Hard Pineapple Lemonade (Mocktail Version, Too!)
Hard Pineapple Lemonade is just the kind of big batch cocktail you want to sip on the porch when neighbors stop by! Simply leave out the booze for a fun alcohol-free punch for anyone.
Summer Parties Need Hard Pineapple Lemonade!
Summertime requires a big pitcher of lemonade! How about adding some sweet, juicy pineapple and a splash of your favorite adult libation? Now it’s really a party!
We use whole pineapple, freshly squeezed lemon juice and a homemade lemon simple syrup to concoct this refreshing twist on lemonade.
Serve it up as your signature cocktail this summer. Mix in your favorite liquor, or provide an assortment on the side so guests can customize their own.
A Simple List of Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make pineapple lemonade…
- Fresh pineapple chunks (you can use canned, too)
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Filtered water
- Lemony simply syrup (sugar, lemon zest + water)
- Liquor of choice (optional)
Helpful Tips for Making Hard Pineapple Lemonade
Use a good blender — A high-speed blender will pulverize the pineapple chunks, essentially juicing them, but it’s ok to have a few small bits. If your blender blades are a tad on the dull side, cut the pineapple into smaller pieces before adding them.
Mocktail or cocktail? — What kiddo wouldn’t love a fancy pineapple lemonade? Leave out the booze so everyone can enjoy. If all your adults are in, add your favorite spirit when you blend the ingredients (this makes 6 servings, so 1 to 1.5 oz per serving = 6 to 9 oz). Alternatively, make the lemonade without the booze and have an assortment of spirits for guests to add in: vodka, rum, gin, tequila, bourbon…you get the picture!
Lemon simple syrup — How much is too much? The included recipe for this simple syrup makes more than prescribed for 6 servings. Once you’ve blended all your ingredients, give it a taste and add more syrup if you like it a touch sweeter.
How to cut a pineapple — I still find this challenging, but this step-by-step guide from Bon Appétit is super helpful. For this recipe, choose step 5a for cutting the pineapple into chunks.
But, before you do, consider…
Making garnishes —
- After you remove the top and bottom from the pineapple, cut away one slice before cutting off the rind. Divide that slice into 6 wedges, then cut a slit in each wedge so it can slip over the rim of a glass.
- With a pair of kitchen shears, snip off the best looking spikes from the pineapple top and give those a rinse. You can slip one into each glass for another fun garnish.
More Summertime Drinks to Explore!
- Big Batch Frozen Pink Cadillac Margaritas
- Plum + Lime Whiskey Smash Cocktail
- Hibiscus Tea Mimosas
- Easy Apricot + Basil Sangria for Two
- Blueberry Hibiscus Lemonade
- Green Tea Yuzu Sour Mocktail
- Frozen Zombie Mocktail
- Tropical Coconut Frosé
- The Irish Buck
Hard Pineapple Lemonade (with Whole Fruit…Mocktail Version, Too!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- ½ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 cups cold water
- ¾ cup lemony simply syrup, recipe follows
- 6 ounce liquor, your choice (or up to 9 oz), omit to make it a mocktail
- pineapple wedges, spikes, mint leaves, optional garnishes
Lemony Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- zest of one lemon
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a high speed blender and pour over ice. Garnish as you like.
- To make the Lemony Simply Syrup: before you juice the lemon, remove the zest. Combine the lemon zest, sugar and water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool. (Or, combine the ingredients in a microwave safe container and nuke it for 2 minutes. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, then allow to cool.)
Nutrition
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