I made this drink for a backyard party in August when I needed something that served twelve people and required no bartending. A whole fresh pineapple, peeled and cored, blended with fresh mint leaves until smooth. Strained into a pitcher. Six cups of chilled sparkling water poured in. Ice. Pineapple cubes and mint leaves floating on top.
The mint disappears into the pineapple juice during blending but you taste it in every sip: cool and herbal behind the tropical sweetness. The sparkling water makes it fizzy without diluting the flavour the way soda would. This is the one I pull out when I need something that serves a crowd and looks like effort.
Tips for Making Pineapple Mint Refresher
Strain the blended mixture
Blend the pineapple chunks and mint until smooth, then pour through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Press the pulp to extract all the juice. 
Straining gives you a clear, smooth drink. Unstrained, the pulp makes it thick and fibrous.
Use chilled sparkling water
Cold from the fridge. Adding warm sparkling water kills the fizz. Pour it gently down the side of the pitcher to preserve carbonation.
Six cups of sparkling water to the strained pineapple-mint juice. Adjust the ratio to taste. More water makes it lighter. Less makes it sweeter and stronger.
Grilled Pineapple and Mint Refresher
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This sparkling Brazilian-inspired pineapple and mint drink is perfect with grilled meats as a summer party beverage.
Ingredients
- 1 large fresh ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut mostly into chunks/cubes (reserve about 8 to 12 cubes and 4 to 6 small to medium triangles to garnish the drink)
- 6 cups chilled sparkling water (if desired, use regular water)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Peel, core, and cut the pineapple into chunks, reserving some cubes and triangles for garnish.
- In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks and mint leaves, and blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture to remove pulp and pour the juice into a pitcher.
- Add chilled sparkling water to the pitcher and stir well.
- Serve the drink over ice cubes and garnish with reserved pineapple cubes and mint leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple?
You can, but fresh pineapple has a brighter, more aromatic flavour. If using canned, drain the syrup and use only the fruit.
Can I add alcohol?
White rum or vodka, two ounces per pitcher. The drink is sweet enough to balance the spirit. Serve over ice.
How far ahead can I make this?
Blend and strain the pineapple-mint juice up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the sparkling water just before serving to keep the fizz.
