Cool Pineapple Infused Water Recipe

Here’s my go-to recipe for pineapple infused water – it’s fresh, light, and super simple to make with just two main ingredients: chunks of ripe pineapple and cold filtered water.

I keep a pitcher of this in my fridge all summer long. My kids love it, and it’s become our favorite way to stay hydrated during those hot afternoons. Plus, it makes plain water so much more interesting without adding any sugar!

What Kind of Pineapple Should I Use?

For infused water, you’ll want to start with a ripe pineapple that’s sweet and juicy. You can tell a pineapple is ready to use when it has a strong, sweet smell at the base and gives slightly when you press on it – but avoid ones that feel soft or have dark spots. The color can range from green to golden-brown, but don’t worry too much about that since color isn’t always the best indicator of ripeness. If you’re in a hurry, pre-cut pineapple from the produce section will work just fine, though it might not be as flavorful as a fresh whole pineapple. Just make sure to cut your pineapple into small, even pieces so it can release its flavors effectively into the water.

Options for Substitutions

This refreshing drink is super adaptable and you can try different combinations. Here are some swap ideas:

• Fresh pineapple: If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can use frozen pineapple chunks instead. Just make sure they’re thawed before using. Canned pineapple will work too, but stick to pineapple in juice rather than syrup for a cleaner taste.
• Lime: Feel free to swap the lime with lemon slices, or skip the citrus altogether. If using bottled lime juice instead of fresh, start with just 1-2 tablespoons.
• Mint leaves: You can replace mint with other herbs like basil or rosemary for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have fresh herbs, it’s better to skip them rather than use dried ones.
• Water: Regular tap water works fine, but you could also use sparkling water for a bubbly twist. Just add it right before serving to keep the fizz.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making pineapple infused water is using overripe pineapple, which can make your drink too sweet and cloudy – choose a pineapple that’s just ripe, with a golden color and firm flesh.

Another common error is rushing the infusion process; while it’s tempting to drink right away, allowing at least 2-4 hours (or ideally overnight) in the refrigerator lets the flavors properly develop and blend together.

To keep your infused water fresh and crisp, avoid crushing or muddling the mint leaves which can release bitter compounds – instead, gently tear them to release their natural oils, and remember to remove all fruit and herbs after 24 hours to prevent the water from becoming bitter or overly strong.

What to Serve With Pineapple Infused Water?

This refreshing pineapple infused water pairs perfectly with light summer meals and snacks. It’s especially good alongside spicy foods since the cool, fruity water helps balance out the heat – try serving it with Thai dishes or spicy tacos. For brunch or breakfast, this drink goes great with tropical-inspired dishes like coconut pancakes or fruit salad. You can also serve it at outdoor gatherings with grilled foods, as the bright citrus and mint flavors complement smoky barbecue really well.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your pineapple infused water tastes best when enjoyed within 24 hours, but you can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the fruit starts to get a bit too soft and the flavors might become too intense.

Fruit Usage: Once you’ve finished the infused water, you can eat the pineapple pieces if you’d like – they’re still good! Just remove them from the water within 24 hours if you plan to snack on them later. The mint leaves and lime slices are best discarded after use.

Prep Ahead: Want to make this regularly? You can prep extra pineapple chunks and freeze them in portions. When you’re ready for a fresh batch, just drop the frozen pieces right into your water – they’ll help keep it cool while infusing!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	70-75 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 70-100
• Protein: 1-2 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18-25 g

Ingredients

• 1 small pineapple, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces (approximately 2 cups)
• 1 fresh lime, sliced
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves (add more if desired)
• Ice cubes if desired
• 1 liter water

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Begin by peeling the fresh pineapple.

Once peeled, chop it into small chunks.

These chunks will provide a sweet, tropical flavor to your infused water.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in a Pitcher

Take a pitcher or jug and add the freshly chopped pineapple chunks.

If you prefer your drink extra cold, add some ice cubes to the pitcher.

Then, layer in several slices of lime and a handful of fresh mint leaves for added freshness and zest.

Step 3: Add Water and Mix

Fill the pitcher with cold water until the ingredients are fully submerged.

Stir the mixture gently for a few seconds to help start the infusion process and ensure the flavors begin to meld.

Step 4: Infuse and Serve

Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let the water infuse for at least 1 hour.

This will allow the flavors of the pineapple, lime, and mint to blend together nicely.

Once ready, serve the infused water over ice for an extra refreshing touch and enjoy your revitalizing drink!