Agua de piña is one of the many refreshing agua frescas perfect on hot summer days or accompanying any meal with a burst of fruity goodness. This simple yet delightful drink combines the vibrant flavors of ripe pineapple, sugar, and water, creating a refreshing concoction perfect for quenching your thirst.
Pineapples in Mexican Cuisine
Pineapples are a popular fruit and ingredient in Mexican cuisine, featured in both savory and sweet dishes. We love using pineapples in salsas like pico de gallo with pineapple, salads, desserts like pineapple pie and dessert empanadas, and even savory dishes like tacos al pastor, to name a few.
Even though pineapples are not a native fruit of Mexico, they have become a big part of our agriculture, gastronomy, festivities, and even dances. For example, the state of Veracruz (the number one producer of pineapples in Mexico) considers the pineapple the queen of the topical fruits, and one of the towns hosts the annual "Fiesta de la Piña" (Pineapple Festival), where locals celebrate the pineapple harvest with music, dance, and of course food.
In This Post
One of these foods or drinks is the agua fresca de piña, which is beloved by all due to its sweet and tropical taste. You can also find this tasty pineapple water at festivals, mercados, stands, and small restaurants. However, this drink is really to make at home, and if you are missing a taste of Mexico or just simply looking for a refreshing new drink, keep reading and learn how to make it in a matter of minutes.
How to Make Agua de Piña
Here is a list of ingredients to make this easy agua fresca.
Ingredients:
- Ripe pineapple
- Cold water
- Sugar
- Ice cubes
- Fresh pineapple or Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post!
Instructions:
- Prepare the pineapple by removing the outer skin and core. Cut the pineapple into chunks.
- Place the fruit in a blender with 2 cups of water, sugar, and puree until completely smooth.
- This step is optional: Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove any pulp. Press down on the solids to extract all the liquid.
- Then, add the 2 extra cups of water and ice cubes to the pitcher and stir well.
- Taste the agua de piña and add sugar if desired, adjusting to your preferred level of sweetness. Chill the pineapple drink in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well mixed. Garnish with fresh pineapple or mint leaves if desired.
- Enjoy your refreshing agua de piña!
Notes and Tips
- When in season, some fruits are very sweet, and there is no need to add too much sugar. However, adjust the sugar according to your taste.
- To select a ripe pineapple, look for ones with a sweet aroma and golden-yellow color. Gently pull one of the green leaves at the center of the crown; it should come out easily.
- Straining the blended pineapple mixture is optional but helps remove any fibrous pulp, resulting in a smoother texture for your drink.
- Chill Before Serving: For optimal refreshment, chill your agua de piña in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Agua de piña is best served over ice cubes to keep it cold and refreshing. Add a few pineapple chunks to the glass for an extra flavor.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh pineapple piece or a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and freshness.
What To Serve With Agua Fresca de Piña
Whenever I make any agua fresca, I think of a mid-day meal, like sopa de fideo or picadillo, next to a serving of rice and a warm tortilla. Another great pairing is with tacos; whether it is crispy fish tacos, fish tacos, or tacos al pastor, agua de piña pairs perfectly with the flavor of tacos. Plus, having a tall glass of this pineapple drink is a great way to balance the spiciness of the salsa we add to the tacos.
More Authentic Mexican Recipes To Enjoy
If you enjoyed this recipe for pineapple agua fresca, take a look at some of these other agua fresca recipes:
- Strawberry agua fresca
- Guava agua fresca
- Cucumber lime agua fresca
- Plum agua fresca
- Mango agua fresca
If this recipe was helpful to you, please come back and let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!
¡Buen provecho!
Mely,
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Agua Fresca
Before I share my recipe, I feel like I need to answer the questions I always get:
What is agua de piña?
Agua de piña is a traditional Mexican beverage made by blending ripe pineapple with water. It is often sweetened with sugar or honey and served over ice. It's a refreshing and flavorful drink commonly enjoyed during hot weather or alongside lunch meals.
Is agua de piña healthy?
This drink can be a healthy choice as pineapple is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's low in calories and hydrating due to its water content. However, if you're watching your sugar intake, you may want to limit the added sweeteners.
Can I use canned pineapple to make agua de piña?
While fresh pineapple is the traditional way of making this drink for the best flavor, I know that finding a ripe pineapple in the middle of winter in northern areas is hard. So go ahead and try canned pineapple; the flavor may be a little different, and remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
How long does agua de piña last?
Agua de piña is best consumed fresh, but if you have leftovers, place it in an airtight jar or, cover your pitcher with plastic, and store it in your fridge for up to 2 days. If any separation occurs, stir well before serving.
Can I make agua de piña without a blender?
While a blender makes the process easier, you can still make your drink without one. Some other tools to use are a food processor, an emulsion hand blender, or a juicer. If any of these are available, try to finely chop or mash the pineapple, mix it with water, and strain it through a strainer to remove any solids.
Can I freeze agua de piña into popsicles?
Absolutely! Agua de piña makes delicious popsicles. Simply pour the agua de piña into popsicle molds and freeze until solid. You can even add chunks of pineapple or other fruits for texture and flavor.
For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. In español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina.
📖 Recipe
Agua de Piña (Mexican pineapple agua fresca)
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh pineapple
- 4 cups Cold water
- 2 cups Ice
- ⅓ cups sugar
- Fresh pineapple for garnishing optional
Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple by removing the outer skin and core. Cut the pineapple into chunks.
- Place the fruit in a blender with 2 cups of water and sugar, and puree until it is completely smooth.
- This step is optional: Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove any pulp. Press down on the solids to extract all the liquid.
- Then, add the 2 extra cups of water and ice cubes to the pitcher and stir well.
- Taste the agua de piña and add sugar if desired, adjusting to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well mixed. Garnish with fresh pineapple or mint leaves if desired.
- Enjoy your refreshing agua de piña!
Video
Notes
- When in season, some fruits are very sweet, and there is no need to add too much sugar. Adjust the sugar according to your taste.
- To select a ripe pineapple, look for ones with a sweet aroma and golden-yellow color. Gently pull one of the green leaves at the center of the crown; it should come out easily.
- Straining the blended pineapple mixture is optional but helps remove any fibrous pulp, resulting in a smoother texture for your agua de piña.
- Chill Before Serving: For optimal refreshment, chill your agua de piña in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Agua de piña is best served over ice cubes to keep it cold and refreshing. Add a few pineapple chunks to the glass for an extra flavor.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh pineapple piece or a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and freshness.
NEW COOKBOOK
BUY IT NOW
Ken
One of my favorites. My kid's have fun helping me to make it and it was really easy to create. A must recipe to bring the family together and then when done, enjoy a delightful and refreshing drink.