Pineapple Juice Recipe (Jugo de Piña)

Ingredients

• 495 g (3 cups)pineapple, peeled and diced
• 240 ml (1 cup)water
• 60 g (1/4 cup)crushed ice
• 25 g (2 tablespoons)sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend the mixture

   Put the pineapple, water and sugar in a blender, leaving out the ice, and blend until smooth.

2. 2

   Blend with ice

   Return the juice to the blender, add the crushed ice and blend again until smooth.

3. 3

   Serve straight away

   Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

What is jugo de piña?

Jugo de piña is pineapple juice prepared in Colombian homes. This simple version blends fresh fruit with water and a little sugar, then adds ice for a cool, smooth drink.

Ripe pineapple gives the juice its fruity flavour, while blending keeps the preparation quick and straightforward.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 85 calories, 1g protein, 22g carbs, 1g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates come from the pineapple and added sugar, while the fruit contributes a small amount of protein and the recipe contains very little fat. Serve a glass with a meal that includes a source of protein, such as eggs or yoghurt, for a more substantial plate.

Choosing the pineapple

Ripe fruit: choose a fragrant pineapple that gives slightly when pressed. Peel it and cut it into small pieces so it blends readily.

Fresh or frozen: fresh pineapple is the recipe’s starting point. If using frozen pieces, allow for a thicker, colder result.

Getting a smooth texture

First blend: blend the pineapple with the water and sugar before adding the ice. This gives the fruit time to break down evenly.

Ice stage: add the crushed ice and blend until the drink looks smooth. Stop once the ice is incorporated so it stays cold.

Adjusting the sweetness

Sugar: the listed amount adds sweetness, but the flavour of pineapple can vary. Taste the blended juice and adjust the sugar to suit your preference.

Water: keep to the stated amount for the recipe’s intended balance. A splash more can make the drink less intense if desired.

Serving the juice

Serve promptly: the recipe calls for immediate serving, while the ice is still cold and the texture is freshly blended.

Pairing: enjoy it alongside breakfast, a light lunch or a snack. It also works well as a non-alcoholic drink with a meal.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the pineapple into evenly sized pieces to help it blend smoothly.
• Use cold water if you want the juice chilled before adding the ice.
• Taste the juice before serving and adjust the sugar if needed.
• Blend the ice thoroughly for a smoother, less chunky finish.
• Serve in chilled glasses to help the drink stay cool.

Variations

• Mint: blend in a few fresh mint leaves for a cooling herbal note.
• Lime: add a squeeze of lime juice for a sharper, tangier flavour.
• Less sweet: reduce the sugar and taste before adding any more.
• Thicker juice: use less water for a more concentrated drink.
• Extra chilled: replace some of the fresh pineapple with frozen pineapple pieces.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding ice too soon: blend the pineapple, water and sugar first, then add the ice as directed.
• Large fruit chunks: cut the pineapple into smaller pieces so the blender can process it evenly.
• Too much sugar: taste the juice before adding extra, as ripe pineapple may already be sweet.
• Leaving it to stand: serve straight away so the ice does not melt and dilute the drink.
• Stopping too early: continue blending until the crushed ice is fully incorporated.

How to store

This juice is best served immediately. If necessary, refrigerate it in a covered container and drink it within a day; stir or briefly blend before serving, as it may separate.

Frequently asked questions