I recently tried my hand at making pineapple lemonade, and trust me, it’s a game-changer for hot summer days or when you just need a little tropical escape. The blend of tangy lemons and sweet pineapples is absolutely refreshing, and what I love most is that it’s super easy to put together.
Plus, you can tweak the sweetness to your liking, making it perfect for everyone. When I took my first sip, I knew I just had to share this simple yet delicious recipe with you. You can also enjoy similar refreshing options like this creamy lemonade recipe for variety on those sunny days.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple
- 4 cups water, divided
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 packet sweetener of your choice (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups ice cubes
Note: This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Time Required
This refreshing drink comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s quick, hassle-free, and perfect when you need a go-to drink for entertaining or relaxing solo.
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Equipment You Need
- Pineapple corer or slicer – To easily core the pineapple and cut it into chunks.
- Blender – For blending the pineapple chunks and juice into a smooth puree.
- Pitcher – To mix all the ingredients and serve the lemonade.
- Knife and Cutting Board – To cut the pineapple safely and efficiently.
- Measuring Cups – For accurate ingredient proportions.
How to Make Pineapple Lemonade?
Making pineapple lemonade is incredibly straightforward and satisfying. You’ll end up with a refreshing, vibrant drink that pairs tropical sweetness with a hint of citrus. Let’s break the process down into easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Core and Prep the Pineapple
Start by coring and slicing the fresh pineapple. If you have a pineapple corer, this step will be a breeze. Once you’ve removed the core, measure out 2 cups of pineapple chunks. Don’t throw away the juice from the pineapple; set it aside to use later in the drink. If some extra juice comes from the cutting process, that’s even better for flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Pineapple
Next, combine the 2 cups of pineapple chunks, the reserved pineapple juice, 2 cups of water, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice in your blender. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth. I like to give it a quick taste here to check the balance of the pineapple and lemon flavors before moving on.
Step 3: Mix and Sweeten
Pour the blended mixture into a pitcher. Add the remaining 2 cups of water and stir everything well. Now, it’s time to sweeten. Add your chosen sweetener, a little at a time, tasting as you go until you achieve the desired sweetness. The recipe is flexible, so you can go with less or more sweetener based on your preference.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
To finish, toss 2 cups of ice cubes into the pitcher and give it one final stir. The ice not only chills the drink instantly but also dilutes it slightly for a perfectly balanced flavor. Serve the pineapple lemonade in tall glasses, preferably over more ice, and garnish with a slice of lemon or a chunk of pineapple for a decorative touch. If you’re in the mood for another fruity twist, why not try peach lemonade as a delightful variation?
Source: 365daysofeating
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutrition per serving of this delightful drink:
- Calories: 119
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
It’s light, hydrating, and packed with tropical goodness!
Tips for Making the Recipe
After experimenting with this recipe, I’ve got a few tips to make your pineapple lemonade taste even better. These are small tweaks and ideas that have worked for me:
- Use ripe pineapples for the best natural sweetness. If the pineapple is perfectly ripe, you might need less added sweetener.
- Chill the pineapple and lemons before starting so the drink is naturally cold without needing a lot of ice.
- Try a natural sweetener, like honey or agave syrup, for a subtle flavor twist. If using honey, dissolve it into the lemon juice for easier mixing.
- Add mint leaves as a garnish or blend a few into the lemonade for an additional layer of freshness.
- Experiment with sparkling water if you like a little fizz. Replace part of the water with sparkling water for a bubbly treat.
- Want something fun for adults? Add a splash of rum, vodka, or tequila to make a simple cocktail variation.
For those who enjoy trying unique drink recipes, exploring this collection of refreshing drinks might inspire you to craft even more flavorful beverages. With its tropical flavors and flexibility, this pineapple lemonade is the perfect drink for summer picnics, barbecues, or just a relaxing day at home. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Pineapple Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple
- 4 cups water divided
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 packet sweetener of your choice adjust to taste
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- Start by coring and slicing the fresh pineapple. If you have a pineapple corer, this step will be a breeze. Once you’ve removed the core, measure out 2 cups of pineapple chunks. Don’t throw away the juice from the pineapple; set it aside to use later in the drink. If some extra juice comes from the cutting process, that’s even better for flavor.
- Next, combine the 2 cups of pineapple chunks, the reserved pineapple juice, 2 cups of water, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice in your blender. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth. I like to give it a quick taste here to check the balance of the pineapple and lemon flavors before moving on.
- Pour the blended mixture into a pitcher. Add the remaining 2 cups of water and stir everything well. Now, it’s time to sweeten. Add your chosen sweetener, a little at a time, tasting as you go until you achieve the desired sweetness. The recipe is flexible, so you can go with less or more sweetener based on your preference.
- To finish, toss 2 cups of ice cubes into the pitcher and give it one final stir. The ice not only chills the drink instantly but also dilutes it slightly for a perfectly balanced flavor. Serve the pineapple lemonade in tall glasses, preferably over more ice, and garnish with a slice of lemon or a chunk of pineapple for a decorative touch.
Notes
- Use ripe pineapples for the best natural sweetness. If the pineapple is perfectly ripe, you might need less added sweetener.
- Chill the pineapple and lemons before starting so the drink is naturally cold without needing a lot of ice.
- Try a natural sweetener, like honey or agave syrup, for a subtle flavor twist. If using honey, dissolve it into the lemon juice for easier mixing.
- Add mint leaves as a garnish or blend a few into the lemonade for an additional layer of freshness.
- Experiment with sparkling water if you like a little fizz. Replace part of the water with sparkling water for a bubbly treat.
