Pineapple Lemonade
This Pineapple Lemonade is the ultimate tropical refresher that comes together in just 15 minutes using simple, affordable ingredients. Fresh pineapple puree blends beautifully with bright lemon juice and a light simple syrup, creating a naturally sweet-tart drink that's perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, or lazy afternoons on the porch. Kid-friendly, endlessly customizable, and far superior to anything store-bought — once you try it, you'll never go back.
Equipment
- Blender High-performance blender recommended for smoothest puree
- Medium saucepan For making the simple syrup
- Fine-mesh strainer To remove pulp and achieve smooth lemonade
- Large Pitcher At least 2-quart capacity for mixing and serving
- Citrus juicer Manual or electric; makes juicing lemons much easier
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon For stirring and pressing pulp through strainer
- Cutting board and knife For prepping pineapple and lemons
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150g; adjust to taste — less for a tarter drink
- 1 cup water 240ml; for dissolving the sugar
Lemonade
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks about 330g; frozen pineapple (thawed) works as a substitute
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice 240ml; from 6–8 lemons; bottled lemon juice may be substituted in a pinch
- 4 cups cold water 960ml; adjust to taste for desired strength
- ice cubes for serving
Optional Garnishes
- fresh mint leaves optional; for garnish
- lemon slices optional; for garnish
- pineapple wedges optional; for garnish
Instructions
- Combine 3/4 cup sugar with 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is clear, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (or place in an ice bath to speed this up).
- Add the pineapple chunks and 1 cup of water to a blender, then blend on high for 30–45 seconds until completely smooth. Add a splash more water if needed to help the blender run smoothly.
- Roll each lemon firmly on the counter to loosen the membranes, then cut in half and juice using a citrus juicer until you have 1 full cup of fresh lemon juice; strain out any seeds.
- Pour the pineapple puree through a fine mesh strainer set over your large pitcher, pressing down with a wooden spoon to extract as much liquid as possible; discard the fibrous pulp.
- Add the lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher with the strained pineapple juice; stir vigorously for 30 seconds, then taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
- Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1–2 hours for best flavor, then stir well, pour over ice, and garnish with lemon slices, pineapple wedges, or fresh mint before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe pineapple: The pineapple should smell sweet at the base and yield slightly when pressed — this makes a huge difference in flavor and sweetness.
- Adjust sweetness gradually: Start with less simple syrup than you think you need; you can always add more but can't remove it once mixed.
- Fresh vs. bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemons produce a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
- Frozen pineapple works great: Thaw slightly before blending, or blend from frozen with extra water. Frozen pineapple is often picked at peak ripeness.
- Make-ahead tip: Simple syrup keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; make a big batch for quick future lemonade.
- Party prep: Prepare the lemonade up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Stir well and add ice just before serving.
- Don't pre-ice: Store lemonade without ice to prevent dilution; add fresh ice to each glass when serving.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before each use as pulp may settle.
- Sparkling version: Replace half the water with club soda or sparkling water added just before serving.
- Adult version: Add 1–2 oz of vodka, rum, or tequila per glass for a tropical cocktail.
Nutrition
Serving: 1GlassCalories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 25gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg
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