Easy Pineapple Lemonade (or Limeade) - With Ginger and Mint
This pineapple lemonade is fabulously fruity and refreshing with a zippy (optional) ginger zing. With just 5 ingredients, you can whip up a quick and simple pineapple lemonade or pineapple limeade - a perfect drink for the warm summer days.
Gather the flesh from the pineapple. If you want to save the pineapple to use as a serving container, first slice off the top and then scoop out the flesh (it’s easiest to use a pineapple corer to get this done in seconds).Alternatively, you can slice the pineapple and use a knife to cut away the flesh, leaving any tough core behind but making sure to collect all the juice.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients.
If you haven't already, then now is the time to prepare the simple syrup, too. If possible, I recommend making this the day before (or at least an hour in advance) to allow it time to cool before adding to your glass pitcher (to avoid cracking the glass).
Add the pineapple flesh, simple syrup, ginger juice (or ginger syrup), lemon or lime, and a few mint leaves to a large blender or a pitcher (if using an immersion blender). Then blend until a smooth, puree-like consistency.
Step 3: Add the water
Add the water (still, sparkling, or soda) and ice cubes (if you plan on serving and enjoying it all immediately) and mix. You can first add half the water and taste test, then adjust the ratio to your liking. Add a few more fresh mint leaves to garnish and then serve!
How to Store
I recommend enjoying this fresh pineapple lemonade (or limeade) within 1-2 days for the freshest, nicest flavor (especially when using fresh herbs). If you’d like to serve after the second day, I recommend straining the old herbs and adding new ones.
Notes
Avoid watered-down lemonade: only add ice-cubes to the glasses when serving or use pineapple juice ice cubes.
Using frozen fruit: if you can’t source fresh pineapple, then frozen will also work. You can allow it to thaw or even blend from frozen for more of a pineapple lemonade slushy.
Using in-season pineapple: you may want to adjust the syrup/sweetener used based on how sweet your pineapple is. I’ve found that with in-season pineapple, sometimes I don’t need any extra sugar at all.
Can I use canned pineapple? while this isn't something I've tried, you may be able to use canned pineapple chunks when no other pineapple is available. You will likely need additional pineapple juice, though.
Do I have to use simple syrup? If you’d prefer to use an unrefined liquid sweetener like honey or agave, you can also do that. If you use powdered sugar (learn how to make your own here even with unrefined sugars), then you can mix it directly in with the lemon/lime juice, and it will dissolve in several minutes.
Microwave the citrus: microwaving your lemons/limes for just 15-20 seconds and then rolling against your kitchen counter can help you extract as much juice as possible from the fruit!
Optional Add-Ins
Other fruits: you could add several other fruits to this mixture for a delicious fruity lemonade. Pineapple strawberry lemonade is one of my favorite combinations. Other berries, peaches, and passionfruit also work well.
Chili: this might sound odd but adding a little chili-infused syrup to the pineapple lemonade is a delicious treat.
Chia seeds: you can add ¼ cup chia seeds to the pineapple ginger lemonade and leave to chill overnight for added texture, protein, and nutrients.
Alcohol: for more of an adult treat, add some booze to this pineapple lemonade. Tequila, vodka, peach schnapps, etc.