Summer heat waves have rolled in and it's time to spice up our beverage game. Yes, a comforting cup of tea is our staple, but these hot humid months call for a change of pace and taste.
So, what's our summer favorite iced tea alternative? A fresh, cool pineapple tonic. This tonic is sweet, bubbly, and highly refreshing. The primary ingredient is fresh pineapple juice, so plenty of healthy nutrients and vitamin C. Sugar and lime juice are both optional so you can control the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
Pro move: add 1 part oolong infused gin (recipe here) or other liquor of choice for added laughter and joy.
Pineapple Tonic Recipe
This recipe will yield more juice than what you need for one drink, store the rest in the fridge or share with a friend.
Tools
- Blender
- A fine strainer
- 12 oz glass
Ingredients
- 330 grams of fresh pineapple (Ends and skin removed)
- 180 ml of water
- Sugar (optional)
- Lime juice (optional)
- 200 ml of tonic water, we recommend Fever-tree Premium Tonic Water
- Plenty of good ice
Preparation
- Cut the ends of the pineapple and remove the skin. A serrated knife works well.
- Add pineapple and water to a blender. Mix at high speed until smooth.
- Place a strainer over a bowl and strain the pineapple juice. You can also strain the juice using a superbag (if you have one of those...).
- Squeeze the pulp to strain out all the juice.
- Adjust sweetness and tartness to taste with sugar and lime juice.
- Place the mixture in the fridge.
- Once the pineapple mixture is cold, pour over ice into a glass (1 part). Top with tonic water (3 parts).
- Stir slightly before serving.
Notes: Make granita! If you're in the mood for a frozen treat, you can also turn this pineapple juice into a granita!
Pineapple Granita Recipe
As always, adjust the acid and sugar to your taste.
You can use the leftover pineapple juice from the recipe above and skip to step 3 below. The pineapple flavor will be less overpowering since the pineapple juice recipe for the tonic has added water.
Tools
- Blender
- Fine strainer (optional)
- Shallow pan or Tupperware
- A fork
Ingredients
- 330 grams of pineapple (ends and skin removed)
- 20 grams of lime juice
- 10 grams of sugar
Preparation
- Add pineapple to a blender. Purée until smooth.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity to your taste with sugar and lime juice.
- Pour the purée in the Tupperware or pan. (Straining is optional here)
- Freeze for 30 minutes.
- The granita should start to freeze after 30 minutes. Scrape the frozen part with a fork, in vertical and horizontal motion, and freeze again for 30 minutes.
- Repeat a few rounds until the granita is completely frozen and has a flaky appearance.
- Scoop into a frozen bowl and serve.
Enjoy!