Pineapple Agua Fresca

Pineapple Agua Fresca is a deliciously simple, tropical beverage. This version of the traditional Mexican drink recipe is made without sugar, but is still refreshingly sweet and amazing during the summer.

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Fresh, tropical pineapples make such an incredible agua fresca.

I used to be intimidated by this prickly fruit. I was always unsure about how to choose the right one and tell if it was ripe and ready to use. I figured if my dad wasn't with me to help choose one, there was no point in getting one. But after some trial and error, I finally learned the ways of the pineapple.

Nowadays I buy at least one pineapple a week during the peak summer season. I love their sweet and tart flavor, especially in  recipes such as pineapple-jalapeño salsa, mango-pineapple paletas, or today's agua fresca recipe.

Ripe and juicy pineapples are amazingly sweet, making them a perfect fruit for this refreshing beverage.

What is Agua Fresca Made Of?

"Agua fresca" literally means fresh water in Spanish. The term refers to the fresh ingredients (usually fruit, rice or flowers among other things) that are blended with water and sugar to create a type of juice. The drinks are typically non-alcoholic and common throughout Mexico.

There are a wide variety of flavors and agua de piña is one of the more popular ones. I love the simplicity and ease of this pineapple water and its amazing tropical taste.

Is Agua Fresca Good for You?

Yes, aguas frescas are nutritious and a great alternative to sugary, processed drinks. Because of the fresh water and the natural, fresh ingredients used, these aguas are hydrating and filled with many vitamins and minerals.

This pineapple version specifically is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber and a digestive enzyme called bromelain. Click to read more about the health benefits of pineapples.

It is customary to add sugar to aguas frescas. However, since fruit is high in fructose and glucose, I recommend avoiding adding extra sweetener, or if you must, using more natural sugars instead of white sugar.

The Ingredients

To make this tropical agua fresca, you only really need the following two ingredients:

1 Ripe Pineapple

Trust me on this, the more ripe the pineapple then the sweeter, more delicious the agua fresca. When the pineapple is perfectly ripe, the juicer and more concentrated its flavor, leaving no reason to add sugar.

Water

I like to use filtered, cold water for a smoother taste. Cold water is key so that you don't have to add as much ice in the end which will water down your final product.

Sweetener (Optional)

I try to avoid using added sweetener if I can help it. As I explained above, if the pineapple is ripe enough, it'll add all the sweetness you need to this drink. However, if the pineapple is just not ripe enough, I recommend using monkfruit sweetener, coconut sugar, agave nectar, date syrup, or honey instead of refined, white sugar.

How to Choose a Pineapple

A fresh, ripe pineapple is a must for the perfect agua de piña. To select the right pineapple, look for one that has vibrant, green leaves, a strong, sweet smell at the base of the fruit, is firm but has a little give when you squeeze it, and feels heavy for its size.

Even with all these tips though, I have to admit that many of the pineapples I find at the store are sometimes just not ripe enough for this recipe. So when I buy a pineapple, I will let it sit on the counter for 2-3 days until its smell becomes even stronger. This is the way I make certain my agua de fresca is the extremely flavorful every time.

How to Cut a Pineapple

• Lay the pineapple on its side. Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and the bottom, about ½ an inch on both ends.
• Stand the pineapple back up and with the knife carefully cut the outer, prickly skin.
• Check all around and cut off any of remaining black eyes, preferably with a small paring knife.
• Slice the pineapple in half lengthwise, then slice each of those pieces in half again lengthwise.
• Cut the core from each of the fourths.
• Lastly, cut the pineapple into large chunks.

If you'd rather have a visual, click here to watch a video of how to cut a pineapple.

How to Make Agua de Piña

Cut the Pineapple

Begin by cutting a 3 pound pineapple (about 4 cups) into chunks as explained above.

Blend

Pour 4 cups of filtered, cold water into your blender.

Add the pineapple to the blender.

Blend for 2 minutes until the pineapple is broken down and you have a smooth liquid.

Sweeten

Taste your pineapple water and add the sweetener of choice if needed. I recommend starting with a tablespoon or two, mixing and tasting again to ensure it's not too sweet.

Strain If Needed

If using a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix, there should be no reason to strain the juice. However, other blenders might leave a fibrous pulp behind so you'll want to use a fine mesh sieve to strain it.

Chill and Serve

Finally, pour the drink into a pitcher or bottle and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until cold.

If you simply can't wait that long, serve your agua fresca over ice.

Storing

Aguas frescas are best when freshly made. However, you can store this one in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in a tightly sealed jar or bottle. Any pulp will settle at the bottom, so just be sure to give the bottle a little shake before serving.

I hope you enjoy!

Please leave me a comment and star rating below if you make this or tag me on Instagram @everydaylatina.

Check out these other refreshing agua fresca recipes:

• Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
• Sparkling Watermelon Agua Fresca
• Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca

Recipe