There’s nothing like a cool, fruity drink to beat the Caribbean heat, and this Tropical Pineapple Strawberry Juice Recipe brings all the vibes of a tropical refreshment without the fuss. I blend up sweet ripe pineapple and juicy strawberries, brighten it with lemon juice, and finish it with that signature Caribbean touch: Mixed Essence, and a dash of bitters if you like.
This one’s super simple to make. Blend it, strain it, sweeten it to your taste, and chill it until it’s ice cold. In the video, I show you how I make mine in two batches to keep the texture smooth and balanced. Serve this up with some floating strawberry slices or a wedge of pineapple and you’ve got yourself a drink that tastes just like summer in the islands.
Ingredient Guide
- Ripe Pineapple: Choose one with golden skin and a sweet aroma for the best tropical flavor.
- Strawberries: Go for bright red, ripe berries for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Water: Used to thin the juice; adjust the amount based on how concentrated you like your drinks.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a tart kick that balances out the sweetness of the fruit and sugar.
- Sugar: Helps to round out the flavors—adjust depending on how sweet your fruit is.
- Mixed Essence: Delivers that unmistakable Caribbean flavor; vanilla extract is a good stand-in.
- Angostura Bitters (Optional): Adds a touch of spice and depth—leave it out for a kid-friendly version.
Shopping Made Easy
- Look for pineapples and strawberries that are fragrant and fully ripe. This is where all your flavor comes from.
- Mixed Essence is available in Caribbean groceries or online; vanilla extract is an easy substitute.
- Bitters are available near cocktail mixers; totally optional, but they do add a nice complexity.
- If you’ve got fresh ginger, blend in a chunk for a spicy twist. It’s a great variation.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
- Blend in two batches so you don’t overload your blender and to keep the juice smooth.
- Strain well and skim off any foam for a clean, refreshing drink.
- Chill before serving; it’s best when ice cold.
- Taste before chilling and adjust the sugar or lemon to your liking.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes. Thaw the pineapple and strawberries first before blending—they’ll work just as well as fresh.
What is Mixed Essence?
It’s a Caribbean flavoring blend with notes of vanilla, almond, and citrus. Use vanilla extract if you can’t find it.
How long will the juice keep?
You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. Stir well before serving.
Is this juice suitable for kids?
Yes! Just leave out the bitters. It’s a refreshing and natural drink for all ages.
How do I turn this into a party drink?
Serve it over ice with rum or vodka on the side, or spike the entire batch for a punch-style cocktail.
Summertime Pineapple Strawberry Juice
Description
A refreshing Caribbean drink blending pineapple, strawberries, citrus, and island flavor, perfect chilled or spiked.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Peel, core, and cube the pineapple. Hull and halve the strawberries.
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In batches, blend fruit with some of the water until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher.
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Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Add remaining water, lemon juice, sugar, Mixed Essence, and bitters (if using). Stir well to combine.
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Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed. Chill thoroughly before serving over ice. Garnish with pineapple slices or fresh berries.
Note
Please follow along with the video, as much more about the recipe is discussed there, including what sweeteners to use and how to personalize the sweetness. Feel free to add a thick slice of ginger when you puree the pineapple and strawberries for additional flavor to the drink.
