How to Make Agua de Piña (Best Pineapple Agua Fresca)
Agua de piña is a classic among Mexican aguas frescas. I make mine with fresh pineapple, pure cane sugar, and water and always serve it over plenty of ice. Chile salt on the rim is optional. Add berries, cucumber, or spinach for a fun, colorful, and nutrient-rich twist.
When it comes to Mexican recipes, aguas frescas are among my favorite to make and this easy agua de pina is no exception. Whether you’re a novice cook or seasoned in the kitchen, friends and family will always be impressed with a refreshing new drink like this one. ¡Provecho!
If you’re new to the world of Mexican drinks, aguas frescas are non-alcoholic beverages typically made by blending water and sugar with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Some are also made with dry ingredients such as rice, tamarind pods, and hibiscus, which are Mexican pantry staples.
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLES
¿Cuáles son los beneficios de la piña?, you ask? There are plenty, and you can enjoy many of them in one refreshing drink. Pineapples are an excellent source of vitamin C (supports immune function), antioxidants, and contain bromelain, which aids in digestion and also helps reduce inflammation.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
This delicious pineapple agua fresca takes about 5 to 10 minutes to prepare (it really depends on how fast you can cut a pineapple!) with just two ingredients and water. I have used fresh, frozen, and even canned pineapple chunks in this recipe. And I like to use pure cane sugar, simple syrup, agave, or dates to sweeten my aguas frescas. Agua fresca is supposed to be light in texture, like a juice. It’s not a nectar, which is why I use plenty of water to thin it out.
Once you try this agua de pina recipe, be sure to check out my Pineapple Agua Fresca with Blueberries. The tropical flavor of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the tartness of the blueberries, and the drink’s purplish pink hue is just fabulous!
RECOMMENDED BY LOLA FOR THIS RECIPE
Vitamin Professional-Grade Blender
I have owned a Vitamix blender for nearly 25 years and it is well worth the investment, especially for making aguas frescas, smoothies, and jugo verde! VIEW PRODUCT
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
1. Prepare ingredients
- Peel and chop half of a pineapple into large chunks.
- Feel free to use the core or leave it out if you’d like.
2. Blend, strain, and mix ingredients
- Working in batches, process the pineapple chunks, sugar, and 4 cups of water on medium setting for 60 seconds.
- Strain the pineapple water mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher to remove any pulp. Stir in remaining 2 cups of water.
3. Serve and enjoy
- Serve over ice and enjoy chilled. Chili salt on the rim and pineapple are optional.
HOW TO STORE AGUA FRESCA
Store agua fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. I like to put mine in a large mason jar with a lid. Remember that ingredients tend to settle at the bottom, so remember to stir your agua fresca before serving.
LOOKING FOR MORE AGUA FRESCA RECIPES?
- Easy Agua de Fresa con Chia (Strawberry Chia Drink)
- Agua de Sandia con Limon
- How to Make Agua de Kiwi (Easy Mexican Kiwi Drink)
- How to Make Agua de Chayote (Mexican Chayote Juice)
- Agua de Piña y Pepino (Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca)
- Té de Limon (Lemongrass Tea)
- Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca)
- How to Make the Best Agua de Limón y Pepino with Chia
- Agua de Papaya (Papaya Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Tamarindo (Mexican Tamarind Drink)
- Mexican Limonada (Refreshing Sparkling Limeade)
- Naranjada (Sparkling Orange Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Naranja (Orange Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Tuna (Prickly Pear Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Melón (Cantaloupe Melon Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Mango (BEST 3-Ingredient Mango Agua Fresca)
- Iskiate (Hydrating Chia Drink from Born to Run Book)
- Agua de Fresa (Strawberry Agua Fresa), Packed with Vitamin C!
- Agua de Guayaba (Guava Agua Fresca)
- Maracuya Drink (Passion Fruit Agua Fresca)
- Strawberry Agua Fresca with Beets
- Agua de Piña y Pepino (Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Avena
- Spicy Prickly Pear Mezcal Paletas
- Dressing Up Your Drinks: 16 Recipes and Ideas for Easy Rims and Garnishes
- Raspberry Prickly Pear Agua Fresca
Agua de Piña (Pineapple Agua Fresca)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pineapple cut into large chunks
- ¼ cup sugar or to taste
- 6 cups water divided
- Ice
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients. Peel and chop half of a pineapple into large chunks. Feel free to use the core or leave it out if you’d like.
- Blend. Working in batches, process the pineapple chunks, sugar, and 4 cups water on medium setting for 60 seconds.
- Strain and mix. Strain the pineapple water mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher to remove any pulp. Stir in remaining 2 cups of water.
- Serve and enjoy. Serve over plenty of ice and enjoy chilled.
A Note from Lola
RECIPE VARIATIONS
- For an additional boost of vitamin C and antioxidants, add a handful of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
- Feel free to use your favorite sweetener or skip the sugar altogether. I like to use pure cane sugar, simple syrup, agave, or dates to sweeten my aguas frescas.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale for additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These power greens are not detectable in agua de piña because of the sweet pineapple.
Nutrition
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Photography by Cacey McReavy (hero shots only) // Process shots by Lola
Lola Wiarco Dweck
Lola is a Mexican-American recipe developer, writer, and cooking instructor who loves sharing her culture with the world. Growing up in California and spending summers in Mexico, Lola celebrates her family’s Mexican recipes and vibrant culture through Lola’s Cocina.
I love that the core doesn’t go to waste in this recipe!
No need to throw it out because it’s strained.
What a fun idea for the summer! Very refreshing.
It’s perfect for summer! And the Tajin on the rim is extra fun!
One of my favorite fruits is pineapple so it’s no surprise that my main drink choice is a pineapple vodka. This is a perfect easy, refreshing drink to serve my friends at our pool parties either regular or spiked (;
Yes, I always give the option to make it a mocktail, or a cocktail. ¡Salud!
Agua de piña? I said no it’s always chunky and thick , but now I see what I was doing wrong
And it has become one of my favorites to serve at dinner thanks for recipe
So refreshing and love the tropical flavor!
Perfect for the hot oaxacan weather.
Especially because the pineapple is so sweet in Oaxaca.
This is such a great, easy recipe. We love your pineapple agua recipe at our house!