Name: Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and chopped; 8 cups water, divided; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (about 8-10 lemons); ½ cup cranberry juice cocktail (for the pink color, adjust to your liking); Ice cubes, for serving; Lemon slices and pineapple wedges, for garnish (optional); Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to meet your new summertime staple: the Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink is a radiant, tropical twist on classic lemonade that’s just as pretty as it is delicious. A celebration of juicy pineapple, zingy lemon, and the gorgeous blush of cranberry juice, this homemade sipper is pure sunshine in a glass. Whether you’re serving at a backyard barbecue, a baby shower, or just want to brighten an ordinary day, this cheerful concoction always brings smiles and a splash of sweet-tart magic.

Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink is how each ingredient brings something special to the table—fruity, tangy, sweet, and oh-so-refreshing. Gather these basics and you’ll have a vibrant, party-ready pitcher in no time!

Pineapple: Use one large, ripe pineapple for a deep, natural sweetness and juicy tropical flavor.
Water: Eight cups is just right for simmering the fruit and making a silky, balanced simple syrup.
Granulated sugar: Dissolves easily and provides just enough sweetness to balance the tartness.
Fresh lemon juice: Squeezed lemons deliver that punchy, lively acidity classic lemonade can’t do without.
Cranberry juice cocktail: Gives the drink its irresistible pink hue and an extra note of berry tang—adjust for deeper color if you wish.
Ice cubes: Vital for serving—keep everything icy cold and ultra-refreshing.
Lemon slices and pineapple wedges (optional): Fancy up each glass or the whole pitcher for festive flair.
Fresh mint sprigs (optional): A few leaves make your Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink look and taste even more invigorating.

How to Make Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Base

Add your chopped pineapple and half the water (4 cups) to a large saucepan. Bring everything up to a gentle boil over medium-high heat—you’ll start smelling that tropical aroma in just a few minutes. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes to fully infuse the water with that pineapple goodness.

Step 2: Strain and Extract

After simmering, take the pan off the heat and let it cool a bit. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth-lined colander into a big bowl, pressing the fruit to squeeze out every last drop. The flavorful pineapple-infused water is what you want—discard the pulp or repurpose it for smoothies.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Simple Syrup

Set another saucepan on the stove, pour in the remaining 4 cups of water and the granulated sugar, then stir gently as it heats. Once the sugar is completely melted, your syrup’s ready! Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool off completely before using it in your Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink.

Step 4: Combine and Adjust Flavors

In a giant pitcher, combine your cooled pineapple-infused water, the cooled syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Pour in the cranberry juice cocktail—start with half a cup, then add more if you like a deeper pink. Stir well, take a taste, and tweak with a splash more syrup or lemon juice as needed to get your ideal sweet-tart balance.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the pitcher and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours so the flavors can really meld. When you’re ready to serve, add plenty of ice to each glass, pour in the Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink, and get set to enjoy that first crisp, fruity sip!

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy

Top each serving with lemon slices, pineapple wedges, and a fresh sprig of mint. Not only does it look beautiful, but the garnishes add a fragrant pop of freshness to every glass.

How to Serve Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink

Garnishes

Bright lemon slices, juicy pineapple wedges, and sprigs of fresh mint aren’t just for looks—they add delightful aromas and make each sip extra refreshing. For an even more colorful presentation, you can freeze edible flowers or a couple of fresh berries in your ice cubes before adding them to glasses.

Side Dishes

This vibrant drink pairs perfectly with summery fare. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, a fresh fruit platter, or tangy BBQ. It’s the non-alcoholic centerpiece that goes with everything from picnic sandwiches to that massive watermelon you’ve been chilling.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink in mason jars with striped straws. Or, offer a “lemonade bar” with extra garnishes and fruit mix-ins. You could even make lemonade ice pops for kids—just pour the drink into molds and freeze overnight for a frosty treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink left (though we doubt it), store it in a tightly sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember: add fresh garnishes only when serving, and give the drink a good stir before pouring since separation is natural.

Freezing

To freeze, pour leftover lemonade into ice cube trays or popsicle molds—these make fantastic additions to your next batch or can be blended into slushies. Don’t freeze the garnishes, as they don’t come out well after thawing.

Reheating

This drink is best enjoyed ice-cold. If you accidentally stored it in a chilly part of your fridge and it’s icy, just leave it on the counter for a few minutes to warm slightly before serving—no need to actually reheat!

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes! While fresh pineapple adds unbeatable brightness, canned pineapple can work in a pinch. Be sure to use pineapple in juice (not syrup), and adjust sweetness as the canned variety can be more concentrated.

Can I make Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead helps the flavors marry together for an even tastier result. Just keep it cold and add the garnishes right before serving.

What can I use instead of cranberry juice for the pink color?

If cranberry isn’t your favorite, try pomegranate juice, raspberry juice, or even a splash of cherry juice. Just make sure it’s a juice cocktail rather than pure juice, so the tartness stays balanced.

Is this drink kid-friendly?

Definitely! Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink is non-alcoholic and loved by both kids and adults. If you want to make a grown-up version, a splash of rum or vodka is a fun twist for the adults-only crowd.

How can I make this drink less sweet?

Reduce the sugar when making the simple syrup, or add in a bit more lemon juice for extra tartness. Always taste and adjust until it’s perfect for your palate!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink a spot at your next gathering, or even just as a pick-me-up for yourself on a warm afternoon. There’s something about its stunning color and tropical flavor that turns any day into a celebration—cheers to bright, happy sips!

Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink is a refreshing and vibrant beverage perfect for a sunny day. Made with fresh pineapple, lemon juice, and a hint of cranberry for a beautiful pink hue, it’s a sweet and tangy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pineapple Base:

1 large ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and chopped
8 cups water, divided

Lemon Simple Syrup:

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (about 8–10 lemons)
½ cup cranberry juice cocktail (for the pink color, adjust to your liking)

Ice cubes, for serving
Lemon slices and pineapple wedges, for garnish (optional)
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple Base: Place chopped pineapple and 4 cups of water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Pour the pineapple mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander into a large bowl, pressing down on the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp or save for another use. Set the pineapple-infused water aside.
Make the Lemon Simple Syrup: In a separate saucepan, combine the remaining 4 cups of water and the 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Place over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Combine and Adjust Flavors: In a large pitcher, pour in the cooled pineapple-infused water, cooled simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Add the cranberry juice cocktail, starting with ½ cup and adjusting to your desired color and taste.
Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed, adding more simple syrup if too tart or lemon juice if too sweet.
Chill and Serve: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld.
When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Pineapple Pink Lemonade over the ice.
Garnish with lemon slices, pineapple wedges, and fresh mint sprigs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!