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Pineapple Coconut Water: Benefits, Recipe, and More

Refreshing tropical drink with fresh pineapple, coconut water, and lime. A healthy and delicious homemade alternative to sugary drinks, perfect for hot days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large, ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 4 cups)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 cups fresh coconut water
  • 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for garnish
  • Ice cubes, for serving
  • 1/4 cup white rum or vodka (for an adult version, per serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pineapple Base: Chop the pineapple into 1-inch pieces. In a saucepan, combine pineapple, sugar, water, lime juice, and salt.
  2. Cook the Pineapple Mixture: Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, until pineapple is softened and mixture has thickened.
  3. Cool and Blend: Remove from heat and let cool completely. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
  4. Strain (Optional): For a smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve.
  5. Infuse Coconut Water: In a pitcher, combine coconut water and shredded coconut. Add vanilla extract (if using).
  6. Steep: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours) to infuse the coconut flavor.
  7. Strain: Strain the coconut water through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the shredded coconut.
  8. Combine: Pour the pineapple base into the pitcher of coconut-infused water. Stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  9. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  10. Serve: Fill glasses with ice. Pour the pineapple coconut water over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and lime wedges.
  11. Adult Version (Optional): Add 1/4 cup of white rum or vodka to each serving. Stir well before serving.

Notes

  • Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor.
  • Fresh coconut water from young coconuts is ideal, but good quality store-bought coconut water works well too.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of your pineapple.
  • For a spicy kick, add a small piece of ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pineapple mixture while cooking.
  • For a creamier version, add 1/2 cup of coconut cream to the coconut water mixture.
  • Pour the pineapple coconut water into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing frozen treat.
  • The pineapple base can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Get creative with your garnishes! In addition to mint and lime, you can also use pineapple wedges, coconut flakes, or even small paper umbrellas for a festive touch.