Sparkling Pineapple Mint Meyer Lemonade

Sometimes, my recipe names are far too long.  Ha!  I feel the need to include all of the ingredients in the title.  Regardless…you’ve got to try this recipe!  It works well as simply lemonade (how I enjoyed mine), or mixed with vodka (plain or pineapple flavored) for a fun summery cocktail! You could also try adding champagne instead of the Pellegrino for a version of a mimosa (my favorite)!

I served this lemonade at a dinner party on Sunday, and it was a hit!  The details on the fun straws are below. 

I am a little obsessed with Meyer lemons, so when I saw them in the Trader Joe’s produce aisle, I couldn’t resist buying 3 bags!  This could easily work with regular lemons – the difference is that meyer lemons have a stronger, sweeter flavor, and usually lend more juice.

To make this drink extra fun and summery, use these fruit straws from World Market!  So stinking cute!  For $3.99, I couldn’t resist!  And how can you not love those adorable flamingo straws?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This lemonade can be prepped ahead by blending the pineapple and juicing the lemons and keeping them refrigerated separately.

Sparkling Pineapple Mint Meyer Lemonade

Makes 1 pitcher

• 1/2 pineapple, chopped and pureed in a blender (add a little water while blending if needed)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh Meyer lemon juice
• 6-8 mint leaves
• 1/2 – 3/4 cups simple syrup (depending on your taste preference; add more if you’d like it even sweeter)
• 1 bottle Pellegrino, chilled
• ice

Puree the pineapple and juice the lemons.  If you’re making the lemonade immediately, add both to a pitcher.  Add the mint leaves.  Add the simple syrup, a little at a time.  Taste as you go, because you will not want it to become overly sweet.

Right before serving, stir the mixture well.  Add ice, then add the chilled Pellegrino.

Cheers!

 

If you’re looking for a positive reason to enjoy this recipe, check out these 19 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Pineapple.  This article from Well-Being Secrets is packed full of information about pineapple, and how beneficial it is to our diets.  Plus, it gives tips on how to select the perfect pineapple from the market or grocery store!