Longhorn Steakhouse Patron Dragon Fruit Margarita Recipe
There is a drink at Longhorn Steakhouse that always catches my eye. It’s this beautiful, bright pink margarita that looks as good as it tastes. Every time I see someone with one, it makes me want to order it. It’s that special.
The good news is, you don’t have to go to the restaurant to enjoy it. I worked on making this copycat recipe at home, and it turned out perfect.
This Longhorn Steakhouse Patron Dragon Fruit Margarita recipe brings the vibrant flavors of dragon fruit and top-shelf tequila to your home bar. It is a popular drink because it is sweet, a little tart, and so pretty.
Now you can make this copycat recipe right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
You’ll love this copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Patron Dragon Fruit Margarita Recipe for more than just the pretty pink color. Here are a few reasons why it will become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Fresh and Fruity: The dragon fruit gives a beautiful color and smooth flavor that feels fancy but is easy to make.
- Smooth and Balanced: The mix of Patron tequila, lime juice, and triple sec creates a bright, smooth taste with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need any special skills or tools – just a blender and some fresh ingredients.
- Customizable: You can adjust how sweet you want it and even swap some ingredients if needed.
- Copycat Magic: You get the feel of Longhorn Steakhouse in your own kitchen.
Longhorn Steakhouse Dragon Fruit Margarita Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need, with some details and substitution ideas:
Dragon Fruit (1 medium, red variety)
This gives the margarita its bright pink color and smooth texture. The flavor is mild, like a cross between a kiwi and a pear. If you can’t find fresh dragon fruit, you can use frozen dragon fruit chunks or even dragon fruit puree from the store.
Patron Tequila (2 ounces)
Patron is smooth and gives this drink its classic taste. If you don’t have Patron, you can use any good-quality tequila. Blanco (silver) tequila works best for margaritas.
Lime Juice (1 ounce, fresh squeezed)
Lime balances the sweetness and adds freshness. Always use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for the best flavor.
Triple Sec (1 ounce)
This orange-flavored liqueur adds sweetness and depth. You can also use Cointreau or Grand Marnier as alternatives.
Simple Syrup (1 ounce)
A mix of sugar and water that adds sweetness. You can make your own by heating equal parts sugar and water until dissolved. If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can cut this amount in half. Honey or agave nectar also works.
Ice (2 cups, crushed or cubes)
Ice helps create that smooth frozen texture. You’ll need plenty for blending.
For Garnish (lime wedge or wheel, optional)
A lime wedge on the glass makes it look just like the restaurant version.
Essential Equipment
- Blender (a strong blender works best for crushing ice)
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Knife and cutting board (for dragon fruit and lime)
- Spoon (to scoop dragon fruit)
- Margarita or cocktail glass
How To Make Longhorn Steakhouse Patron Dragon Fruit Margarita
Follow these steps and you’ll have a perfect drink in no time:
Step 1 | Add ice to the blender
Measure about 2 cups of ice and place it in your blender. Crushed ice blends faster, but cubes work too.
Step 2 | Add dragon fruit to the blender
Cut open the dragon fruit and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Add it to the blender over the ice.
Step 3 | Add lime juice
Squeeze one fresh lime and pour the juice (about 1 ounce) into the blender. Fresh juice will make the drink taste brighter.
Step 4 | Add tequila and triple sec
Measure 2 ounces of Patron tequila and 1 ounce of triple sec. Pour both into the blender.
Step 5 | Add simple syrup
Pour in 1 ounce of simple syrup. Adjust more or less depending on how sweet you want your margarita.
Step 6 | Blend until smooth
Turn the blender on and blend everything for about 30 seconds, or until you see the ice crushed and the mixture looks creamy and smooth.
Step 7 | Pour and garnish
Pour the margarita into your favorite glass. Add a lime wedge or wheel for decoration. Add a straw if you want.
Now your homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Dragon Fruit Margarita Recipe is ready to serve.
Recipe Perfection Tips & Tricks
- Use Frozen Dragon Fruit: For an even thicker and colder margarita, use frozen dragon fruit chunks instead of fresh. You can then use a little less ice.
- Taste Test: Before you pour your drink, dip a spoon in and taste it. You can adjust it if needed. Add more simple syrup for sweetness or more lime juice for a tart flavor.
- Salt the Rim: If you like a salty-sweet combination, rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and then dip the rim in coarse salt or Tajin seasoning.
- Make a Pitcher: To serve a group, simply multiply all the ingredients by the number of drinks you want to make and blend in batches.
What to Serve with Your Drink
This margarita is a natural match for grilled and bold-flavored dishes.
At Longhorn Steakhouse, it often comes alongside juicy steaks, smoky ribs, or a plate of spicy shrimp. The cool and fruity drink balances out the richness of the food.
At home, you can serve it with chips and salsa, tacos, or even simple grilled chicken.
The citrus notes in the margarita cut through heavy or spicy foods, making every bite more enjoyable.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This drink is best enjoyed right away after you make it. The ice will melt and it will become watery if you try to store it.
However, you can prepare parts of it ahead of time to make blending faster. You can scoop the dragon fruit and keep it in a container in the fridge for a day. Squeeze your lime juice and keep it in the fridge for a day.
You can also make your simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for weeks.
I do not recommend freezing the finished margarita. It will become a solid block of ice. The best method is to make it fresh when you are ready to serve.
Longhorn Steakhouse Patron Dragon Fruit Margarita Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this margarita without alcohol?
Yes. Skip the tequila and triple sec, and use orange juice instead. The drink will still have the same color and refreshing taste, just without the alcohol.
2. What kind of dragon fruit should I use?
Red dragon fruit is best because it gives the drink a vibrant pink color. White dragon fruit works too, but the color will be lighter.
3. How do I know if my dragon fruit is ripe?
A ripe dragon fruit should give slightly when you press it, like a ripe avocado. The skin should be bright and colorful without dark spots or wrinkled areas.
Avoid dragon fruits that are too hard or too soft and mushy. The fruit should smell slightly sweet at the stem end.
If it doesn’t smell like anything, it might not be ripe yet. You can ripen dragon fruit at room temperature for a few days if needed.
4. My drink is too thick. What should I do?
If your margarita is too thick to pour easily, it means you need a little more liquid. Add a tablespoon of water, lime juice, or even a little more tequila to the blender. Blend it for a few more seconds until it reaches the consistency you like.
5. Can I prepare this margarita for a group?
Yes, simply multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings and blend in batches. Prepare the liquid ingredients in a large container, then blend with ice when ready to serve.
Longhorn Steakhouse Patron Dragon Fruit Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add Ice: Place 2 cups of ice into a blender. Crushed ice blends faster, but cubes work too.
- Add Dragon Fruit: Cut the dragon fruit in half, scoop out the flesh, and add it to the blender. (Use frozen chunks if preferred.)
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze 1 fresh lime (about 1 oz of juice) and pour it into the blender.
- Add Tequila & Triple Sec: Measure 2 oz Patron Tequila Blanco and 1 oz triple sec. Add both to the blender.
- Sweeten It: Pour in 1 oz simple syrup. Adjust more or less depending on how sweet you like your margarita.
- Blend Smooth: Blend on high speed for 30 seconds, until the drink is smooth and creamy.
- Serve & Garnish: Pour into a margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel. Add a straw if desired.
I really hope you give this Longhorn Steakhouse Patron Dragon Fruit Margarita recipe a try. It is such a simple way to make a ordinary day feel a little more special.
Making it at home is fun and saves you a trip to the restaurant. Once you taste how good it is, you might never want to order it out again. Let me know how yours turns out.
