Dragon Drink (Starbucks Copycat)

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Making your own Dragon Drink at home is both fun and rewarding. This vibrant, fruity beverage is inspired by the famous Starbucks drink and adds a tropical twist to your day. Whether you’re having a gathering or just treating yourself, this refreshing drink brings a burst of flavor that’s sure to impress. Plus, by making it at home, you can control the ingredients, add creativity to the recipe, and even save some money! It’s also a fantastic way to show off your mixology skills to friends.

HOW TO MAKE Dragon Drink

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • ⅓ cup mango nectar
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp dragonfruit powder
  • ½ tsp citric acid
  • ½ cup Mango Dragonfruit Refresher Base
  • ½ cup sweetened coconut milk
  • Ice
  • 1 tbsp freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Start by adding the water, mango nectar, sugar, dragonfruit powder, and citric acid to a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over low heat.

  2. Heat Mixture: Whisk continuously as the mixture warms up. Keep stirring until the dragonfruit powder and citric acid dissolve completely. This should take about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil!

  3. Cool Down: Once the mixture is mixed well and everything is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool. After it cools down to room temperature, transfer the mixture to a large jar with a lid to store.

  4. Make the Dragon Drink: Now that your base is ready, you can prepare your Dragon Drink! In a cocktail shaker or a large mason jar filled with ice, add ½ cup of the mango dragonfruit refresher base, ½ cup of sweetened coconut milk, and 1 tablespoon of freeze-dried dragonfruit. This will give the drink its beautiful purple color.

  5. Shake It Up: Secure the lid on the shaker or jar and shake vigorously until everything is well combined.

  6. Serve: Strain the dragon drink into a tall glass filled with ice. You can even top it with more freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces if you wish for added flair.

  7. Drink Up: Enjoy your homemade Dragon Drink!

HOW TO SERVE Dragon Drink

The Dragon Drink is best served cold and enjoyed immediately. To enhance your experience, consider serving it with a slice of fresh fruit, such as mango or a few berries, on the side. This not only looks beautiful but also ties in the flavors of the drink. If you’re serving it at a party or picnic, a fun straw or some decorative garnishes can add extra excitement.

HOW TO STORE Dragon Drink

If you have any leftover Dragon Drink base that you made, you can store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container or jar with a lid. It should stay fresh for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy more of your drink, simply shake it up again, add ice, and enjoy!

If you make the entire drink and you have leftovers, it’s best to consume it within a day to maintain the freshness and flavor. Just keep it in the refrigerator and remember to give it a gentle shake before serving again.

TIPS TO MAKE Dragon Drink

  1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the mango nectar can greatly affect the taste. Choose a high-quality nectar for the best flavor.

  2. Chill Your Cups: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring the drink.

  3. Experiment: Feel free to adjust the sweetness according to your preference. If you want it sweeter, add a little more sugar or honey.

  4. Ice Cubes: You can freeze extra mango or dragonfruit pieces in ice cubes. This not only keeps your drink cold longer but also adds a fun twist as the ice melts.

  5. Variations in Coconut Milk: If you’re not a fan of sweetened coconut milk, try using unsweetened coconut milk. You can also use other dairy alternatives if you prefer.

VARIATIONS

  • Frozen Dragon Drink: Turn your Dragon Drink into a slushy treat by blending the drink with ice instead of shaking. This makes for a fun summertime drink!

  • Add More Fruit: Increase the tropical flavor by adding other fruits to the drink. Consider adding some diced mango, pineapple, or strawberries.

  • Non-Dairy Options: If you prefer not to use coconut milk, substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a different flavor profile.

  • Matcha Dragon Drink: For a caffeinated twist, add a spoonful of matcha powder to your drink. This not only adds a gorgeous green color but also brings a unique flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh dragonfruit instead of dragonfruit powder?
    Yes, you can use fresh dragonfruits! Blend the fresh dragonfruit into a puree and add it to your drink. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste.

  2. Can I make this drink without sugar?
    Yes, you can omit the granulated sugar or substitute it with a sugar alternative like agave nectar, honey, or a sugar substitute like Stevia, depending on your dietary preference.

  3. Is this drink caffeinated?
    No, the Dragon Drink recipe as outlined is caffeine-free. However, if you want to add caffeine, consider using a caffeinated base like green tea instead of mango dragonfruit refresher base.

  4. How can I make this drink vegan?
    Simply use unsweetened coconut milk and ensure that the mango nectar is vegan-friendly (some brands may use non-vegan ingredients).

  5. What other flavors can I add?
    You can experiment with flavors like passionfruit, guava, or even some lime juice for an extra zing. Just remember to balance the flavors to keep it delicious!

The Dragon Drink is not only refreshing and delicious, but it also allows you to tap into your creativity. Making this drink at home means you can customize every aspect to create the perfect tropical treat. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy something bright and flavorful!

Leave a Comment