Refreshing Cocktail Fruit Mix (Printable Version)
A colorful blend of pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes, and kiwi in a delicate sweet syrup.
# What You Need:
→ Fresh Fruits
01 - 1 cup pineapple, peeled and diced
02 - 1 cup mango, peeled and diced
03 - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered
04 - 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
05 - 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
→ Syrup
06 - 1/3 cup water
07 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract if using, then allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - Place all prepared fruits in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Pour the cooled syrup over the fruit mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
05 - Serve chilled, either alone or as a topping for yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in twenty minutes, yet tastes like you fussed over it for hours.
- The syrup keeps everything tasting fresh and prevents the fruit from browning, so you can make it ahead without worry.
- It works as dessert, breakfast topping, or that perfect snack when you're craving something colorful and wholesome.
02 -
- Never add soft fruits like ripe bananas or berries that are already bruised; the syrup will turn them mushy and sad within minutes.
- If you make this more than a few hours ahead, save the kiwi and any delicate berries to add right before serving—they'll stay crisp and their colors won't bleed into the syrup.
03 -
- Dice your fruit over a cutting board or bowl to catch any juices; add these natural liquids to your syrup for even more flavor without watering anything down.
- If your sugar isn't dissolving completely in the saucepan, the syrup will crystallize as it cools—stir gently and patient, never rush it.