Zesty Sparkling Pineapple Ginger Cooler

Quick Recipe Version (TL;DR)

• Yield: 4 servings (about 240 ml / 8 fl oz each)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)

Quick Ingredients

• 4 cups (600 g) fresh ripe pineapple chunks (about 1 medium pineapple)
• 2–3 teaspoons freshly grated ginger (peeled)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 2–4 tablespoons liquid sweetener (honey, agave, or simple syrup), to taste
• 2 cups (480 ml) chilled sparkling water
• 2 cups (about 240 g) ice cubes
• Fresh mint sprigs and pineapple wedges or lime slices, for garnish (optional)

Do This

• 1. Blend pineapple chunks until completely smooth, adding 2–4 tablespoons water only if needed to help it blend.
• 2. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve or nut-milk bag to get about 2 cups (480 ml) fresh pineapple juice; discard or snack on pulp.
• 3. Stir in grated ginger, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons sweetener until fully dissolved; taste and add more sweetener or ginger as needed.
• 4. Chill the pineapple-ginger base in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes if you have time.
• 5. Fill 4 glasses with ice, then pour in equal amounts of the chilled pineapple-ginger base, filling each glass about halfway.
• 6. Top each glass with chilled sparkling water, giving a gentle stir to combine without losing too much fizz.
• 7. Garnish with mint and pineapple or lime, and serve immediately while cold and bubbly.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh, bright, and zesty, this cooler tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass.
• Made with simple, real ingredients: fresh pineapple, ginger, lime, and sparkling water.
• Easy to customize: adjust sweetness, ginger heat, or bubbles to suit your taste.
• Perfect for entertaining: looks impressive, scales up easily, and can be made partially ahead.

Grocery List

• Produce: 1 medium ripe pineapple, fresh ginger root, 1–2 limes, fresh mint (optional), extra pineapple or limes for garnish (optional)
• Dairy: None
• Pantry: Honey, agave, or simple syrup; sparkling water; ice (from freezer)

Full Ingredients

Pineapple-Ginger Base

• 4 cups (600 g) fresh ripe pineapple chunks, core removed (about 1 medium pineapple)
• 2–3 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, peeled (start with 2 for mild, 3 for zingier)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
• 2–4 tablespoons honey, agave nectar, or simple syrup, to taste

To Finish the Cooler

• 2 cups (480 ml) chilled sparkling water (plain or lightly flavored)
• 2 cups (about 240 g) ice cubes

Garnishes (Optional but Recommended)

• 4–8 fresh mint sprigs
• 4 pineapple wedges or 4 lime slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the pineapple and ginger

Lay the pineapple on its side and slice off the top and bottom. Stand it upright and carefully slice away the peel, following the curve of the fruit. Cut out any remaining “eyes” with the tip of your knife. Slice the pineapple into quarters vertically, then cut out the tough core from each quarter. Chop the remaining flesh into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks until you have about 4 cups (600 g).

For the ginger, peel a small knob using a spoon (scrape the skin away) or a paring knife. Grate it finely using a microplane or small hole side of a box grater. Measure out 2–3 teaspoons, depending on how spicy you like your drinks.

Step 2: Blend the pineapple into juice

If you have a juicer, feed the pineapple chunks through according to your machine’s instructions until you have about 2 cups (480 ml) fresh pineapple juice. If using a blender, add the pineapple chunks to the blender jar. Blend on high until completely smooth, 30–60 seconds. If the mixture is too thick or not circulating, add 2–4 tablespoons of water, just enough to help it blend.

You are aiming for a thick, pourable puree with no visible chunks. Blending longer produces a smoother juice and makes it easier to strain in the next step.

Step 3: Strain and flavor the base

Set a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl or jug. Pour the blended pineapple through the sieve, pressing and stirring with a spoon or spatula to extract as much juice as possible. You should end up with about 2 cups (480 ml) of bright yellow pineapple juice in the bowl. You can discard the remaining pulp, or save it for smoothies, baking, or as a fruit snack.

Stir the grated ginger and lime juice into the pineapple juice. Add 2 tablespoons of honey, agave, or simple syrup and whisk until fully dissolved. Taste: if you want more sweetness, add up to 2 more tablespoons, a little at a time. If you enjoy more ginger heat, sprinkle in the remaining 1 teaspoon grated ginger.

Step 4: Chill the pineapple-ginger base

For the most refreshing results, chill the flavored base before serving. Cover the bowl or transfer the liquid to a jug with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 15–30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. Chilling helps the ginger infuse more fully and ensures the drink stays cold without relying solely on ice, which can dilute the flavors.

If you are in a hurry, you can skip this step and use extra ice, but the flavor will be best when the base is nicely chilled.

Step 5: Prepare the glasses and garnishes

When you are ready to serve, fill 4 tall glasses (8–10 fl oz capacity) about halfway to two-thirds full with ice cubes. Gently bruise your mint sprigs by giving them a light clap between your hands to release their aroma, then tuck 1–2 sprigs into each glass. Add a pineapple wedge or lime slice to the rim of each glass if you are using garnishes. This little bit of extra effort makes the cooler look special and party-ready.

Step 6: Add sparkling water and serve

Give the chilled pineapple-ginger base a quick stir, then pour it over the ice in each glass, filling about halfway. Top off each glass with chilled sparkling water, dividing it evenly between the 4 servings. Gently stir once or twice in each glass to combine the flavors without knocking out too much carbonation.

Taste and adjust in the glass if needed: a splash more lime for tang, a touch more sweetener stirred in if you like it sweeter, or an extra spoonful of grated ginger for an extra kick. Serve immediately while the drink is cold, fizzy, and fragrant.

Pro Tips

• Pick a ripe pineapple: Look for a golden-yellow color, a bit of give when pressed near the base, and a sweet aroma at the stem end. This gives you the best natural sweetness and tropical flavor.
• Control the ginger heat: Start with 2 teaspoons grated ginger, then add more slowly. Fresh ginger can vary in intensity, and it is easier to add than to take away.
• Chill everything: For maximum refreshment, chill the pineapple, sparkling water, and even the glasses ahead of time. The colder everything is, the longer your cooler stays bright and undiluted.
• Use good bubbles: Choose a sparkling water you enjoy drinking on its own. A lightly flavored pineapple, lime, or ginger sparkling water can add an extra layer of flavor.
• Make a pitcher: For a crowd, scale the recipe up and mix the pineapple-ginger base and sparkling water together in a large pitcher just before serving, then pour over ice-filled glasses.

Variations

• Coconut twist: Replace 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the sparkling water with 1/2 cup (120 ml) chilled coconut water for a softer, rounder tropical flavor. It adds natural sweetness and a hint of coconut without being creamy.
• Spicy pineapple-ginger-lime cooler: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a thin slice of fresh jalapeño to the pineapple-ginger base while it chills, then strain before serving. This gives a subtle, warming kick that plays well with the ginger.
• Mocktail to cocktail: For an adult version, add 1–1 1/2 ounces (30–45 ml) of white rum, spiced rum, or vodka to each glass before topping with sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.

Storage & Make-Ahead

The pineapple-ginger base (without sparkling water or ice) can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in a covered jug in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using, as some separation is natural. Once mixed with sparkling water, the drink is best enjoyed within 15–20 minutes for peak carbonation. Leftover base will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge, but the ginger flavor may intensify slightly over time. Avoid storing the finished drink with ice in it, as the melting ice will dilute both flavor and fizz.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate values for one of 4 servings (made with 2 tablespoons honey, not including optional garnishes): about 95–105 calories; 0 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g protein; 25–26 g carbohydrates; 22–24 g sugars; 1–2 g fiber; 5–10 mg sodium. Values will vary based on the sweetness of your pineapple, the exact amount and type of sweetener used, and the brand of sparkling water.