Pineapple, Ginger and Mint Water

Recipe for Refresh your summer with pineapple, ginger, and mint water

Hello! How wonderful that you're encouraged to prepare something so vital and full of energy. Today we are going to make a drink that is pure freshness: a pineapple water with the spicy touch of ginger and the unmistakable aroma of mint. It's perfect for hydrating, reducing inflammation in the body, and enjoying an incredible tropical flavor without complications. Let's get to work!

Preparation time

Organizing yourself in the kitchen is essential to enjoy the process, and this recipe is so quick that you'll be surprised by the result in such a short time.

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 0 minutes
• Total: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

To achieve that authentic and balanced flavor, we need to respect the quality of our raw ingredients. Here is the list of what we will need:

• 1 medium ripe honey pineapple
• 2 liters of cold water
• 1 piece of fresh ginger (approximately 3 cm)
• 10 leaves of fresh mint
• Ice to taste
• Agave honey or sweetener to taste (Optional)

For decorating

• 4 thin slices of lemon or lime
• Extra mint sprigs
• Small pineapple triangles with peel

In case you can't find honey pineapple, which is usually sweeter and less acidic, you can use cayenne pineapple, although you might need to adjust the sweetness a bit at the end. If you don't have fresh ginger on hand, you could use a teaspoon of ground ginger, but keep in mind that the flavor will be less vibrant and more earthy. For a very similar alternative version, you can check out this recipe for pineapple, ginger, and mint water which is also delicious.

Utensils we will use

We don't need sophisticated equipment; your kitchen basics are more than enough to achieve a professional result.

• Blender or stand mixer
• Well-sharpened chef's knife
• Stable cutting board
• Large glass pitcher (minimum 2 liters)
• Fine mesh strainer
• Long stirring spoon
• Vegetable peeler (optional, for ginger)

Preparation

1. Pineapple preparation

   We start by working the fruit star. Place the pineapple on the cutting board. With the knife, remove the crown and the base for stability. Peel the pineapple from top to bottom, making sure to remove all the skin and the brown «eyes,» as they can be bitter or sting the tongue. Cut the pulp into medium cubes of about 2 or 3 centimeters. The pineapple core, although harder, contains a lot of bromelain and flavor, so we will also use it in the blender.

2. Ginger and mint preparation

   Wash the ginger well. With the help of a spoon or peeler, remove the skin from the ginger; scraping it with a spoon is a fantastic trick to avoid wasting any pulp. Cut it into thin slices or grate it if you want a more intense flavor. On the other hand, wash the leaves of mint under a gentle stream of cold water and dry them with absorbent paper or by giving them a small shake to avoid bruising them. It is important that they are fresh and green.

3. Blending of the concentrated base

   In the blender cup, place the pineapple cubes, the chopped ginger, and approximately 500 ml of cold water. Do not fill the blender to the top to avoid spills. Process at high speed for about 60 seconds or until you see a completely homogeneous and frothy mixture. If your blender is small, you can do it in two batches. This concentrated base is the heart of our refreshing preparation.

4. Filtering and final mix

   Place the strainer over the large pitcher and pour the blended mixture little by little. Use the spoon to press the pulp against the mesh to extract all the juice and flavor, leaving behind the coarser fiber (bagasse). Once you have the concentrate in the pitcher, add the rest of the cold water (1.5 liters) and mix well. At this point, taste the drink. If the pineapple was not very sweet, you can add the sweetener of your choice little by little until you find the perfect point. If you are looking for inspiration for another version, the pineapple and ginger agua fresca classic is also an excellent guide.

5. Aromatic infusion with mint

   Now comes the secret: take the leaves of mint reserved and give them a small «tap» or clap between your hands before adding them to the pitcher. This awakens the essential oils without breaking the leaf. Add them to the water and stir gently. Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes so that the flavors integrate and the mint subtly perfumes the liquid.

To finish and serve

Just before serving, add plenty of ice to the pitcher or directly into the glasses. Serve this natural and delicious drink, making sure each glass has a good balance. Decorate the rim with a lemon slice, a small pineapple triangle, and a sprig of fresh mint on the surface so that the aroma reaches you as you drink. If you want to turn this into a complete coastal-style meal, I recommend accompanying it with some Baja California style fish tacos; the contrast of the fried texture with the acidity of the pineapple is spectacular.

Nutritional Information

Here's an estimated breakdown of what this wonderful infusion fruit provides to your body. Remember that it's an option healthy compared to commercial sodas.

• Calories: 85 kcal
• Proteins: 1 g
• Fats: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g

Nutritional values are approximate per glass (250 ml) and may vary depending on the ripeness of the fruit and if you decide to add additional sweeteners.

5 keys to make it perfect

Sometimes, the smallest details are what make the big difference between a normal fruit water and a memorable one. Here I share my secrets so you always succeed with this recipe.

1. Ripeness is the key to sweetness: Don't use a green pineapple. Look for one that has an intense sweet aroma at the base and whose central leaves detach easily when pulled. A ripe pineapple will allow you to reduce or eliminate added sugar, making the drink much healthier.
2. Cold maceration: If you have time, after blending and before serving, let the ginger steep in the liquid for about 20 extra minutes in the fridge before adding ice. The spicy flavor will settle and become more complex.
3. Ice, always at the end: Never blend ice with the fruit unless you want an immediate frappé. If you put ice in the pitcher and leave it for too long, it will melt and water down your drink, diluting that tropical flavor we're looking for. Add it just at the moment of serving in the glasses.
4. Young vs. old ginger: Young ginger (very thin, almost translucent skin) is juicier and less fibrous, with a more subtle, citrusy spiciness. Older, drier ginger is much more potent and pungent. Adjust the amount according to the type of root you get.
5. Avoid oxidation: Pineapple oxidizes and changes flavor if left exposed to air for too long. Adding a splash of lemon juice to the water not only enhances the flavors but also helps maintain that vibrant yellow color for longer thanks to vitamin C.

If you like to experiment with intense flavors and contrasts, this drink works wonderfully if served as a «palate cleanser» after a spicy dish like red shrimp aguachile, as the sweetness calms the chili's heat.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This pineapple water is incredibly versatile. It is the undisputed companion for hot summer afternoons, when the body cries out for hydration and minerals. Its tropical profile makes it the star of any barbecue or garden gathering. Furthermore, due to the digestive properties of bromelain present in pineapple and the calming effect of ginger, it is a fantastic drink to accompany hearty meals or Sunday brunches.

Imagine a table set with a delicate dessert like some decorated butter cookies; the acidic freshness of this water wonderfully cuts through the butter's fat, balancing each bite. It is also ideal to start the day as a gentle detox drink before breakfast, naturally and deliciously activating your metabolism.

Comparison table

Sometimes we confuse aguas frescas or look for alternatives. Here's how our recipe compares to other popular options so you can choose the best one for your occasion.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. I'd love to know how this recipe turned out for you. Did you add more mint? Maybe you tried it with a touch of sparkling mineral water? Leave your comment and share your own little tricks! Seeing how everyone adapts the recipe to their taste is the best part of cooking.

Culinary glossary

To help you move like a fish in water in the kitchen, here I explain some terms we have used or that will be useful for this and other recipes.

• Macerate: To let a solid food (like fruit or herbs) rest in a liquid so that it absorbs its flavor and aroma.
• Bromelain: A digestive enzyme naturally present in pineapple, capable of breaking down proteins. It is responsible for pineapple tenderizing meats and aiding digestion.
• Infusion: A drink obtained from the leaves, flowers, or fruits of various aromatic herbs, to which water (hot or cold) is poured to extract their properties.
• Seasoning point: The exact moment when a dish or drink has the perfect balance of flavors (sweet, sour, salty, spicy) according to the cook's taste.
• Filter/Strain: To pass a liquid through a utensil with mesh or holes (strainer) to separate solid parts or impurities and leave only the clean liquid.

Pineapple, Ginger and Mint Water

Pineapple, Ginger, and Mint Water: creamy and very smooth step-by-step recipe. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your liking.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: water, pineapple, ginger, mint, Italian, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 500 kcal

Preparation Time: PT10M

Total Time: PT40M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh pineapple, cubed
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup natural orange juice
• 6 cups cold water
• Sweetener to taste (honey, stevia, sugar, according to preference)
• Ice to taste

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 10 minutes

Refrigeration: :

Refrigeration: 30 minutes

Total: :

Total: 40 minutes

Servings: :

Servings: approximately 2 liters

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1 :

It is recommended to use fresh and ripe pineapple to enhance the natural sweetness and get more fiber in the drink.

Step 2 :

For a more intense flavor, let the ingredients rest in the refrigerator a few hours before serving.

Step 3 :

The amount of sweetener can be adjusted according to each person's taste and diet; I prefer natural honey for its nutritional profile.

Step 4 :

If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the ice cubes at the time of serving.

Step 5 :

Explore variations by adding a touch of lemon or lime juice to intensify the acidity and freshness.

Step 6 :

To present this drink at events, use pitchers decorated with orange slices or pineapple slices for a more attractive look.

Choose fresh ingredients :

Choose fresh ingredients: always opt for ripe pineapple, mint, and freshly grated ginger to ensure maximum properties and flavor.

Sweetener control :

Sweetener control : adjust the amount to taste, but avoid overdoing it to avoid masking the natural flavors.

Prioritize refrigeration :

Prioritize chilling: chill the drink with enough time to make the most of its freshness and aroma.

Preserve in airtight jars :

Preserve in airtight jars : if you make a larger quantity, store in well-sealed containers in refrigeration and consume within 48 hours to maintain its quality.

Don't forget to decorate:

No olvides decorar : un toque visual con hojas de menta o rodajas de piña hace que la experiencia sea más placentera y apetecible.

Editor's Rating:
4.6