PINEAPPLE, MINT, AND CLEMENTINE WATER

Makes one gallon We love pineapple, so we’re always looking for something to do with the leftover juice when we use canned pineapple in our recipes. We found that mixing it with water, fresh mint, and clementine creates a fresh, fruity, and fun drink that’s perfectly refreshing when you’re looking for something a bit more special than regular water. If you don’t have a clementine at home, you can also use lemon, lime, or orange! INGREDIENTS • 1 C (35°F) pineapple juice (remaining liquid of 16 oz (454 g) can) • 24-40 fresh mint leaves, washed • 1 clementine • 56 oz (1588 g) water (approximate) INSTRUCTIONS AND HOW KIDS CAN HELP 1. Add the pineapple juice and mint to a clean pitcher. 2. Zest and juice the clementine; add to pitcher. 3. Fill the rest of the pitcher with water. 4. Let little hands stir, muddle, or shake. 5. Serve cold.

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Pineapple, mint, and clementine water turns a plain pitcher of water into something genuinely special. It's built on the pineapple juice left behind in the can, plus fresh mint and a whole clementine — zest and all. Fruity, fragrant, and barely sweetened by anything but fruit.

Pro Tips

• This is the perfect home for the juice left in the can after you use canned pineapple elsewhere — one cup is exactly what a standard can leaves behind.
• Muddle or slap the mint gently rather than shredding it; crushed mint releases its oils fine but turns bitter after a while.
• Zest the clementine before juicing it — the zest carries most of the aroma and you'll notice it missing if you skip it.
• No clementine? Lemon, lime, or orange all work in the same way.
• Serve it properly cold over ice; this drink is all about refreshment, and room temperature flattens the mint.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead can I make this fruit water?

It's best within the day. If you want to prep it ahead, pull the mint out after a few hours so it doesn't turn bitter, then add fresh leaves when you serve.

Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned?

Yes — one cup of fresh juice works exactly the same way. Canned is just the clever way to use up what's left in the can.

Is there any sweetener in this drink?

No added sweetener at all. The pineapple juice and clementine do the sweetening, which is why it lands closer to spa water than soda.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

About two to three days for the juice, water, and citrus. Remove the mint within 24 hours and the flavor stays clean instead of musty.

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