Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe
There’s something truly magical about sipping a glass of the Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe on a hot, sunny day. It’s vibrant, tropical, and perfectly sweet-tart, combining the juicy brightness of pineapple with the summery tang of lemons—and just a flirtatious blush from cranberry juice. This fun, thirst-quenching drink feels like a mini vacation with every sip, and it’s one of those recipes I just can’t stop making when temperatures soar. Whether you’re throwing a backyard party, craving something special by the pool, or simply want to elevate your afternoon, this lemonade is simply irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up this crowd-pleasing beverage, but don’t let that fool you—the flavors are anything but basic! Each one plays a special role, lending either essential tartness, mellow sweetness, or that unmistakable pop of color that makes this drink stand out.
- Pineapple: Fresh, ripe pineapple creates the heart of this drink, bringing sweet tropical flavor and a burst of natural golden color.
- Water: You’ll need it for both simmering the fruit and for making the simple syrup—it’s what stretches the flavors and keeps each sip refreshing.
- Granulated Sugar: The perfect partner to lemon’s tartness, sugar balances and rounds out the flavors without overpowering them.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed for a pop of tang that bottled juice just can’t match. This is where all the zip and zing comes from!
- Cranberry Juice Cocktail: The “pink” in Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe! It adds a beautiful rosy hue and a gentle tartness.
- Ice Cubes: Essential for serving—because there’s nothing better than super-chilled, thirst-quenching lemonade on a warm day.
- Lemon Slices and Pineapple Wedges: Optional, but highly recommended for garnish—these little touches make every glass look special.
- Fresh Mint Sprigs: Fresh mint not only looks gorgeous but adds an aromatic lift to every sip.
How to Make Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Base
Start by placing your chopped pineapple and about half of your total water (4 cups) in a large saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat—don’t rush this part! Then, turn the heat down, cover with a lid, and let it simmer quietly for 20 to 25 minutes. The pineapple will soften and infuse the water with layers of sunny, sweet flavor.
Step 2: Strain the Pineapple Mixture
Once it’s simmered and your kitchen smells like a tropical getaway, take the pan off the heat and let everything cool for a few minutes. Use a fine-mesh sieve or line a colander with cheesecloth, and pour the pineapple mixture through, pressing down to release every last drop of liquid. What’s left behind is pure, golden pineapple-infused water—the foundation for our Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe! (P.S. Save that leftover pulp for smoothies!)
Step 3: Make the Lemon Simple Syrup
In a separate pan, combine the remaining 4 cups of water with all the granulated sugar. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. That’s it—no need to boil! Set it aside to cool completely. This simple syrup sweetens our lemonade evenly, without any gritty sugar settling at the bottom.
Step 4: Combine and Adjust Flavors
Now comes the fun part! In a large pitcher, mix your pineapple-infused water, lemon simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add about 1/2 cup of cranberry juice cocktail—the magic that transforms regular lemonade into “pink lemonade”—but feel free to add a bit more if you want a deeper color or more tartness. Stir well, then taste: you can tweak the sweetness or tartness by adding more syrup or lemon juice to suit your mood.
Step 5: Chill the Lemonade
Cover your pitcher and store it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The flavors get to know each other during this time, blending into something seriously special. Bonus points if you chill your glasses, too!
Step 6: Serve Over Ice and Garnish
When it’s time to serve, load up glasses (or a big jug) with ice cubes. Pour the cold Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe over the top, and don’t hold back on the garnishes—lemon slices, pineapple wedges, and fresh mint all add flavor and a gorgeous presentation.
How to Serve Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe

Garnishes
Garnishes are where you turn a simple drink into a party! I love adding lemon wheels, juicy wedges of pineapple, and a few sprigs of fresh mint—each garnish brings extra color and a hint of its own aroma. Don’t underestimate the wow factor of a pretty glass dressed up for summer.
Side Dishes
Pair this vibrant lemonade with your favorite light summer snacks—think cheese boards, grilled skewers, or fresh fruit salads. The Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe is especially fantastic with salty or spicy foods, as it provides a cool, sweet-tart contrast that refreshes your palate instantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not make things extra memorable? Serve your lemonade in mason jars at a picnic, or set up a DIY lemonade bar with different garnishes and fun straws. For a grown-up twist, you could even add a splash of your favorite spirit for an easy cocktail! However you present it, this lemonade never fails to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe (doubtful, but hey!), store it in a sealed pitcher or mason jar in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as natural juices can separate while chilling.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this lemonade for future use! Pour leftovers into ice cube trays and freeze; these flavorful cubes can chill future drinks without dilution, or be blended into quick slushies. Larger batches can be frozen in airtight containers—just allow room for expansion, and thaw in the fridge when you want another taste of summer.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary or recommended for this chilled sipper. If you’ve frozen the lemonade, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight or set at room temperature for faster melting. Once defrosted, give it a good stir, add fresh ice, and you’re ready to serve again!
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes! Fresh pineapple makes the flavor pop, but canned (in juice, not syrup) or thawed frozen pineapple works in a pinch. Just make sure to use the same amount and simmer as instructed.
How do I make this drink less sweet or more tart?
It’s all about balance! If you prefer a tarter lemonade, add more fresh lemon juice, or cut back on the sugar in the simple syrup. Taste as you go until it’s just right for you.
What if I don’t have cranberry juice cocktail?
You can substitute with another red juice such as pomegranate or raspberry for a similar color and a little tartness. Or, just skip it for a golden pineapple lemonade—that’s delicious, too!
Can I prepare Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe in advance for parties?
Absolutely, this recipe is almost better when made ahead! Mix and chill your lemonade a day before your gathering to let flavors blend perfectly. Add garnishes and ice just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a hit with little ones! Just make sure to use all the listed ingredients as written, and if you want to make it extra special, let kids help with the garnishing.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says summer quite like a homemade Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe served over clinking ice. If you haven’t tried making your own from scratch, now’s the perfect moment to treat yourself and your loved ones. It’s bright, fun, and truly the star of any warm weather gathering—so grab your lemons and pineapple, and get ready to fall in love with this irresistible treat!
PrintPineapple Pink Lemonade Drink: A Refreshing Summer Recipe
Enjoy the taste of summer with this refreshing Pineapple Pink Lemonade Drink. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just lounging in the sun, this beverage is a delightful blend of tropical pineapple, zesty lemon, and a hint of cranberry for a beautiful pink hue.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pineapple Base:
- 1 large ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 4 cups water
Lemon Simple Syrup:
- 4 cups water
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (about 8–10 lemons)
- ½ cup cranberry juice cocktail
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Lemon slices and pineapple wedges, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple Base: Boil chopped pineapple and 4 cups of water, then simmer for 20-25 minutes. Strain the mixture and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Simple Syrup: Heat 4 cups of water with granulated sugar until dissolved. Cool completely.
- Combine and Adjust Flavors: Mix pineapple-infused water, simple syrup, lemon juice, and cranberry juice in a pitcher. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Pour over ice and garnish with lemon, pineapple, and mint.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cranberry juice cocktail to achieve your desired pink color.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pineapple Pink Lemonade, Summer Drink, Refreshing Beverage, Pineapple Recipe, Lemonade Recipe