This Dragon Fruit Water Ice is a refreshing frozen treat with a gorgeous color and bright tropical flavor. Made with just four ingredients: dragon fruit, fresh lime juice, tequila and cornstarch. it’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.

Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

How to Make the Best Dragon Fruit Water Ice

  • Use frozen dragon fruit chunks. Frozen dragon fruit saves time since there’s no need to peel and chop fresh fruit. It also helps to speed along the freezing process!
  • Follow your ice cream maker instructions. Churning times can vary depending on the machine. The water ice is ready when it has thickened to a soft-serve consistency. It will continue to thicken / be scoop-able after you freeze after churning.
Kelley

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen dragon fruit near fresh limes, water, sugar and cornstarch.
  • Sugar: Sugar adds a little extra sweetness to the water ice.
  • Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the mixture and gives the water ice a smoother texture. We like to use it when making water ice because it helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
  • Water: Thins out the mixture and helps blend the ingredients together.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the dragon fruit.
  • Frozen Dragon Fruit: Frozen dragon fruit gives this water ice its beautiful color and refreshing tropical flavor. You can find it in most freezer sections at the grocery store now!

How to Make Dragon Fruit Water Ice

  1. Add sugar and cornstarch to a saucepan and whisk to remove any clumps. Stir in water and heat over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until thickened and bubbling. 
  2. Remove from the heat and stir in lime juice and frozen dragon fruit chunks.
  3. Blend with emersion blender until smooth.
Dragon fruit, water, sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan.
Blending dragon fruit mixture with an immersion blender.
  1. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Churning times will vary, but ours took about 60 minutes to reach a thick, creamy consistency.
Dragon fruit water ice churning in an ice cream maker.
  1. Once churned and thickened transfer to a quart container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Scooping dragon fruit water ice out of a plastic container with a spoon.

Dragon Fruit Water Ice FAQ

What is dragon fruit water ice?

Dragon fruit water ice is a frozen dessert made with fruit, sugar, lime juice, cornstarch and water. It has a smooth, icy texture similar to sorbet and is a refreshing treat on warm days.

Can I use fresh dragon fruit instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh red dragon fruit works well in this recipe. You’ll just need to prep it by removing the peel and dicing pieces of the flesh. I find it much easier to just use frozen chunks since they speed up the chilling process.

Can I make this without an ice cream maker?

Yes. Pour the blended mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container and freeze. Stir every 30–60 minutes with a fork until frozen to help create a smoother texture.

Dragon fruit water ice in a plastic container.

How to Store Water Ice

  • Store: Transfer leftover dragon fruit water ice to an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 weeks. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy within the first week.
  • Prevent ice crystals: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before adding the lid to help keep the water ice smooth.
  • Before serving: Let the water ice sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
Scooping dragon fruit water ice with a spoon.

More Frozen Treats to Try

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    Dragon fruit water ice with a spoon in it.
    Recipe

    Dragon Fruit Water Ice

    This Dragon Fruit Water Ice is a refreshing frozen treat made with sweet dragon fruit, fresh lime juice, and simple ingredients. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Churning and freezing time: 3 hours
    Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
    Serves 4
    Rate Print

    Ingredients 

    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1 cup water
    • 1/2 cup lime juice
    • 3 cups frozen dragon fruit

    Instructions

    • Add sugar and cornstarch to a saucepan and whisk to remove any clumps. Stir in water and heat over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until thickened and bubbling.
    • Remove from the heat and stir in lime juice and frozen dragon fruit chunks.
    • Blend with emersion blender until smooth.
    • Pour into ice cream maker and churn per manufacturer’s instructions. Ours took 60 minutes in our ice cream maker.
    • Once churned and thickened transfer to a quart container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.

    Notes

    • Use frozen dragon fruit chunks. Frozen dragon fruit saves time since there’s no need to peel and chop fresh fruit.
    • Follow your ice cream maker instructions. Churning times can vary depending on the machine. The water ice is ready when it has thickened to a soft-serve consistency.
    • Freeze after churning. For a firmer texture, transfer the water ice to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
    • Let it soften before scooping. If the water ice freezes very firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 0.1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.003gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.003gSodium: 111mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 2gSugar: 65gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 3mg

    Equipment

    • Ice cream maker
    Dragon fruit water ice with a spoon in it.

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