Pitahaya Agua Fresca
Cool off with a sweet, hydrating, and extremely refreshing pitahaya agua fresca! Featuring dragon fruit and lime, this quick and easy beverage is loaded with flavor and packed with health benefits.
Similar to my agua de limon con chia, this pitahaya agua fresca is one of the best ways to quench your thirst during the summertime. It’s a breeze to whip up, bursting with tropical flavors, and so easy to customize!
Why I love this
This pitahaya agua fresca recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes and is made with just dragon fruit, sweetener, lime, and a little water. Not only is it budget-friendly, but you only need a blender, making cleanup easy peasy!
Once blended, it’s incredibly refreshing with a delicate pear-like flavor with balanced sweet-tart notes. This recipe is also naturally gluten-free and vegan, meaning it’s suitable for all ages and a wide range of dietary needs.
Ingredient notes
This pitahaya agua fresca couldn’t be easier to make! Find an ingredient breakdown and suitable substitutes below.
Pitahaya
Dragon fruit lends a unique, mildly sweet flavor. It’s like a cross between a pear, watermelon, and kiwi. You can use white or pink dragon fruit, which can both be found at large grocery stores or Asian food markets, depending on the time of year. You can also use frozen dragon fruit, which is available year-round.
Cane sugar
To enhance the natural sweetness of the pitahaya and balance the tanginess of the lime, I prefer to use cane sugar.
Substitute: You can also use other sweeteners like agave, maple syrup, piloncillo, or even stevia for a sugar-free option.
Lime juice
Lime adds a refreshing citrusy kick that complements the pitahaya’s sweet flavor. For the best results, use freshly squeezed lime juice, not lime concentrate.
Substitute: Lemon can be used as an alternative to lime, providing a similar tartness and zestiness.
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to the recipe card.
How to make
Learn how easy it is to make a pitahaya agua fresca with my step-by-step instructions. Look for the tips in green throughout this section for consistent and successful results! Also, you can watch myย video tutorialย down below!
Preparation
Start by washing the pitahayas thoroughly under running water. Cut them in half and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, ensuring you get as much of the fruit as possible without including the skin.
When selecting pitahayas, choose ones that feel heavy for their size and have bright, even-colored skin. This means they’re ripe and will provide the best flavor for your agua fresca.
Assembly
Step 1
In a blender, combine the pitahaya pulp, lime juice, cane sugar, and 3-4 cups of water. Blend the mixture on high until it’s smooth and no chunks remain.
Step 2
Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher or jar. This will remove any remaining solids and seeds, making the drink even smoother.
Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture through the strainer. This helps prevent wasting any of the delicious flavors.
Step 3
Add the remaining water to the pitcher or jar and stir well. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary. Refrigerate until chilled or serve immediately over ice. Happy drinking!
Expert tip
Pitahaya makes this drink uniquely refreshing. However, its mild flavor can be easily overshadowed if it isn’t balanced correctly.
The key is to start with less sweetener than you think you need, as you can always add more later. Also, give your agua fresca time to chill before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and provide the most refreshing drink.
Recipe tips
Blend until smooth: Blend the dragon fruit chunks thoroughly and strain the mixture for a consistent texture in your agua fresca.
Serving presentation: Serve your drink with ice and a garnish of fruit or herbs to elevate the visual appeal.
Batch preparation: Make your pitahaya agua fresca in larger quantities to save time and serve a group easily.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use pink, white, or even yellow dragon fruit for this drink. The end result will taste slightly different, but all varieties are delicious.
Some large-chain grocery stores carry pitahaya, but you’ll have the best luck finding it at Asian food markets.
If you don’t want the extra calories, try it without sugar or with your favorite sugar-free sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
Storing
Agua de pitahaya is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for short periods. Keep your agua fresca in a sealed container or pitcher in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days.
You can also freeze leftovers in ice cube trays for future use or as a way to chill other drinks. If you have frozen cubes, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or blend them and serve them directly as a slushy.
Watch how to make it
More refreshing drinks
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Recipe
Easy Pitahaya Agua Fresca
Equipment
- Knife & cutting board
- Blender
- Large jar or pitcher
Ingredients
- 3 fresh pitahayas (dragon fruits)
- 6 cups water
- ยฝ cup cane sugar (or agave)
- 2 limes
Instructions
- Cut the pitahayas in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Add the pulp to a blender along with the lime juice, cane sugar, and 3-4 cups of water.
- Blend on high until no chunks of fruit remain, then pour the mixture into a jar or pitcher. Add the rest of the water and stir. Taste and adjust the sweetener to your preference.
- You can transfer it to your fridge to chill for a few hours or serve your agua de pitahaya immediately over ice with lime, lemon, or more pitahaya wedges. Happy drinking!
Notes
Nutrition
Note: Iโve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.
Justine Drosdovech is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. She is a self-taught plant-based chef but uses her healthcare background to craft dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.