Sweet, tart, and super refreshing, this Agua de Piña is a delightful drink for summertime. Try making your own Pineapple Agua Fresca  for your next backyard bbq and revel in the “oohs” and “ahhhs” of your family!

two collins glasses filled with agua de pina   

Made with just three ingredients – one of which is water – this drink recipe couldn’t be simpler if it tried. While it is perfect as is, this yummy pineapple cooler can also be spiked with some tequila, rum, or vodka for an adults only beverage. Salud!

About This Recipe

Summer is the perfect time to have freshly squeezed fruit juice, so naturally it was time to share this super easy recipe for making agua de piña. Aguas Frescas – literally “fresh waters” – are simply yummy Mexican beverages that can be made with a variety of fruit. This pineapple agua fresca might just be the current favorite in our family, as pineapples are so fresh and delicious right now!

My kids have always loved juice and they always love fresh aguas. One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make – even the kiddos can do it. If you’re trying to get your little ones to try more fruit, let them help to make aguas. Even if all they get to do is drop the fruit in the blender, you’d be amazed at how having a hand in making something will make your little ones more likely to try and like it!

If you’re a kid-free home, this delicious agua de piña recipe is still worth making. Not only is it cooling and refreshing on a hot summer’s day, it is also super tasty when spiked with tequila, rum, or vodka. Nothing says summer quite like a boozy beverage enjoyed poolside, amirite??

How to Choose a Good Pineapple

Choosing a good pineapple is an essential step for making this agua de piña. It’s basically the only ingredient, so it better be good! Not to worry though, I’ve assembled some useful tips for picking the very best pineapple at the store:

  1. Check the color. The pineapple skin should be a greenish-yellow and the leaves should be bright green.
  2. Give it a gentle squeeze. A ripe pineapple should give a little under firm pressure from your thumb.
  3. Use your nose! Ripe pineapples are sweetly perfumed and should smell like pineapple. Give it a whiff near the base of the fruit, where you’re more likely to smell it. If the pineapple doesn’t give off any odor, it probably is underripe.
  4. Look for heavy fruit. As with most fruits, you want to find one that is heavy for its size – this indicates that it is extra juicy!
  5. Tug its hair. Pull on a green frond from the top of the fruit; if it dislodges easily, this is another indication that the fruit is ready to eat.

How to Make Pineapple Agua Fresca

This recipe is so simple, it almost feels silly writing out the instructions! First, make your simple syrup by combining water and sugar in a saucepan. Set it over medium heat and stir to dissolve any solids. Set aside to cool. NOTE: Simple syrup can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Now it’s time to cut the fruit. Here’s a video showing the best way to cut a pineapple using just a knife and cutting board. However, if you like pineapples as much as we do, I recommend investing in a pineapple corer. Ours gets a LOT of use and it makes cutting the pineapple so much easier!

woman using pineapple corer tool on fresh pineapple

Next, pull out your blender. Place pineapple cubes into a blender and blend with about 2 cups of water. You will have to do this in two batches. Run through a sieve to remove pulp and discard. Put juice into a pitcher and add the remaining water.

Now add up to a cup of simple syrup, sweetening the agua to your liking. Serve chilled, preferably over ice. Cocktail umbrellas are optional but encouraged. Enjoy!

overhead shot of a pitcher filled with pineapple agua fresca next to two glasses of agua de pina and a fresh pineapple

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common aguas frescas?

Some of the most common aguas are melon (cantaloupe), sandia (watermelon), horchata (rice water), jamaica (hibiscus tea), limón (lime), pepino (cucumber), and piña (pineapple).

How long will agua de piña last in the fridge?

While I’m of the opinion that aguas frescas are best served super fresh, any leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze any leftovers into popsicle molds or ice cubes. NOTE: The ice cubes pair particularly well with your favorite sparkling water for just a hint of yummy sweetness.

Can I use frozen pineapple?

Absolutely! If fresh pineapple isn’t available, or you don’t want to go to the trouble of peeling and cubing it, frozen pineapple is a wonderful alternative. Just be sure to allow the fruit to mostly defrost before blending, or you’ll end up with more of a pineapple smoothie than an agua fresca!

two collins glasses of pineapple agua fresca garnished with cocktail stirrers and fresh pineapple wedges

More refreshing summer drink ideas:

If you tried my recipe for Agua de Piña (Pineapple Agua Fresca), please be sure to rate and review it below!

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agua de piña in a tall clear glass

Agua de Piña (Pineapple Cooler)

5 (3 ratings)
Sweet, tart, and super refreshing, this Agua de Piña is a delightful drink for summertime. Try making your own Pineapple Agua Fresca  for your next backyard bbq and revel in the "oohs" and "ahhhs" of your family!
Print Pin Rate
Yield: 14 cups
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 3 mins
Total Time: 8 mins

Ingredients

  • Light simple syrup, 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 cups of water
  • 2 ripe pineapples, cubed
  • 8 cups water

Instructions 

Simple Syrup:

  • Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-heat just long enough for the sugar to melt. Remove from the heat and allow to cool down before using.

Agua de Piña:

  • Place pineapple cubes into a blender and blend. Add 2 cups of water to get blender going. You will have to do this in two batches. Run through a sieve to remove pulp and discard. Put juice into a pitcher and add the remaining water.
  • Add 1 cup of simple syrup or as much as you like depending on the sweetness of your pineapple and to your liking.
  • Serve over ice.

Notes

  • Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to three days.
  • If fresh pineapple isn’t available, or you don’t want to go to the trouble of peeling and cubing it, frozen pineapple is a wonderful alternative. Just be sure to allow the fruit to mostly defrost before blending, or you’ll end up with more of a pineapple smoothie than an agua fresca!
  • For more agua recipes, check out my agua de sandia (watermelon), horchata (rice water), jamaica (hibiscus tea), limón (lime), pepino (cucumber).
Calories: 65kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 8mg, Potassium: 141mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 75IU, Vitamin C: 62mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Yvette Marquez
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican

Photography by Jenna Sparks / Video by Pure Cinematography

Originally published: July 2012.