non-alcoholic Archives | CaribbeanPot.com

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.

Strawberry Pineapple Juice in 2 glass pitchers and a drinking glass surrounded by sliced strawberry and lemons

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

A refreshing Caribbean drink blending pineapple, strawberries, citrus, and island flavor, perfect chilled or spiked.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Drinks & Smoothies, Vegan, Vegetarian

Cuisine Fusion

Servings

Ingredients

1 large ripe pineapple cubed
1 lb strawberries
8-10 cups water
1 lemon
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon Mixed Essence
1 teaspoon Angostura bitters

Instructions

Peel, core, and cube the pineapple. Hull and halve the strawberries.
In batches, blend fruit with some of the water until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher.
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.
Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed. Chill thoroughly before serving over ice. Garnish with pineapple slices or fresh berries.

Notes

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.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

There’s something truly special about the drinks served at Sunday lunch in the Caribbean. While the main meal is always a highlight, many of us grew up equally excited for the homemade fruit juices that would accompany it, flavored with whatever was in season.

From soursop and citrus to passion fruit, mango, and mauby, every glass brought a burst of island flavor. But for me, nothing topped a cold glass of freshly made pineapple juice, poured over ice and packed with the sweet-tart brightness of the tropics. We’d even freeze the leftovers in ice trays to enjoy later as icy treats, what we called ice-blocks. This traditional Caribbean pineapple juice recipe brings back those memories, using fresh fruit, ginger, and a hint of bitters to deliver a refreshing and nostalgic drink just like the ones we grew up with.

This simple, homemade pineapple juice uses the whole fruit, including the skin and core, for maximum flavor, just like our elders taught us. It’s naturally sweet, vibrantly tropical, and perfect for sipping on hot days or serving with any Caribbean meal.

A pitcher and 2 glasses of pineapple juice on a table with a frond of a pineapple behind

Ingredient Guide

Ripe Pineapple: This tropical fruit is the star of the recipe. Using the peel and core ensures you extract every bit of its bright, tangy flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Used to balance the tartness of the pineapple. Adjust based on how sweet your fruit is naturally.
Fresh Ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and spice that pairs perfectly with pineapple’s natural acidity.
Angostura Bitters: A signature Caribbean flavor booster that deepens the overall taste. Just a couple dashes are enough.

Shopping Made Easy

Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple with a golden-yellow hue and a sweet aroma at the base. Slight softness when pressed is a good sign.
Ginger: Fresh ginger root is ideal; look for smooth, firm pieces without wrinkles.
Angostura Bitters: Usually found in the mixer or spice section of larger supermarkets or Caribbean grocery stores.
Sugar: Regular white granulated sugar works best, but brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.

Cooking Notes from the Kitchen

Taste As You Go: Pineapple sweetness varies; start with less sugar and adjust after blending if needed.
Serve Cold: Pineapple juice is best enjoyed well chilled or over crushed ice.
Storage Tip: This juice keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as natural separation is normal.
Reuse the Pulp: Don’t toss the leftover pulp; it can add moisture and fiber to baked goods like muffins or cakes.

Can I make this juice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and stir before serving.

What can I do with the leftover pulp?

Use it in smoothies, baking, or freeze it in small portions to add to future juices or marinades.

Is there an alternative to Angostura bitters?

If you don’t have Angostura bitters, you can leave it out or add a dash of vanilla extract for an aromatic twist.

Can I use canned pineapple?

For this recipe, fresh pineapple is best since it uses the skin and core for steeping. Canned pineapple won’t give the same depth of flavor.

Traditional Caribbean Pineapple Juice

Learn to make the best pineapple juice the Caribbean way. It uses fresh pineapple skins, core, and warming spices to create a refreshing homemade juice rich in enzymes and antioxidants, perfect for digestion, immunity, and staying cool.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Drinks & Smoothies