Happy Tequila Thursday! Haha… it’s not really a thing but I’m totally making it a thing. Over the past few months I’ve really grown a liking, love actually, of tequila and mezcal.

Honestly, other than the occasional random tequila shot back in college I didn’t really drink tequila all that much. Maybe because back then I drank the bottom shelf tequila because it was all I could afford?

I also had never even heard of mezcal back then either. Plus, I didn’t think that the taste of tequila couldn’t get any better than that gold bottle of grossness that I was drinking.

But boy was I wrong.

I’m not even sure what got me to start linking tequila – and not for just taking shots – but for actually drinking on-the-rocks with a twist of orange or mixed into a super fun and delicious cocktail like this red dragon fruit margarita you see here.

Now that I think about it, I think I started liking tequila and mezcal recently when I went on a girls night when my sister was in town. We went out to a speakeasy bar in downtown and each ordered something different from each other every time we would order a drink.

The first round, I unknowingly ordered a drink with mezcal and egg white in it and I absolutely loved it. It had a beautifully smoky flavor profile but not so smoky that it was overwhelming to your palate.

After that I vowed to try rotating more tequila and mezcal into my bar cart.

Anyway, back to this gorgeous cocktail. Yes, before you ask… this is the actual color of the drink. Red dragon fruit has this naturally beautiful red-ish pink hue.

Of course there are regular dragon fruit that are white when you cut them open and they have the same flavor. If you cannot get red dragon fruit you can use regular dragon fruit but it just won’t be the same color.

Regardless of which one you use, they have a similar flavor profile – with the white dragon fruit being slightly more sweet than the red – so it will still taste fairly the same. The addition of the simple syrup is optional depending on how sweet you like your drinks.

Personally, I have to be in the mood for a super sweet drink, so I leave the simple syrup out. I’m more of a dry and smoky flavor profile type of person.

Which I even like when I’m making my sangria.

What is a Red Dragon Fruit Margarita?

The Red Dragon Fruit Margarita is a tropical cocktail that combines the exotic flavors of red dragon fruit with the classic elements of a margarita. Originating from the vibrant cultures of Latin America, this drink brings a burst of color and a unique taste profile that sets it apart from your regular margarita. The red dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is not only visually stunning but also packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients, making this cocktail a somewhat healthier choice.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Unique Flavor: The red dragon fruit adds a mildly sweet and refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy lime and smooth tequila.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color of the dragon fruit juice makes this cocktail a showstopper at any event.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cocktail in no time.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add a salt or sugar rim to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• Red Dragon Fruit Juice: This vibrant juice not only gives the margarita its stunning color but also adds a mildly sweet and refreshing flavor. The juice is made by blending the fruit and straining out the solids, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Blanco Tequila: A clear, unaged tequila that provides a clean, crisp base for the cocktail. Its slightly peppery and citrusy notes complement the dragon fruit juice perfectly.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy, zesty kick to the margarita, balancing the sweetness of the dragon fruit juice and the smoothness of the tequila.
• Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur adds a hint of citrus and a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.
• Simple Syrup (Optional): A mix of sugar and water, simple syrup can be added to adjust the sweetness of the margarita to your liking. It ensures that the drink is perfectly balanced without being overly sweet.

Get ingredients with

Substitutions & Additions

• Tequila: You can substitute with mezcal for a smoky flavor.
• Simple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.
• Triple Sec: Cointreau or Grand Marnier can be used for a richer orange flavor.

How to Make this Recipe

Prepare the Ingredients: Hollow out two red dragon fruits and blend the flesh on high for 30-60 seconds. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to get the juice.

Mix the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the dragon fruit juice, tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup (if using).

Shake: Shake vigorously for 20 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients.

Prepare the Glass: Use a lime wedge to dampen the rim of a rocks glass. Dip the rim in a shallow bowl of salt or sugar, depending on your preference.

Serve: Fill the glass with ice and strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint leaf if desired.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Selecting Dragon Fruit: Choose dragon fruits that are bright in color and slightly soft to the touch for the best juice.

Blending: Ensure you blend the dragon fruit thoroughly to get the maximum juice yield.

Rimming the Glass: For a more festive look, use colored sugar or flavored salts.

Serving Suggestions

Glassware: Serve in a rocks glass for a classic look.

Garnishes: A lime wedge and a mint leaf add a fresh touch.

Pairings: This cocktail pairs well with light appetizers like shrimp ceviche or tropical fruit salads.

Storage Suggestions

Juice: Fresh dragon fruit juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Cocktail: It’s best to make the cocktail fresh, but you can mix the ingredients (except ice) and store in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use frozen dragon fruit? Yes, but fresh dragon fruit will give you the best flavor and color.

Is the simple syrup necessary? No, it’s optional. The cocktail is delicious even without it.

Can I make this non-alcoholic? Absolutely! Just replace the tequila and triple sec with more dragon fruit juice and a splash of orange juice.

The Red Dragon Fruit Margarita is more than just a cocktail; it’s an experience. Its vibrant color and unique flavor make it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this margarita is sure to impress. Cheers to delicious and beautiful cocktails!