail with dragon fruit tequila cointreau lime letchi syrup ..that will b good or not