Cranberry Pineapple Water: Recipe and Tips

Cranberry pineapple water is chilled water infused with cranberries and pineapple; it takes 2 hours 10 minutes to prepare and yields about 4 cups (950 mL).

What is cranberry pineapple water?

Cranberry pineapple water is an unsweetened fruit infusion: the fruit steeps in cold water, then can be strained out before serving. It has a lighter flavor than juice, with tart cranberry notes and a mild tropical finish.

It is one of many berry infused water recipes you can adjust to your taste. This version uses fresh fruit and needs no blender or cooking.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups (950 mL)

950 mL (4 cups) cold drinking water
50 g (about 1/2 cup) fresh cranberries
100 g (about 2/3 cup) fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into small pieces

This ratio uses about 150 g of fruit for nearly 1 liter of water. The gram amounts are the most useful guide if your fruit pieces are a different size from the approximate cup measures.

Choose firm cranberries and ripe pineapple without signs of spoilage. You will need a clean pitcher or large jar, a knife and a strainer. Use a container with enough room for both the water and fruit.

How do you make cranberry pineapple water?

Rinse the cranberries and the outside of the pineapple under running water.
Prepare the fruit by halving the cranberries and cutting the peeled, cored pineapple into small pieces.
Combine the fruit and 950 mL (4 cups) of cold drinking water in a clean pitcher.
Refrigerate for 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a fuller flavor.
Strain the fruit if you prefer, then pour the cranberry pineapple water into glasses.

For another fruit combination or a different batch size, try the AI infused water generator.

Halving the cranberries exposes their flesh, while small pineapple pieces give the water more surface contact. The drink will still taste subtle compared with fruit juice. If you want a stronger infusion, use the longer steep before adding more fruit.

Why do cranberries and pineapple pair well?

Cranberries bring a tart, slightly sharp flavor, while pineapple adds a gentler fruity sweetness. Together, they make a refreshing drink without requiring added sugar. The balance also works in separate preparations of cranberry infused water and pineapple infused water.

The main benefit of cranberry pineapple water is hydration. Fruit contains nutrients, but the amount that transfers into the water during steeping is uncertain; eating the fruit is different from drinking the strained infusion.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste. This drink can contribute to fluid intake, but it does not flush toxins from the body.

How should you store cranberry pineapple water?

Keep cranberry pineapple water refrigerated while it steeps and after serving. For the best flavor, drink it within 24 hours. Discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours. If you strain the fruit, use a clean strainer and return any remaining water to the refrigerator promptly. Keep the fruit refrigerated too if you plan to eat it.

How can you vary cranberry pineapple water?

Make it more tart

Use a little more cranberry and a little less pineapple, keeping the total fruit close to 150 g. Slice the cranberries before adding them so their tart flavor can reach the water.

Make it more pineapple-forward

Increase the pineapple and reduce the cranberries while keeping roughly the same total amount of fruit. Small pineapple pieces make the fruit easier to distribute through the pitcher.

Adjust the strength

For a lighter drink, start tasting after a shorter chill and strain when the flavor suits you. For the fuller version, refrigerate the fruit in the water for up to 4 hours. Keep the finished drink refrigerated either way.