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.