Go Back

Mango Pineapple Refresher

A bright, tangy-sweet mango pineapple refresher made with real fruit and a simple technique to keep it from tasting watery or overly sugary.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ripe mango about 1 cup cubed
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks thawed if frozen
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup adjust to taste
  • 1 cup ice cubes plus more for serving
  • Sparkling water or soda water about 1 cup, chilled
  • Lime slices and mint sprigs for garnish optional

Equipment

  • blender
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • pitcher
  • citrus juicer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Peel the mango and cut the flesh away from the pit. Cube into 1-inch pieces. If using fresh pineapple, trim and core, then cut into chunks.
  2. Place mango, pineapple, cold water, lime juice, and honey in a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30-45 seconds. The mixture should be thick and creamy with no visible chunks.
  3. Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer set over a pitcher. Press with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid. Discard the fibrous pulp left in the strainer. This step ensures a silky texture, not a pulpy one.
  4. Add the ice cubes to the pitcher and stir until the puree is well chilled and the ice begins to melt slightly, about 1 minute. This quick dilution balances the sweetness.
  5. Divide the mixture between two tall glasses filled with fresh ice. Top each with about 1/2 cup sparkling water. Stir gently once to combine. The drink should be a vibrant golden-orange with a slight fizz.
  6. Garnish with a lime slice and a mint sprig. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: The base puree (without ice or sparkling water) keeps in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir or shake well before using. The drink is best consumed right after adding sparkling water to retain fizz. For a less sweet version, reduce honey to 1 teaspoon or omit entirely if the mango is very ripe. Common allergens: none, but check honey source if serving to infants under 1 year. Always use a sharp knife when cutting mango and pineapple, and keep fingers clear of the blade. If you have dietary concerns, consult a qualified professional.