Pineapple Agua Fresca is a refreshing and fruity drink. Made by blending fresh pineapple chunks with water, sweetener and lime juice, the result is a smooth and sweet beverage with a tangy finish. It’s sweet but not overly sugary, making it a light and refreshing thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.
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Pineapple Agua Fresca recipe
Summer heat got you down? Agua fresca is just what you need. This flavored water is not only a cinch to prepare but it’s also incredibly refreshing.
The term “agua fresca” means “fresh water” in Spanish, and it lives up to its name in every sip. It’s prepared by blending fruit with water, citrus and a sweetener to make a refreshing drink.
When it comes to tropical flavors, pineapple takes the cake. Its tart, bold flavor and vibrant yellow color make it a perfect choice.
Aguas frescas are an excellent option for serving at parties as an alcohol-free drink. But it’s equally good for enjoying on a regular day: Whip up a batch of this refreshing summer drink for your own enjoyment, whether it’s by the pool, in your backyard or at the beach.
More agua fresca recipes: Watermelon Agua Fresca • Strawberry Agua Fresca • Mango Agua Fresca • Cucumber Agua Fresca
Why you’ll love this recipe
Pineapple agua fresca is full of refreshment and flavor; it’s an ideal thirst quencher on those hot days of summer.
- Pineapple is one of the most refreshing summer flavors.
- Agua fresca is easy to assemble in a blender or food processor.
- You’ll have this bright, invigorating beverage ready in just a few minutes.
Whether you’re hosting a tropical pool party or simply enjoying a chill day at home, this sweet drink is a perfect choice.
What is agua fresca?
Aguas frescas are refreshing, non-alcoholic beverages crafted by blending fruits, grains, flowers or seeds with sugar and water. The resulting drink marries the bright flavors of fruit juice with refreshing water.
This beverage is beloved across Mexico and other Central America countries, where it is sold at convenience stores, juice bars, restaurants and street vendors. Agua de piña is the Spanish term for pineapple agua fresca.
Aguas frescas are fun drinks to experiment with, as you can use a variety of fruits and herbs, from tropical mango and melon to sweet berries.
Horchata, traditionally made from rice, is also a type of aguas frescas.
Tools & glassware
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- sharp knife
- cutting board
- electric juicer or citrus press (optional)
- blender
- fine-mesh strainer
- large pitcher
Ingredients
You only need a few simple and fresh ingredients to make this recipe. Here’s what to grab at the grocery store:
- Pineapple: If you’re pressed for time, your local grocery store’s produce department usually has pre-cut pineapple available. Frozen pineapple can also work, but be sure to thaw the fruit before blending it with water or you will have a pineapple smoothie! You can also opt for store-bought pineapple juice, but trust me when I say fresh fruit is the best way to make this.
- Water: Use the best water you have access to! Filtered water works best. The amount of water can also be adjusted according to your taste. If you prefer a more robust fruit flavor, simply reduce the water to 1 ½ cups.
- Honey: When using fresh and ripe in-season fruit, you might not need any sweetener, so feel free to adjust the amount of sugar. Also, feel free to use any sweetener you prefer, such as agave nectar, granulated sugar, maple syrup or a stevia-based sweetener such as sugar-free simple syrup.
- Lime: You’ll want to juice a fresh lime for this. Keep in mind that the amount of fresh lime juice you get from one lime can vary, so you may need the whole lime if it’s smaller or less juicy.
- Ice cubes or crushed ice: This is optional for serving.
- Garnishes: Dress it up with fresh mint, fresh basil, lime slices or pineapple slices.
Variations and substitutions
Try one of these variations on this popular drink recipe to mix things up:
Flavor it: You can add other fruits or herbs to your pineapple agua fresca recipe. Try blending in coconut water, fresh cilantro, jalapeños or mango for a delightful combo of these Mexican drinks. You can also play with sweetness, and only add a bit of sweetener at a time, to taste.
Make it sparkling: To make it a carbonated drink, you should adjust the recipe. Blending sparkling water in the blender does work, but it reduces the amount of carbon dioxide, so you’ll end up with plain water anyway.
Follow the instructions, but cut the regular water amount in half. Continue with the instructions and strain the fruit. When you are ready to serve it, pour half of the pineapple mixture into a glass and top it off with sparkling water.
Make it a cocktail: Agua fresca is intended to be a non-alcoholic drink, but you can absolutely add some alcohol if you like. Pineapple agua fresca pairs well with tequila, rum or vodka for a refreshing and boozy drink. You could also use it as a base for a pineapple mimosa.
How to make Pineapple Agua Fresca
You can make this pineapple agua fresca recipe in a few simple steps:
In a blender, combine the pineapple, cold water, honey and lime juice. Blend until very smooth.
Strain the fruit mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or bowl. This will remove any solids or sediments leftover from the fruit.
It’s up to your personal preference though if you want to strain it. Straining the pineapple will give you a smoother and clearer result, but if you don’t mind the remaining pulp in your drink, you can skip the step.
Chill for 1-2 hours, or serve immediately over ice.
Tips & tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for making this easy recipe:
- For optimal results, use fresh, ripe fruit. This will guarantee the sweetness and freshness of your drink
- Get creative with your flavors! The possibilities are endless. Try mixing different fruits together for unique and delicious flavor combinations. Adding herbs like mint, thyme, or basil can add an extra layer of complexity to your drink.
- Any sweetener will work, I prefer natural sweeteners like honey, agave syrup or even a stevia based sweetener. Check a conversion chart if you use stevia. Regular sugar works well too.
- To ensure that your Agua Fresca is refreshing, chill it in the fridge before serving. This will make your drink even more enjoyable on a hot summer day! Alternatively, you can serve it over ice.
What to serve with Pineapple Agua Fresca
Serve this delicious pineapple drink with your favorite tropical, beachy foods. A big bowl of chips and pineapple salsa would pair perfectly.
You could also serve it with a tray of popcorn shrimp or a dinner of pork tacos.
FAQ
Pineapple is an excellent choice for agua fresca because it’s naturally sweet, juicy and refreshing. It also has a unique tropical flavor that pairs well with many other fruits and herbs.
Yes, you can make pineapple agua fresca ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the fruit and water may separate.
Yes, you can freeze it in ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a fun and flavorful treat.
More pineapple drinks
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Pineapple Agua Fresca
ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and chopped pineapple
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice about ½ lime
- ice cubes or crushed ice for serving (optional)
- fresh mint, fresh basil, lime slices, pineapple slices for garnish (optional)
instructions
- In a blender, combine the pineapple, water, honey and lime juice. Blend until very smooth.
- Strain the fruit mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or bowl. This will remove any solids or sediments from the fruit.
- Chill for 1-2 hours, or serve immediately over ice.
notes
- If you’re pressed for time, your local grocery store’s produce department usually has pre-cut fruit available.
- When using fresh and ripe in-season fruit, you might not need any sweetener. Feel free to use any sweetener you prefer, such as agave nectar, granulated sugar, maple syrup or a stevia-based sweetener.
- The amount of juice you get from your lime can vary, you may need the whole lime if it’s smaller or not as juicy.
- The amount of water can also be adjusted according to your taste. If you prefer a more robust fruit flavor, simply reduce the water to 1 ½ cups.
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