Pineapple mint lemonade is refreshing, light, and made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice. With a hint of cooling mint, this lemonade is a necessity on a hot day.
Recipe summary
Flavor: Sweet, citrusy, bright, and refreshing.
Key ingredients: Pineapple juice, lemon juice, mint leaves, and granulated sugar.
Yield: 48 ounces
Similar to: Basil Lemonade, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, and Lemonade Slushie
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Sugar - Granulated sugar works best in this recipe. I have not tested this recipe using sugar substitutes. I recommend checking your sugar substitute's package directions for correct substitution ratios.
- Mint - Fresh mint can be found at your local grocer in the produce department. If you've got fresh mint from your home garden, this is the perfect recipe for it. Mint can also be substituted with basil, like in my basil lemonade.
- Pineapple juice - Canned pineapple juice works great in this recipe.
- Lemon juice - Fresh squeezed lemon juice is preferred for homemade lemonade. It has a superior flavor compared to bottled lemon juice concentrate. You'll need about six to eight lemons for this recipe, depending on size.
Tips and tricks
Use room temperature lemons - Room temperature lemons are easier to squeeze and release more juice than cold lemons. If your lemons are refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before squeezing. To warm up lemons quickly, fill a bowl with warm water and submerge your lemons. After about 30 minutes, they'll be ready to squeeze.
Roll lemons on the countertop - Using your palm, roll each lemon on the countertop before slicing and squeezing. This helps loosen the juices from the flesh of the lemon.
Use a juicer - Use a handheld lemon juicer or citrus juicing machine to get the most juice from your lemons.
Strain lemon juice - If you'd like lemon juice without pulp, this removes excess pulp and seeds that may have slipped through.
Muddle mint leaves - Use a wooden spoon and lightly muddle while stirring to release mint flavor into the simple syrup.
Allow for chill time - Make your lemonade a few hours ahead of serving and allow to chill in the refrigerator for best flavor. Otherwise, adding ice to warm lemonade can dilute the flavor.
Frequently asked questions
You'll need between 5 and 7 lemons to make 1 cup or 8 ounces of juice. This depends entirely on the size and juiciness of the lemons you have on hand.
Lemonade can sit out at room temperature for about 2 hours before requiring extra refrigeration. I recommend storing your lemonade in the refrigerator until ready to serve so that it maintains a cold temperature and doesn't get watery when served over ice.
Yes, lemonade can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. To save space, make a concentrate by preparing the simple syrup and juices, omitting the remainder of the water. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight, or transfer to the countertop to thaw for several hours. Add water to your concentrate, stir, and serve.
Lemonade will keep for about 5 days or more when stored in the refrigerator, but flavor is best within the first day or two of preparing.
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📖 Recipe
Pineapple Mint Lemonade
Ingredients
Mint simple syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup mint leaves, packed
Lemonade
- 16 ounces pineapple juice
- 8 ounces lemon juice
- 16 ounces water
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add granulated sugar, water, and mint leaves. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves. Lightly muddle mint leaves with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Allow to steep until room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add pineapple juice, lemon juice, and water to a pitcher.
- When cooled, pour simple syrup mixture through a sieve to remove mint leaves. Stir as much simple syrup as needed into lemon mixture to achieve desired sweetness.
- Refrigerate, or serve over ice and enjoy. Optionally garnish with additional mint leaves and lemon wedges.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Juice: 5 to 7 lemons will make about 1 cup of lemon juice, depending on size.
- Storage: Homemade lemonade will keep for 5 days in the refrigerator.
If I want to reduce the amount of sugar, would I also be reducing the amount of water and mint when boiling?
Hi Jessica, I'd reduce the amount of sugar and water when making your simple syrup. No need to reduce the mint!