Easy Pineapple Lemonade

On hot summer days, nothing hits the spot quite like a cold glass of lemonade. But regular lemonade? Been there, done that. That’s why I started making this pineapple lemonade a few years ago, and it’s become our family’s go-to drink for backyard gatherings. The combination of tangy lemons and sweet pineapple juice creates something that’s both familiar and a little different.

I love how simple it is to make, too. No fancy equipment needed – just a pitcher and some basic ingredients. My kids help squeeze the lemons (though I usually have to clean up the sticky counter afterward), and they feel so proud serving “their” drink to our guests. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want something refreshing after gardening, this drink always brings smiles to faces.

What Kind of Pineapple Juice Should I Use?

For this refreshing drink, you can use either canned or bottled pineapple juice – both options will give you great results. If you’re buying canned juice, look for 100% pure pineapple juice rather than pineapple juice cocktail, which often contains added sugars and other fruit juices. You can also make your own fresh pineapple juice by blending chunks of ripe pineapple and straining the pulp, though this takes more time and effort. Just make sure whatever juice you choose is well-chilled before mixing it into your lemonade for the best taste.

Options for Substitutions

This refreshing drink is pretty simple to customize. Here are some easy swaps you can try:

• Lemonade: You can use store-bought ready-made lemonade, powder mix, or make it from scratch with fresh lemons, water, and sugar. For a lighter version, try sugar-free lemonade.
• Pineapple juice: Fresh, canned, or bottled pineapple juice all work well here. If you’re out of pineapple juice, try using mango juice or passion fruit juice – they’ll give you a different but equally tasty tropical twist.
• Lemon-lime soda: Any clear, carbonated drink will work – try 7-Up, Sierra Mist, or even ginger ale for a slight kick. For a sugar-free version, use diet soda. If you want less sweetness, replace the soda with sparkling water or club soda.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making pineapple lemonade is using warm ingredients, which will make your drink flat and less refreshing – make sure all components are thoroughly chilled before mixing, and consider adding ice cubes only when serving to prevent dilution.

If you’re using powdered lemonade mix, a common error is eyeballing the measurements rather than following the package instructions exactly, which can result in a drink that’s either too sweet or too tart.

When adding the lemon-lime soda, avoid stirring too vigorously as this will cause the carbonation to fizz out quickly – instead, gently stir with a long spoon using an up-and-down motion to maintain the bubbly texture.

For the best flavor balance, try adding the pineapple juice gradually while tasting, since some brands are sweeter than others and might need adjusting to achieve the perfect sweet-tart ratio.

What to Serve With Pineapple Lemonade?

This sweet and tangy pineapple lemonade pairs perfectly with summer cookout favorites like grilled burgers, hot dogs, and chicken skewers. For a casual pool party or backyard gathering, serve it alongside some salty snacks like tortilla chips and guacamole or a bowl of mixed nuts – the sweet-salty combo is always a hit! If you’re hosting brunch, this drink goes great with breakfast foods like French toast, pancakes, or a fresh fruit platter, since the citrusy flavors complement morning treats so well. To make it more festive, serve the lemonade in mason jars with fresh pineapple wedges and lemon slices on the rim.

Storage Instructions

Keep Cool: This refreshing pineapple lemonade stays best when kept in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher or container. It will maintain its fizzy goodness for about 1-2 days, though the carbonation from the lemon-lime soda will gradually decrease over time.

Make Ahead: Want to prep this drink in advance? Mix the lemonade and pineapple juice ahead of time and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just add the cold lemon-lime soda to keep that perfect fizz. This way, your drink will be fresh and bubbly when your guests arrive!

Serve: Pour your pineapple lemonade over ice right before serving for the best taste. If you notice any separation, just give it a quick stir – that’s totally normal with fruit juices!

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

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

• Calories: 800-1000
• Protein: 0-5 g
• Fat: 0-5 g
• Carbohydrates: 200-250 g

Ingredients

• 1 quart of lemonade (using country time mix or made from scratch)
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 2 cups lemon-lime soda (like sprite)

Step 1: Prepare and Mix Ingredients

Combine all the required ingredients in a mixing bowl or pitcher.

Use a whisk or spoon to mix them well until all ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture is smooth.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl or pitcher and place it in the refrigerator.

Allow it to chill until you are ready to serve, which helps enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, give the mixture a good stir to ensure everything is well combined.

Pour over ice in individual serving glasses and enjoy your refreshing creation.

Stirring before serving ensures consistency and taste in each sip.