Looking for a refreshing tropical drink that’s vibrant, tangy, and naturally sweetened? This healthy dragon fruit lemonade is exactly what you need. Made with juicy lemons, fresh purple dragonfruit, and coconut sugar, it’s the perfect plant-based drink for sunny days—or any time you’re craving a tropical pick-me-up.
If you love the vibrant flavour and colour of dragonfruit, there are plenty more delicious ways to enjoy it. Cool off with a refreshing dragonfruit smoothie, sip on a creamy dragonfruit matcha latte, or try a fun frozen treat like my dragon fruit yogurt bark. For something naturally sweet and a little nostalgic, this dragon fruit jelly is always a hit. Not sure how to prep your fruit? I’ve got you covered with this easy guide on how to cut a dragon fruit, and you can find all my favourite dragonfruit recipes right here.
Why You'll Love This Dragon Fruit Lemonade Recipe
This simple dragon fruit lemonade recipe is not only eye-catching, but also naturally packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and hydrating goodness. Serve it over lots of ice and enjoy it as a cooling afternoon treat or a bright addition to your next brunch spread.
Ingredients Needed for Dragon Fruit Lemonade
Here’s everything you need to make this healthy and colourful dragon fruit lemonade:
- 5 lemons
- 1 purple dragonfruit
- 1 cup water (for blending dragonfruit)
- ½ cup to 1½ cups coconut sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness, ½ cup coconut sugar is very tart!)
- 3 cups water (for making the syrup)
- Lots of ice!
How To Make Healthy Dragon Fruit Lemonade
Watch the step-by-step video on how to make dragon fruit lemonade on my Instagram or follow the instructions below:
- Make the coconut sugar syrup: In a pot, combine the coconut sugar with 3 cups of water. Heat gently and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow it to cool fully.
- Prepare the dragonfruit: Peel the purple dragonfruit and blend it with 1 cup of water. For a smoother drink, pour the blended mixture through a cheesecloth to remove the pulp (optional but recommended).
- Juice the lemons: Slice and juice all 5 lemons. Be sure to remove any seeds.
- Mix everything together: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled coconut sugar syrup, lemon juice, and dragonfruit juice. Stir well and serve over lots of ice.
For a quick video tutorial, check out this dragon fruit lemonade recipe on my YouTube.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Dragonfruit Lemonade
- Adjust the sweetness: Start with ½ cup of coconut sugar for a tart lemonade. If you prefer it sweeter, go up to 1½ cups.
- Strain the dragonfruit: If you want a smoother texture, straining the pulp makes the drink more elegant and easier to serve in pitchers.
- Chill everything first: For best results, chill the syrup, lemon juice, and dragonfruit juice before mixing. This way, your lemonade is instantly icy cold.
- Make it fizzy: Want a sparkling version? Use chilled soda water instead of still water when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dragonfruit Lemonade
Yes, but the colour won’t be as vibrant. Purple dragonfruit gives the lemonade its stunning magenta hue.
You can use white sugar or any brown sugar. Coconut sugar just gives it a lovely depth and subtle caramel flavour and is a refined sugar free option.
This dragonfruit lemonade keeps well for 2–3 days in the fridge, although it's best enjoyed fresh.
Variations
- Add herbs: Try muddling fresh mint or basil leaves into the lemonade for an aromatic twist.
- Add ginger: Boil a few slices of ginger in the sugar syrup for a zesty, spicy edge.
- Make it into popsicles: Pour leftovers into popsicle molds for a frozen treat! This is my favourite way to enjoy this recipe actually!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Recipe
- Not dissolving the sugar properly: Make sure to heat and stir the coconut sugar completely until dissolved, or you’ll end up with grainy bits.
- Using bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemons make a huge difference in flavour. Avoid the bottled stuff for this recipe.
- Skipping the ice: This drink is meant to be cold and refreshing—don’t forget the ice!
Let's Make Dragon Fruit Lemonade!
Have you tried this dragonfruit lemonade? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube if you make it! 🌿💗
Dragon Fruit Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 purple dragon fruit
- 5 lemons
- 1 cup water for blending with the dragon fruit
- 2 cup ice
Coconut Sugar Syrup
- ½ to 1½ cup coconut sugar ½ cup is very tart and 1½ cup is sweet
- 3 cup water
Instructions
- Make the coconut sugar syrup: In a pot, combine the coconut sugar with 3 cups of water. Heat gently and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow it to cool fully.
- Prepare the dragonfruit: Peel the purple dragonfruit and blend it with 1 cup of water. For a smoother drink, pour the blended mixture through a cheesecloth to remove the pulp (optional but recommended).
- Juice the lemons: Slice and juice all 5 lemons. Be sure to remove any seeds.
- Mix everything together: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled coconut sugar syrup, lemon juice, and dragonfruit juice. Stir well and serve over lots of ice.
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