This pineapple lemon drink is sweet, tangy and refreshing — a big jug of it in the fridge makes it much easier to drink more during the day. It takes about 10 minutes with a blender.
You may have found this recipe as a “weight loss drink.” We’ve updated it to be honest: no drink melts fat or “flushes toxins.” Where a drink like this can help is as a swap for soda or sweetened juice, which are among the biggest sources of added sugar in most diets.
Pineapple Lemon Drink Recipe
Ingredients (about 8 glasses)
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 8 cups (2 liters) cold water
- Honey to taste (optional)
- Fresh mint or ice to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Blend the pineapple chunks with 2 cups of the water until smooth.
- Pour into a large pitcher. Strain it if you prefer a clear drink, or leave the pulp in for more fiber.
- Add the lemon juice and the rest of the water and stir.
- Taste and add a little honey only if needed — ripe pineapple is usually sweet enough.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes and stir before serving.
Tip: keep it in a closed jar in the fridge and drink it within 1–2 days.
What Pineapple and Lemon Bring
- Pineapple: natural sweetness, vitamin C and manganese. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein, though only small amounts end up in a diluted drink.
- Lemon: a fresh, tangy flavor and some vitamin C, which makes the drink taste less sweet without adding sugar.
- Water: the main benefit. If you find plain water boring, a fruity drink can help you stay hydrated.
Can It Help With Weight Loss?
Not on its own. The drink has fewer calories than soda or most juices because it’s diluted, so swapping it for those can help you cut down on sugar. But pineapple isn’t a “fat burner,” lemon doesn’t “boost metabolism” in any meaningful way, and drinking it on an empty stomach doesn’t change the result.
What makes the real difference over time: balanced meals with protein and vegetables, fewer sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks, daily movement and enough sleep. For ideas, see our 7-Day Clean Eating Meal Plan.
Good to Know
- Pineapple and lemon are acidic. If you have reflux or a sensitive stomach, drink it with food rather than first thing in the morning.
- Rinse your mouth with water afterward and wait about an hour before brushing your teeth.
- Even unsweetened, blended fruit contains natural sugar. If you’re managing blood sugar, keep portions small and skip the honey.
More Easy Drinks
Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you have it ready for your next jug!