Dragon fruit Simple Syrup is slightly sweet and bright pink! It's so versatile! It can be used in cocktails, and desserts! Here I will show you how to make it using the pink dragon fruit.
One of my favorite cocktails to make with dragon fruit simple syrup is the Malibu Barbie Cocktail inspired by the Barbie Movie!
What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit is a vine like cactus tropical fruit also known are Pitaya or Pithaya. It got its name because the spikes' resemblance to dragon scales. It is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants and other immune boosting benefits. Currently dragon Fruit is grown in Asia, Central and South America, Mexico and Israel but Vietnam is the largest commercial producer. In the USA there is only three states where dragon fruit is grown: California, Florida and Hawaii.
There are four types of dragon fruits:
- White Dragon Fruit - it has pink skin and white flesh with spotted black seeds. This is the most common grown pitaya.
- Red Dragon Fruit - it has pink skin with red flesh.
- Pink Dragon Fruit- it is from the red family but inside the flesh ranges from soft pink to hot pink.
- Yellow Dragon Fruit - it has sweet white firm flesh. There's no multiple variations of this type and it is known for being the tastiest of all the dragon fruits.
What can I do with dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit be made into smoothies, spread, wine, desserts and can be eaten raw. The flowers can be made into tea. It can also be used for food coloring and a thickening agent.
Ingredients to Make the Dragon Fruit Syrup
- Dragon Fruit - for this recipe I am using Pink flesh dragon fruit. It's usually in the frozen aisle at the supermarket. It can be found in Asian Markets as well.
- Sugar - I like to use C&H Ultra fine cane sugar. It is usually in the baking section at your local supermarket.
- Water - Filtered water is my go to.
**See the Recipe Card below for detailed measurements and directions**
Instructions
The frozen dragon fruit can be used frozen. No need for thawing.
- Add sugar, water and dragon fruit to a shallow pan at low heat.
2. Stir until sugar is dissolved for about 5 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
4. One it cools off strain into a jar (twice if needed) using a strainer and a funnel. You want clear syrup.
Tip: When you strain the syrup once, some black seeds will seep through. You can leave them in. Some people like to keep the black seeds in the syrup.
Substitutions
Folks who follow a KETO diet could use Erythritol to make simple syrup. I found that using Stevia or Monk fruit tends to crystalize. Erythritol is sugar alcohol and does not crystalize making this an ideal substitute when making simple syrup.
Variations
Making simple syrup at home gives you the opportunity to create endless flavorings.
- Spicy - add jalapeño for that spicy kick syrup.
- Cinnamon - in a mason jar add a couple of cinnamon sticks to a regular simple syrup
- Pumpkin Spice - add pumpkin spice to a 1:1 sugar water ratio and strain. My favorite to use in Lattes, Coffee Creamer, tea and pancakes.
Storage
Simple syrup stores well. Store in a tight lid jar and place in the refrigerator. Use within 2 weeks.
FAQ
This syrup is good to make wine, juice, desserts, spreads and it can also be eaten raw. It can also be used as food dye in foods and non foods items.
Most of the varieties of dragon fruit are not sweet, therefore sweetener needs to added except for the yellow skin white flesh one which is the sweeter.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Blood Orange Margarita
- Blood Orange Vodka Sour {Vegan}
- Birthday Cake Cocktail
- How to make the best Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Nog)
If you make this recipe I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below.
📖 Recipe
Dragonfruit Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Sauce Pan + Spatula
- Strainer + Funnel
- Mason Jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fine Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- ¾ cup Frozen Pink Dragon Fruit
Instructions
- In the sauce pan add water, sugar, and dragon fruit on low to medium heat (do not boil).
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Removed from heat, let it rest for 20 minutes.
- In a mason jar place the strainer on top of the funnel and pour the syrup mix. Some black seeds might seep through. If you don't want any of the seeds, strain a few times.
- Seal mason jar tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Substitutions:
Folks who follow a KETO diet could use Erythritol to make simple syrup. I found that using Stevia or Monk fruit tends to crystalize. Erythritol is sugar alcohol and does not crystalize making this an ideal substitute when making simple syrup.Variations:
Making simple syrup at home gives you the opportunity to create endless flavorings.- Spicy - add jalapeño for that spicy kick syrup.
- Cinnamon - in a mason jar add a couple of cinnamon sticks to a regular simple syrup
- Pumpkin Spice - add pumpkin spice to a 1:1 sugar water ratio and strain. My favorite to use in Lattes, Coffee Creamer, tea and pancakes.
