Pin
Brighten your cup with this fizzy drink bursting with zesty citrus and sweet pineapple. I throw this together on slow Sundays or anytime friends pop over. Each sip feels like a mini vacation. It’s my go-to trick for when I want something tasty and seriously thirst-quenching.
The first time I blended this up was poolside and, honestly, it disappeared before I had a chance to blink. Now, I sneak a glass for myself before sharing the rest.
Vibrant Ingredients
- Orange juice: balances out sourness with gentle sweet flavor. Fresh squeezed is gold.
- Lemon and orange slices: brighten the punch and add a great smell. Toss in several for good measure.
- Coconut water (optional): mellow, chill vibes. Go unsweetened if you can.
- Pineapple juice: packs the main tropical punch. Pure juice is your friend.
- Sparkling water or lemon lime soda: brings bubbles. Soda adds sweetness, sparkling water keeps it light.
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish): adds a crisp look and scent. Choose the greenest ones.
- Lemonade: a tangy lift. Grab one that’s loaded with real lemon.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: bursts of juicy goodness and texture. Pick golden, sweet-smelling fruit.
- Ice cubes: pile these in so your drink stays nice and chilly.
Simple Steps to Sip
- Lay On The Mint
- Top each glass with some mint leaves for extra zip. Best enjoyed right away.
- Ice It Up
- Fill cups with ice, then ladle in your punch. Every pour will catch some fruit pieces.
- Pour The Juices
- Stir together pineapple juice, lemonade, orange juice, and the coconut water if you’re using it. Mix until smooth and blended.
- Chill The Batch
- Let everything hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. More chill time just makes it better.
- Drop In The Fruits
- Stir in pineapple cubes, lemon slices, and orange rounds. They’ll soak up flavor and make it look awesome.
- Bubbles Come Last
- Right before serving, slowly add your bubbly water or soda. Give a gentle stir so you don’t lose all that fizz. Now you’re ready to pour!
Pin
My grandma and I would chop up pineapples, making the kitchen feel like summer was here to stay. Now I mix this with my kids; everyone tosses in their fruit pick and it always ends up looking like a party in a glass.
Stay Crisp
Got extra? Scoop out citrus slices before you store it to stop bitterness. Keep it cold and finish it within a day. Lost fizz? Just add more bubbly water or soda for the next round.
Switch It Up
Out of fresh pineapple? Use canned chunks and include the juice. If coconut water isn’t your thing, swap in more pineapple juice or try a splash of mango nectar. Lime can step in for lemon for extra tartness.
Pour & Enjoy
Take this to barbeques, baby showers, or whenever you need something lively. Use a clear bowl or jug and a scoop to serve. Add more fruit or mint to each glass for an extra pop. Want it boozy? A little coconut rum does the trick.
Pin
Flavorful Roots
Fruity, cool punches like this show up at lots of Latin American and Caribbean get-togethers. Mine is inspired by trips where everyone jazzed up drinks with fresh fruit and plenty of bubbles to beat the heat. Tossing on fruit brings back memories of my mom decorating summer drinks for birthdays.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → How far in advance can I mix this up?
Go for it! Put together everything except the sparkling stuff, chill it until you’re ready, then pour in the bubbles right before serving so it stays fizzy.
- → What's an easy way to cut back on the sugar?
Trade the soda for sparkling water. Fresh-squeezed juices let you decide how sweet you want it.
- → Can I spike it with alcohol?
Absolutely! Splash in some vodka, coconut rum, or regular rum for a grownup version. Adjust the amount to how boozy you like it, then give it a good stir.
- → What should I use to decorate the top?
Toss on a few pineapple bits, slices of orange or lemon, and a couple of mint leaves for a splash of color and flavor.
- → How long will it last in the fridge?
It’s really best chilled and fresh, but leftovers last about a day. Take the fruit out of the punch or it might get bitter.
- → What’s the nicest way to serve it?
Fill up a big see-through bowl or pitcher with ice and pour it in, so all the bright fruit and colors stand out.