MAKES 1 LARGE PITCHER · VEGETARIAN, GF, DF, VEGAN ADAPTABLE
If you and soda are still hanging out together, even if it’s just on the weekends, it’s time to break up. Soda is one of the absolute worst things you can put into your precious body. It’s highly inflammatory, full of sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, often with added colors, and if it’s in a can, you’re drinking some aluminum, too. Diet soda isn’t any better for you. Say good-bye for good and get cozy with an agua fresca. Literally translated as “fresh water,” an agua fresca is simply fresh fruit blended with water for a light, natural homemade fruit drink. I have made aguas frescas with every type of melon, as well as berries; this pineapple version is so tasty with a little mint. For a carbonated agua fresca, blend fruit with 2 cups of water and strain. Then add 2 cups of sparkling water.
1 whole pineapple, outside rind sliced off, core removed, and fruit cut into chunks (about 8 cups)
8 fresh mint leaves (optional)
3 tablespoons raw honey (not vegan) or granulated cane sugar, if you need it
Juice of ½ lime (about 1½ tablespoons) (don’t skip this; it really perks up the flavor)
1. Place half the fruit and 2 cups of water in a blender and puree until smooth. Taste for sweetness. If you think you will need to add sugar, add it in the next batch.
2. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher or a large bowl. Discard any seeds that remain. Repeat with the remaining fruit and 2 cups of water, adding the mint leaves and sugar, if using them.
3. Blend until smooth. Strain. Stir in the lime juice.
4. Transfer to a pitcher and chill before serving. The flavor is better if it has a chance to sit.
TIPS: If you don’t have fresh pineapple handy, frozen pineapple certainly works. Just defrost it first.
For a cocktail, add a splash of sparkling wine.