The Mangosteen is called the “world’s best tasting fruit.” I think wiseGeek.com describes it best, “flavors range from strawberry to peach to vanilla ice cream.” Oh yeah…a fruit that tastes like Vanilla Ice Cream AND has an incredible amount of anti-oxidants.
The Mangosteen is round, purple and slightly smaller than a tennis ball. It grows on small evergreen trees in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and southern India. It is said that Queen Victoria offered a sizable prize to anyone who could bring an edible Mangosteen back to England, but no one was able. Even the Queen couldn’t get her hands on these puppies.
When I was in Asia a few years ago I had the fortune of trying this delectable delight and proceeded to eat every Mangosteen I could get my hands on for two weeks. At that time they were not offered in the U.S. due to FDA regulations. It is now our good fortune that the Mangosteen is being imported.
Speaking of exotic fruit. I am no stranger to the Lychee especially when doused with Vodka. They make a mean one at La Bottega, my old neighborhood hangout. But now that I am in a new Hip neighborhood and starting an adventure with Hip Hostess, I figure it is time for a new drink.
I give you the Hip Hostess Mangosteen Martini, I bet the Jones’ haven’t served this. --b
1 cup mangosteen syrup (can be found at Whole Foods)
1/4 cup pink grapefruit juice
1/4 cup peach nectar
1/2 cup chilled vodka
12 mangosteen fruit sections (fresh or out of the can)
In a cocktail shaker, combine mangosteen syrup, juices, and vodka with ice cubes. Shake or stir well. Strain into martini glasses. Garnish with 2 mangosteen fruit sections.