Step 1
Combine the Redpath Simply Raw™ Turbinado Sugar, water, and salt in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Add the dragon fruit and lime zest and bring to a simmer; 2 minutes. If using fresh fruit, muddle the dragon fruit with a heatproof spatula or the back of a wooden spoon.
Step 2
If using white or yellow dragon fruit and a pink syrup is desired, add the dragon fruit powder or raspberries when adding the dragon fruit to the simple syrup.
Step 3
Remove from the heat and cover to allow flavours to infuse; 10 minutes.
Step 4
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve (see Chef’s Tips) into a measuring cup or bowl. Place into the fridge to chill.
Step 1
Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the chilled dragon fruit simple syrup to 4 glasses. Fill each glass with ice.
Step 2
Slowly add ⅓ cup (83 ml) of the chosen wine or white grape juice (see Chef’s Tips) to each glass, being careful not to disturb the simple syrup.
Step 3
Top each glass with club soda (2 tbsp / 30 ml).
Step 4
Garnish with fresh or frozen dragon fruit, raspberries, or lemon zest, if desired.
Step 5
Serve immediately. Stir before enjoying.
*Dragon fruit is also known as pitaya.
*Pink and yellow dragon fruit tend to be sweeter than the white variety. But any dragonfruit variety can be used in this recipe. Use the pink variety of dragon fruit or the above options to achieve a natural pink colour.
*If seeds are wanted for contrast and visual appeal, strain through a regular sieve, gently pressing the fruit to extract as much juice from the dragon fruit as possible. Line a sieve with cheesecloth or a coffee filter if no seeds are wanted. The leftover fruit can be added to smoothies or discarded.
*The rich simple syrup can be made in advance for easy prep. Store completely cooled simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 months.
*For an alcohol-free drink use unsweetened white grape juice, or replace the wine with club soda. Alternatively, mix ⅔ cup (167 ml) lemon juice with ⅔ cup (167 ml) water and use this instead.
*Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar can be substituted for the Redpath Simply Raw™ Turbinado Sugar in the rich simple syrup. Note that the resulting syrup may be darker in colour and have a more pronounced caramel flavour.
