It’s no secret how dragon fruit gets its name. One look at its scaly skin and you’re humming Puff the Magic Dragon. But its wild, prehistoric appearance belies a sweet flavor that’s been described as a cross between a pear and a kiwi. If you haven’t had one before, you’re in for a treat. 

When choosing dragon fruit, squeeze the fruit gently. It should give a little bit without feeling too soft or mushy. Avoid fruit that has bruises or dry leaves, which are signs that it’s overripe. If it feels hard when you press it, let it ripen on the counter for a few days before eating. 

When you’re ready to eat it, try our easy Dragon Fruit Margarita Mocktail recipe. It was created by Ken Grogg, FoodE Expert. It’s a light, sweet drink with vanilla extract for a bit of warmth and orange and lime zest for a tropical twist. If you close your eyes when you take your first sip, we dare you not to be transported to a sandy, palm tree-lined beach. 

Enjoy this easy-to-make mocktail as a smoothie and bask in the glow of its many health-enriching properties, or make the margarita version for a fun twist. You’ll still get all the antioxidants, along with a celebratory feel. 

Variations:

Blend the mixture with ice to make frozen margaritas.

For a mocktail, after step 5, add sparkling water and serve on the rocks.

Replace the hazelnuts with 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger. 

If dragon fruit is out of season, try blending 1 peeled and seeded pear, 1 cup of seedless watermelon and 1 peeled kiwi to attain a similar flavor profile and juice content. The rest of the ingredients and instructions remain the same.

This recipe is brought to you by Nourish, our guide to eating a variety of whole foods that expand your palate, give you more energy and help you live a balanced life. If you love it, check out the entire Nourish collection.