Dragontini . . . a Dragons tale!

The abundance of interesting exotic fruits in Costa Rica and shopping at the open Farmers Market creates the urge to learn and experiment with new found treasures!  This odd looking fruit reminds me of an artichoke but it is PINK!  The Pitaya is also known as Dragon Fruit because they say it looks like the head of a dragon sitting on top of the cactus plant it grows on.

Popular in Costa Rica this colorful fruit has enormous health benefits and it is positively loaded with antioxidants, calcium, iron and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C.  It is low in calories and high in fiber and is beneficial in controlling blood pressure, blood sugar and improves eye site.



Typically used for making juices and smoothies, you can also just cube it up and serve it chilled in the fruit shell as a quick and easy dessert! It is used in many different ways in cakes, cookies and sorbets but my creative juices . . . no pun intended . . . blended this luscious hot pink pulp into a healthy drink to share with my amigos!

Dragontini

1/2 of the Pulp of one Dragon Fruit

4 Cups Premium Vodka

2-3 T Agave Nectar (or Sugar)

4 Strawberries

Ice

Blend this up in the blender until smooth and 

pour into martini glasses.  The beautiful bright pink color is all that is needed for the presentation!

This recipe can also be revised to make a pitcher full of Dragon Punch that is great for the beach by adding some lemonade and a bottle of Sprite or Ginger Ale.  A real thirst quencher!  Serve over ice and enjoy the healthy benefits! 

Sometimes the Kiss of the Dragon 
can be a very interesting tale!  

Pura Vida!