Agua De Pina Recipe

As I savor the simplicity and freshness of a homemade pineapple agua fresca, it’s like catching a sweet tropical breeze in a glass, effortlessly lifting my spirits and quenching my thirst with every sip.

When the sun warms the days, I take comfort in the cooling hug of Agua de Piña. I love how the nearly too-simple recipe of ripe, juicy pineapple blended with a touch of sugar and a lot of cold water translates into something that tastes so good—and is so good for you.

(More on that in a bit.) My current version has plenty of ice, and I might have added a few spearmint leaves leftover from my latest foray into container gardening. Again: so easy, so delicious.

Ingredients

• Ripe Pineapple: Rich in vitamin C, fiber; natural sweetness.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness; energy source; adjust per taste.
• Mint Leaves: Refreshing aroma; aids digestion; optional garnish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 ripe pineapple
• 4 cups cold water
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Begin by skinning the pineapple, extracting the core, and dicing the meat into tiny pieces.

2. Put the chunks of pineapple in a blender.

3. To the blender with the pineapple, add 4 cups of cold water.

4. Mix until smooth. No large chunks should remain.

5. Pass the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer into a large pitcher to get rid of the pulp. If you have any pulp in your mixture, it will come out at this stage, as the little holes in the sieve or strainer only allow liquid to pass through. This is definitely a two-person job, but it is admittedly a very satisfying one.

6. Combine 1/2 cup of sugar with the strained juice. If necessary, adjust the amount of sugar to taste. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.

7. If you wish, you can refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes so that the flavors will combine and it will be very cold.

8. When it is time to serve, fill the glasses with ice.

9. Chilled pineapple agua fresca should be poured over the ice-filled glasses.

10. If using, garnish with fresh mint leaves, and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Knife
3. Blender
4. Fine-mesh sieve or strainer
5. Large pitcher
6. Mixing spoon
7. Measuring cups
8. Glasses for serving

FAQ

• What is the best way to choose a ripe pineapple?Choose a pineapple that is a golden-yellow color, just a bit soft to the touch, and exuding a sweet scent. It’s really the color that gives it away.
• Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh?Indeed, you can use frozen pineapple, although fresh pineapple will yield a flavor that is more vibrant. If you are using frozen pineapple, thaw it slightly before blending.
• How do I make Agua de Piña less sweet?You might try just using less sugar. Or you could use a natural sweetener in moderation, like honey or agave syrup, which still has to be counted as part of your healthful, low-carb eating plan.
• Can I store Agua de Piña, and for how long?Yes, keep it in the refrigerator inside an airtight container for up to 3 days, and it will taste just as good as on day one.
• What if I want to enhance the flavor further?A squeeze of lime juice or a splash of coconut water can give an added tropical twist.
• Is there a sugar-free option?Opt for natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit to create a no-sugar version.

Agua De Pina Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pineapple: Use ripe mango instead for a different tropical flavor.
Use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener.
Ice cubes: Use frozen pineapple chunks instead, to up the fruit flavor.
Use fresh mint leaves. Use fresh basil leaves for a unique twist.

Pro Tips

1. Pineapple Preparation: After peeling the pineapple, consider using the core if it’s tender. Blend it separately with some water first to ensure it’s smooth since cores can be tough. It can add a deeper pineapple flavor to your agua fresca.