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Pineapple and Ginger Drink

Pineapple and Ginger Drink is one of the most refreshing and widely served fresh fruit drinks at Nigerian parties, restaurants and social gatherings — a non-fermented, immediately drinkable fresh juice that combines the extraordinary sweetness and acidity of Nigerian pineapple with the warming, anti-inflammatory depth of fresh ginger. The combination is perfectly balanced — the pineapple's tropical brightness against the ginger's warming spice — and it produces a drink that i

Pineapple and Ginger Drink, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 1 big fresh ripe pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
  • A very big piece of fresh ginger, peeled and roughly sliced
  • 3 glasses of cold water
  • Sugar or honey to taste — use sparingly as the pineapple is naturally sweet
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice — to brighten and preserve

Method

  1. 01

    Blending. Place the pineapple chunks and sliced ginger in a blender. Add 3 glasses of cold water. Blend at high speed for 2 minutes until completely smooth.

  2. 02

    Straining. Strain through a fine sieve or muslin cloth, pressing firmly to extract all the juice. The strained juice should be a beautiful golden colour.

  3. 03

    Sweetening and Finishing. Taste the juice — Nigerian pineapple is naturally very sweet and may need no added sugar. Add sugar or honey only if needed. Squeeze in a little lemon juice to brighten all the flavours and extend freshness.

  4. 04

    Chilling. Refrigerate until very cold. Serve over ice in tall glasses.

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