Tropical Pineapple Lemonade Punch
This Tropical Pineapple Lemonade Punch combines fresh pineapple juice, tangy lemon, and a hint of mint for a refreshing, sunny beverage. Perfect for gatherings, this vibrant yellow punch balances sweetness and acidity beautifully while transporting you to a tropical paradise.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks or 1 whole medium pineapple, peeled and cored
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
- ½ cup granulated sugar or to taste
- ⅓ cup honey can substitute with agave nectar for vegan option
- 6 cups cold water
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
- Fresh mint leaves about 10-12 leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 lemon thinly sliced for garnish
- 1 cup pineapple chunks for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple juice by placing the pineapple chunks in a blender and processing until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp, pressing gently to extract as much juice as possible.
- Make a quick simple syrup by combining the sugar with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Juice the lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Remove any seeds but keep some pulp for authentic flavor and texture.
- Combine the pineapple juice, lemon juice, and cooled simple syrup in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir well to integrate all the flavors.
- Add the honey and stir until completely dissolved into the mixture.
- Pour in the remaining 5 cups of cold water and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Gently muddle the mint leaves by crushing them lightly between your fingers to release their oils, then add them to the punch mixture.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the punch to chill thoroughly.
- Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir gently to preserve carbonation.
- Garnish the pitcher or individual glasses with lemon slices, pineapple chunks, fresh mint sprigs, and plenty of ice.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled.
- If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can substitute with 2 cups of 100% pineapple juice (not from concentrate).
- Make the base mixture up to 24 hours ahead, but add the sparkling water only right before serving.
- For a smoother texture, you can blend the strained pineapple juice with the lemon juice for a more integrated flavor.
- Keep extra ice on the side rather than in the punch bowl to prevent dilution.
- For an adult version, add 1 cup of white rum or coconut rum to the mixture before serving.