Pineapple ginger juice is sweet, refreshing, spicy, tangy, and tart - delicious for a summertime healthful shot or to sip on throughout the day. All you need is 3-5 ingredients, no added sugar, and a juicer or blender.
Prepare the pineapple by peeling and cutting it into pieces big enough to fit your juicer chute. I use a knife to peel the skin and a smaller paring knife to remove and further "eye" bits.
Brush the ginger (and optionally turmeric) clean. You can also peel them, though it isn't necessary when using a juicer.
Juice the pineapple, ginger, and turmeric. I did this in separate containers while I was testing quantities for the recipe. However, you can do this directly into a single jug.You can also juice the lemons in the juicer - though I usually do them manually later.Remember, you can save the ginger/turmeric pulp (read the recipe notes).
Step 2: Combine the ingredients.
If you juiced the ingredients separately then, you can combine the juices into one large jug. At the same time, add the pepper to the juice (if you used turmeric) and add the lemon juice - which I usually squeeze by hand until I reach my desired flavor.If you manually squeeze the lemon, it can be a good idea to microwave it for 10-20 seconds first and roll it over the kitchen counter. This will help you squeeze out as much juice as possible.
Give the pineapple ginger drink a stir or shake and then enjoy!
Juicer-free Method
Pineapple juice without a juicer: the easiest way to do this is to add the pineapple chunks to a high-speed blender and blend them into a smooth(-ish) mixture. If you don't mind it pulpy, then keep it as is. Otherwise, you can strain the mixture (through a strainer or nut milk bag). If your machine needs a little help to blend the pineapple, I recommend adding 1/3-1/2 cup water to the machine.Ginger juice: I've previously shared a post on how to juice ginger (with and without a juicer). So choose your preferred method.Turmeric juice: If you decide to add turmeric, I've also previously posted how to juice turmeric (with and without a juicer).In the end, just mix the juices, add the lemon juice and enjoy!
How to Store
Store: you can store the fresh pineapple ginger juice in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, it's best to enjoy it fresh for optimal nutrition. I recommend drinking it within 1-2 days for the best flavor.Freeze: if you've made too much, you can always freeze extra (as soon as it's juiced to maintain optimal nutrients). I recommend freezing it into large/extra-large silicone ice-cube trays so it's portioned. You can then blend it into a slushy with a little water/coconut milk or allow the juice to thaw in the fridge before shaking and enjoying!
Notes
Save the pulp and zest: there's no reason to waste lots of ingredients while making this pineapple ginger juice. Zest the lemon before extracting the juice (then add to a freezer bag for six months). You can also freeze the leftover ginger and turmeric pulp for several months to add to smoothies or make it into crackers.
Can I add extra sweetness? When using a ripe pineapple, I find the juice is sweet enough already. However, if after tasting the juice, it's particularly tart, then you could add a little honey, maple, agave, or even simple syrup. For a sugar-free option, use a liquid sweetener like Swerve drops. Sweeten to personal taste.
Adjust the ingredients to your liking: the best thing about homemade juice recipes is their versatility. Prefer it sweeter? Add a little sweetener. Prefer more zing? Add a little extra ginger, etc.
Use fresh ingredients: for the best flavor and health benefits, then please use fresh ingredients. However, if you just want something that tastes great, feel free to use boxed/canned juice in a pinch.
Optional Add-Ins
Coconut water: if you want your pineapple ginger drink to go further (and not consume as much sugar), then you can serve the juice almost like a squash, topped up with coconut water (or regular water). It tastes delicious, and the diluted mixture is super refreshing!
Carrot juice: carrot juice is subtle enough that it doesn't affect the flavor of this juice too much. However, it's super refreshing and boosts the health benefits of the overall juice. I recommend using 2-3 carrots and increasing, to personal taste. You can juice the carrots separately and freeze any leftover juice if needed.
Alcohol: you can also turn this summery drink into a delicious cocktail with the addition of a fruity liqueur, vodka, or pineapple/coconut rum.