Lemonade is a classic choice for a refreshing summer drink, but limeade is the overlooked citrus beverage that deserves just as much attention. The tartness and tanginess of fresh lime juice are quite intense, which means you don’t need to use very much to yield a good limeade. On its own, lime juice needs lots of sweetener. Instead of adding white sugar, I prefer the more natural approach by mixing in freshly made pineapple juice. Juicing a pineapple is super easy, and you don’t even need to buy a juicer.
While testing this limeade recipe, I really wanted to avoid white sugar and/or making simple syrup. Using honey was an obvious choice simply because it’s already 20% water, says The Kitchn, so there’s no need to cook it down. Then, while at the grocery store, I walked past some REALLY ripe pineapples, and their aroma was irresistible. Wanting to avoid making a “honey drink with a little lime”, I decided the juice from this pineapple needed to be extracted and put to good use.
Making fresh juice without a juicer
You don’t need to buy an expensive juicer to make pineapple juice (or any other fruit juice). Juicers are super expensive, bulky, and tedious. Instead, simply cut the pineapple into chunks, pulse it in a food processor, then press it through a fine mesh strainer (a sieve) into a larger bowl. Use a rubber spatula to push the pulp down and extract as much juice as possible. Make sure your mesh strainer is a super fine grate. Some are looser than others, so choose the strainers with the smaller holes to catch more pulp. If you can pass a toothpick through the strainer, the grate is too wide. If a sewing needle can pass through, you’re good to go.
Use this same juicing technique for juicing watermelons to make my Vodka Watermelon Cocktail, or just combine this fresh pineapple juice with watermelon juice.
Pineapple Honey Limeade
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 whole pineapple, to yield 2 cups fresh pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup honey
Instructions
- Cut 1/2 pineapple into large chunks. Pulse them in a food processor until broken down to a “crushed pineapple” texture.
- Pour the crushed pineapple into a fine mesh sieve placed over a medium bowl. Force the juice through the sieve with a rubber spatula.
- To make your limeade concentrate, thoroughly stir in the honey and lime juice. Use this as a base to serve up in individual drinks or in a large pitcher. Add 1 parts concentrate to 3 parts water, then serve in chilled glasses.
