Pineapple Chile Agua Fresca

This post contains affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe

Pineapple Chile Agua Fresca: A Refreshing and Unique Drink.

Pineapple Chile Agua Fresca is a delicious and refreshing drink that combines the sweetness of pineapple, the tanginess of lime, and a subtle kick of heat from chile de arbol. This refreshing drink is perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting.

This Agua Fresca de Piña, as it’s known in Spanish, is crafted by blending carefully selected ingredients until smooth, infusing water with fruity, sweet, and subtle smoky tones. The sweetness is adjusted to taste, and served over ice as a refreshing beverage or accompaniment drink to your meal.

What is Agua Fresca?

Agua fresca, which translates to “fresh water” in Spanish, is a beloved drink that originated in Mexico as a refreshing solution for hot days and social gatherings. This tradition has been passed down through generations, with each region adding its own twist to the recipe. 

Today, agua fresca remains a staple in Mexican culture, sold at markets, restaurants, street vendors, and made for special occasions all over the country. Fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and pineapple are popular choices, while hibiscus flowers and rice are also used to create unique and delicious flavors. It’s a refreshing drink for any time of day.

How to choose a ripe pineapple?

This drink will only be as good as the pineapple, so its important we pick the best possible one. Here are a few tips on how to choose the best one:

• Color: Choose a golden yellow color with some green undertones. Avoid entirely dark green pineapples.
• Squeeze: Gently squeeze the middle. A ripe pineapple is slightly soft, but still firm.
• Leaves: Look for vibrant green leaves. Avoid dry, brown, or wilted leaves.
• Smell: Check for a sweet pineapple aroma at the base of the fruit. 

Ingredients 

• Pineapple – Tropical fruity flavor, slightly tangy, but bright and refreshing.
• Lime – Enhances pineapple flavor with citrus, amplifying tropical notes.
• Chile de arbol – Balances sweetness of pineapple and tanginess of lime with a touch of heat.
• Sugar – Enhances and brings out brightness of ingredients, rounding out flavor profile..

How to make Agua Fresca

Peel the pineapple, remove the core, and roughly cut it into chunks. Transfer the chunks into a blender along with the juice of two limes, a small piece of chile de arbol, sugar, and 3 cups of water (or as much as you can fit in the blender; feel free to blend in batches if necessary). 

Process the mixture until completely smooth, then strain it into a large pitcher. Add the remainder of the water, taste for sweetness, and adjust the sugar to your liking. 

Pour the agua fresca into glasses filled with ice, and garnish with a slice of lime, a mint leaf, and an optional chile de arbol.

Recipe Short Video Tutorial 

Below is my easy to follow short video tutorial on how to make this Pineapple Chile Agua Fresca.

If you enjoyed the short video please SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube channel and don’t forget to click the bell icon so you get a notification every time we post a brand new video. Thank you!

Recommended tools 

• Blender: A powerful blender is essential for ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and extracting the maximum amount of flavor. 
• Strainer: A fine strainer is crucial for catching any pulp, resulting in a velvety smooth drink.
• Glass: Serving Agua Fresca in a fun and beautiful glass elevates the experience and makes the drink even more appealing.
• Chef’s Knife: A high-quality, sharp knife is vital for slicing veggies and fruits efficiently, without crushing or damaging the ingredients.

Amazon Storefront

Explore my amazon storefront, where you’ll find all the products I use and love for my recipes! From kitchen essentials to cooking staples. Check it out and discover the tools that help me create delicious meals every day.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

Spicy Delight – Peppers 

When it comes to adding spicy ingredients to this drink, the goal is to enhance and bring balance, not overpower. Adjust the amount of pepper to your taste, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and heat in your drink!

Feel free to experiment with different peppers to find your ideal flavor combination.

• Jalapeno: Adds mild, grassy tones
• Habanero: Brings scorching heat with floral tones
• Serrano: Very hot pepper with grassy tones

Sugar Alternative 

The amount of sugar needed will depend on the sweetness of the fruit and your personal taste preferences. Sweeteners like honey or agave can be used, but keep in mind they have distinct flavors that may alter the overall taste of the agua fresca. 

Personally, I opt for sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. But feel free to experiment with your preferred sweetener alternative to find the one that works best for you!

Storage

Store in a tightly sealed container and keep refrigerated for a max of 3 days.

To freeze: Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container, label and date. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before use.

Explore More Agua Fresca Recipes

• Horchata
• Strawberry Horchata
• Cucumber Agua Fresca
• Hibiscus Agua Fresca
• Mangonada
• Pepinada

• Instagram

Click icon above to visit our Instagram page. 

FAQ: Your Questions Answered