This refreshing beverage is a great way to stay hydrated during the hot summer months. It is a variation on your typical lemonade that is made with fresh pineapple, mint and lemon. By using fresh fruit and plain sparkling water the sugar content and calories are much lower than your standard lemonade or soda. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare and great for impressing your friends and family. Serve it in a pitcher or you can easily store the mix in the refrigerator for up to a week and make a glass as needed.
Pineapple is the star of this drink and helps to supply a good dose of vitamin C, manganese, thiamin and of course its sweet and tropical flavor.
Pineapple and mint paired together unites two of my favorite flavors and reminds me of a day at the sea shore soaking up the sun.
Pineapple is naturally sweet on its own, which is why this recipe works so well. Using the sparkling water to dilute the pineapple mixture helps to cut back on calories and sugar while still providing a refreshing and tasty bubbly drink. The mint simple syrup can be added at the very end to control for sweetness. If your pineapple is on the sweeter side you may not need all of the simple syrup.
The mint simple syrup is just a one to one ratio of sugar and water. I used 8 mint leaves for a subtle mint flavor. If you would like a stronger mint flavor simply add more mint leaves when making the simple syrup.
Pineapple Mint Lemonade
Author: Brittany Sparks
Makes: 10 Servings
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Ingredients
2 Cups Pineapple, cubed into 1 inch pieces
½ Cup Mint Simple Syrup, see recipe below
½ Cup Lemon Juice, about 3 large lemons
32 Fluid Ounces Plain Sparkling Water
Mint Simple Syrup
½ Cup Water
½ Cup Sugar
7 Fresh Mint Leaves
Directions
To make the simple syrup, add the water, sugar and mint in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and discard the mint sprigs. Set aside to cool.
Cut up the pineapple and place in a food processor. Puree mixture until no chunks remain. Add the lemon juice and simple syrup and pulse to combine. Remove mixture and place in a storage container.
You can either make a pitcher to use all at once or make the drinks separately. For a pitcher, fill with ice and add the pineapple mixture and top with sparkling water. Stir to combine. If making the drinks individually, fill a cup with ice, ¼ cup of the pineapple mixture and top off with sparkling water. Stir to combine. Garnish glasses with a lemon wedge, pineapple slice and a mint sprig.
Notes:
Pineapple mixture can be refrigerated for up to a week.
If you like your drinks a little tart or if you have a really sweet pineapple, add only 1/3 cup of the simple syrup.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size (1 cup):
Calories 58, Total Fat 0 g, Sodium 0 mg, Total Carbohydrate 15 g, Dietary Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 0 g, Potassium 39 mg, Phosphorous 3.6 mg.