Agua de Piña (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 piña 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!

WHAT IS AGUA FRESCA?

Agua fresca literally translates to fresh, cold, or refreshing water, but literal translations do little to describe the true essence of these fruit-forward and fun drinks. This is true of the translation of Mexican pineapple water – this name just misses the mark!

These non-alcoholic beverages are 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. 

According to the author and Mexican confections queen, Fany Gerson, aguas frescas have indigenous roots. “When Aztecs traveled from their farmlands to the markets in Tenochtitlan (what is now Mexico City), they would paddle through channels in the valley’s wetlands and mash some ripe fruit with water as a way to refresh themselves through the journey.”

Nowadays, aguas frescas are available just about everywhere in Mexico, from street-side food stands and ice cream shops in rural towns, to high-end restaurants in large cities. They are fresh, diversified, and vibrant and are part of daily life and culture in Mexico. They’re also perfect to drink during warm summer months.

Recently, I have experienced a surprising new trend on my recent visits to Oaxaca where aguas frescas are made with no sugar or sweeteners, an the vendor will have a pitcher of simple syrup for those who want to add it. When I asked why they stopped adding the sugar directly to the aguas, they tell me that it’s because a lot of customers have diabetes and don’t want the added sugar. Luckily, most aguas frescas are delicious with or without sweeteners!

WHAT IS AGUA DE PIÑA?

Although some translate this tropical drink to, “pineapple water,” it is much more than just water infused with pineapple. Agua de piña is a refreshing Mexican drink made by blending sweet pineapple chunks with water, and sugar, then straining and serving it chilled over ice.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Easy to make: This delightful pineapple agua fresca recipe takes about 5 to 10 minutes to prepare (it really depends on how fast you can cut a pineapple!) with just two ingredients (plus water).
• Natural hydration: My agua de piña is great for quenching thirst on warm days.
• Nutrient-rich: It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Low-calorie: I always love low-calorie alternatives to sugary sodas and juices.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a drink on its own, or use it as a base for cocktails and mocktails.

Once you try this 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!

HOW TO PICK A PIÑA

First and foremost, I always pick a leaf from the center of the pineapple and if it comes out easily, that’s usually a good sign and indicative of a ripe pineapple. If the leaf doesn’t budge, the pineapple most likely isn’t ripe. You should look for pineapples that are:

• Bright yellow in color
• Slightly soft (not mushy or soggy) in texture
• And have fresh green leaves
• They should smell sweet and tropical at the base
• Avoid pineapples with bruises, fuzzy white mold, wrinkled skin, or soft spots

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.

• Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, promotes skin health, and acts as a powerful antioxidant to protect against cellular damage.
• Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion by breaking down proteins. Bromelain can also help reduce inflammation and may relieve symptoms of indigestion.
• Pineapple provides a good amount of manganese, a mineral essential for bone formation, growth, and maintenance, helping to support overall bone health and prevent osteoporosis.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Pineapple: I have used fresh, frozen, and even canned pineapple chunks in this recipe. My preference is always fresh, but when it is not in season I keep frozen pineapple chunks and canned pineapple on hand.
• Sweetener: I like to use pure cane sugar, simple syrup, agave, or dates to sweeten my aguas frescas.
• Water: 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.

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.

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, honey, or dates to sweeten my aguas frescas.  
• Add a handful of power greens like spinach or kale for additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Their flavor is not detectable in agua de piña because of the sweet pineapple.

HOW TO STORE AGUA FRESCA

Store agua fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and chilled. Ingredients tend to settle at the bottom, so remember to stir your agua fresca before serving.

LOOKING FOR MORE AGUA FRESCA RECIPES?

• Agua de Piña y Pepino (Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca)
• 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

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Photography by Cacey McReavy (hero shots only) // Process shots by Lola