How to make homemade pineapple juice

By Cynthia Lodite, December 27, 2025

Fresh, tangy, and naturally sweet, homemade pineapple juice is the perfect drink to refresh and energise, especially during the festive season.

Packed with vitamins and no added preservatives, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

Whether served chilled on its own or used as a base for mocktails, here’s how to make delicious, all-natural pineapple juice right at home.

How to prepare

Prepare the pineapple: Using a sharp knife, slice off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand it upright and carefully slice off the thick outer skin, removing any remaining “eyes”. Cut the remaining fruit into chunks, removing the core if you prefer, though the core is fine for juicing as its fibres will be strained out later.
Blend the ingredients: Place the pineapple chunks into a blender jar. Add the water and any optional ingredients like sugar, lemon/lime juice, or a piece of fresh ginger.
Blend until smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed until it forms a smooth puree and no large chunks remain (about 1-2 minutes).
Strain the juice: Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the blended pineapple puree into the strainer. Use a spoon or spatula to press the pulp against the sieve to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the fibrous pulp.
Adjust and serve: Taste the juice and add more sugar or water if desired to reach your preferred sweetness and consistency. Pour the juice into glasses filled with ice cubes and garnish with a pineapple wedge or mint leaves before serving.

For a juicier pineapple, choose one that has a strong sweet aroma at the base and gives slightly when pressed.
Chill before juicing: For instant cold juice, chill the whole pineapple or the chopped chunks in the refrigerator beforehand.
Enhance the flavor: Consider adding a pinch of black salt or black pepper, which is a common addition in some regions, or a splash of coconut water for a tropical twist.
Storage: Homemade pineapple juice is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.