Dragon Fruit Syrup is simple to make and gives a burst of vivid color and a sweet tangy flavor to many dishes. Whip it up in 15 minutes and enjoy it in cocktails, beverages, desserts or on pancakes!
I love making simple syrup recipes, as you might have noticed from the huge amount on this website!
It's just so simple and quick to make, and is a great way to jazz up many dishes.
So why not use Dragon Fruit (also called pitaya)!
This Dragon Fruit Syrup is ready in just 15 minutes with 2 ingredients. You can use fresh or frozen dragon fruit, but if you want the vibrant color of your syrup, then be sure to use red pitaya, not white.
This simple syrup has a sweet and subtly tangy flavor, plus a bright hot pink color! We love drizzling it on a stack of pancakes, waffles or French toast. It's also great on yogurt, in cocktails or on desserts.
Try making a parfait with layers of yogurt, granola (try Homemade Granola with Chocolate and Coconut) and this dragon fruit syrup for a pretty and tasty breakfast!
You can also use it as a pretty drizzle on frosted cupcakes, swirled onto vanilla ice cream or served on a fruit salad.
For a thirst-quenching beverage, try adding a little pitaya syrup to a glass of ice and soda water. It's also incredible in iced tea or a gin and tonic cocktail!
Jump to:
What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a vibrant and exotic tropical fruit that comes from certain species of cactus plants.
With its eye-catching appearance, dragon fruit has bright pink or red skin covered in distinctive scales or spikes, resembling the scales of a mythical dragon – hence its name.
The flesh of the fruit can be either white or red, studded with tiny black seeds, and it offers a mildly sweet and subtly tangy flavor.
Beyond its visual appeal, dragon fruit is also rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals looking to add a touch of tropical elegance to their diet.
What does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?
Dragon fruit's flavor is a delightful combination of subtle sweetness and delicate tanginess.
The taste is often likened to a blend of kiwi and pear, with its own unique twist.
Depending on the variety, the white-fleshed dragon fruit offers a milder, slightly refreshing taste reminiscent of melon, while the red-fleshed variety leans towards a berry-like sweetness, and occasionally even has a hint of floral notes.
Its flavor is not overpowering, making it a versatile ingredient that can be easily incorporated into a wide range of dishes, from breakfast to desserts and beyond.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Let's be honest – we eat with our eyes first. Dragon Fruit Syrup adds a pop of magenta-hued allure to any plate, instantly making your dish look like it belongs in a five-star restaurant.
- Loving the Barbie movie? This bright hot pink syrup is perfect for a themed birthday party or movie night!
- Dragon fruit's natural sweetness, when concentrated into a syrup, creates a flavor profile that's both bright and subtly tropical. It's a guaranteed way to tantalize your taste buds.
- From pancakes and waffles to yogurt parfaits and cocktails, Dragon Fruit Simple Syrup can do it all. It's like having a magic wand that turns everyday meals into extraordinary experiences.
- With just two main ingredients and a simple cooking process, this recipe is practically foolproof. No complex techniques or hours in the kitchen required.
Ingredients
- Sugar: The sweet foundation of the syrup.
- Dragon Fruit: The star of the show, contributing both its vibrant hue and tropical sweetness. If fresh dragon fruit isn't available, you can use frozen dragon fruit pieces. I used red dragon fruit. White will also work, but you won't get that color.
- Water: This helps create the desired syrup consistency.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Add the sugar, dragon fruit, and water to a pot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
Place a sieve over a bowl and carefully pour in the syrup to strain out the dragon fruit pieces (you can use them on yogurt, oatmeal etc..).
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then pour into a sanitized bottle or jar. The dragon fruit syrup will thicken as it cools.
Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Variations
- Mixed Berry Magic: Blend in a handful of mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a berrylicious twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add a dash of lemon or lime zest to the syrup during the cooking process for a zesty, tangy kick.
- Spice Infusion: Throw in a cinnamon stick or a few slices of ginger while simmering to infuse a warm, spicy note to the syrup.
Storage
Store: After your syrup has cooled down, pour it into a sanitized bottle or jar. Seal it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The syrup will keep its flavor and color for up to two weeks.
Top tips
- Don't Rush the Cooling: When you remove the syrup from the heat, let it cool slightly before straining. Pouring it into the sieve while it's still scalding hot might lead to burns or a messy accident.
- Get Creative with Leftovers: Don't discard the strained dragon fruit pieces! They make for excellent toppings on yogurt, oatmeal, or even as an add-in to smoothies.
- The syrup will be thin when you strain and bottle it. It will thicken up as it cools and is refrigerated.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe
Dragon Fruit Syrup
Equipment
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar 200g
- 1 cup fresh or frozen red dragon fruit pieces
- ¾ cup water 180ml
Instructions
- Add the sugar, dragon fruit, and water to a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
- Place a sieve over a bowl and carefully pour in the syrup to strain out the dragon fruit pieces (you can use them on yogurt, oatmeal etc..).
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then pour into a sanitized bottle or jar. The dragon fruit syrup will thicken as it cools.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Sara
This was delicious! We really enjoyed both making and eating it! I put it in cocktails for our girly brunch. But then used it on waffles in the morning too;. I'm going to try your mango syrup next.
Chenee
This was amazing! I tried it on vanilla ice cream and now I want to drizzle it on EVERYTHING! I used frozen pink dragon fruit that I had in the freezer and didn't really iknow what to do with. Sooo good.
Casey
OOH this looks so yummy! I love dragonfruit, and the idea to put this on waffles is genius! I can't wait to try it.
Frank Taglieri
I grow 25 different types of dragon fruit. I am going to try this, great idea
Shelley
GAH I'm so, so excited to find this recipe! We just planted a dragonfruit tree (cactus ... whatever you wanna call it), and this is such a fun way to use it! Love the suggested variations, too - our little dragonfruit is yellow-skinned with white flesh, so the idea of adding some berries to make it colorful is perfect! Thank you!
Kristen
I love dragonfruit and this was such a great way to enjoy it. I made a drink with the syrup!