Got a hot day and need something cool? This pineapple ginger iced tea is exactly what you need. I stumbled on this combo last summer during a massive heatwave and haven’t stopped making it since. The sweet tropical pineapple mixed with spicy ginger creates this amazing flavor that’s both refreshing and energizing. Trust me it’s way better than store-bought stuff and super easy to make at home. Keep reading to find out how this drink can become your new summer favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Ginger Iced Tea
Tired of boring drinks? This pineapple ginger iced tea solves that problem fast. First time I made this was for a backyard BBQ and everyone kept asking for the recipe. Even my mother-in-law who’s super picky with drinks couldn’t stop sipping it.
What’s great is you can adjust everything to your taste. Want it sweeter? Add more pineapple. Need more kick? Throw in extra ginger. Works great for parties cause you can make a big batch ahead of time.
The combo of pineapple’s sweetness with ginger’s warming spice creates this perfect balance that’s refreshing but not boring. Plus it looks gorgeous in a glass with ice and some pineapple chunks floating on top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base Tea
- 6 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (regular or decaf works)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (canned works too but fresh gives better flavor)
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger root sliced thin
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (optional depending how sweet you like it)
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh pineapple slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
The tea bags give this drink its base. You can use any black tea but something not too strong works best so it doesn’t overpower the pineapple. If you don’t like caffeine just use decaf or even green tea for a lighter taste.
Fresh pineapple makes a huge difference in this pineapple ginger iced tea. The juice from fresh pineapple gives more natural sweetness. If using canned make sure to get ones in juice not syrup which makes it too sweet.
Ginger is super important here. Don’t use powdered ginger – it won’t give the same fresh spicy kick. If you love strong ginger flavor use more. If you’re not big on spice use less. No need to peel it completely just give it a quick scrape.
Honey adds nice flavor but regular sugar works fine too. You can even try coconut sugar for a different twist or skip sweetener completely if the pineapple is sweet enough.
How to Make Pineapple Ginger Iced Tea
Step 1: Prepare the Ginger
- Take your ginger piece and slice it into thin rounds. Don’t worry about peeling it perfectly – just remove any really rough spots.
- If you want milder ginger flavor just slice it. For stronger flavor slightly crush the slices with the side of a knife to release more oils.
Step 2: Brew the Tea Base
- Bring 6 cups water to almost boiling in a large pot
- Remove from heat when you see small bubbles forming
- Add tea bags and let steep for 5 mins. Tea should be dark amber color when ready.
- Remove tea bags and don’t squeeze them or tea might get bitter
Step 3: Infuse the Flavors
- Add sliced ginger and pineapple chunks to the hot tea
- Stir in honey or sugar if using until completely dissolved
- Let everything sit together for at least 30 mins. For stronger flavor let it steep 1-2 hours.
- The longer it sits the stronger the pineapple ginger flavor gets
Step 4: Strain and Chill
- Strain the mixture into a large pitcher to remove ginger slices and pineapple chunks
- You can press pineapple pieces against strainer to get more juice out
- Let cool to room temp then refrigerate until cold at least 2 hours
- If you’re in a hurry add extra ice to cool it faster
Step 5: Serve Your Pineapple Ginger Iced Tea
- Fill glasses with ice cubes
- Pour chilled tea over ice
- Garnish with fresh pineapple slices and mint if using
- Store any leftover tea covered in fridge up to 3 days
Delicious Variations to Try
Sparkling Pineapple Ginger Tea
Replace half the water with seltzer or club soda after brewing for a fizzy version. Add right before serving so it stays bubbly.
Pineapple Ginger Green Tea
Use green tea bags instead of black for a lighter version with more antioxidants. Green tea has less caffeine too if you’re sensitive.
Tropical Pineapple Ginger Punch
Add 1 cup coconut water and slices of lime for an extra tropical twist. Great for summer parties especially with a little rum for adults.
Spicy Pineapple Ginger Brew
Add a few slices of jalapeño during the steeping process for a spicy kick that works amazing with the sweet pineapple. Remove seeds if you don’t want too much heat.
Berry Pineapple Ginger Infusion
Throw in a handful of strawberries or raspberries with the pineapple for extra fruity flavor and pretty color. Try this one if you want something that looks amazing in a glass.
Minty Pineapple Ginger Cooler
Add a big bunch of fresh mint leaves during steeping for a super refreshing version that’s perfect after workouts or on super hot days.
Pineapple Ginger Iced Tea
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Strainer
- Large pitcher
- Knife and cutting board
- Stirring spoon
- Glasses for Serving
Ingredients
For the Base Tea:
- 6 cups water
- 4 black tea bags regular or decaf
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks or canned in juice, not syrup
- 2- inch piece fresh ginger root sliced thin
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar optional
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh pineapple slices and mint leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ginger
- Slice the ginger into thin rounds. No need to peel completely—just remove rough spots.
- For a stronger flavor, lightly crush the slices with a knife to release more oils.
Step 2: Brew the Tea Base
- Bring 6 cups of water to just below boiling in a large pot.
- Remove from heat and add the tea bags.
- Let steep for 5 minutes until the tea is dark amber.
- Remove tea bags without squeezing to avoid bitterness.
Step 3: Infuse the Flavors
- Add the sliced ginger and pineapple chunks to the hot tea.
- Stir in honey or sugar (if using) until fully dissolved.
- Let steep for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor.
Step 4: Strain and Chill
- Strain the tea into a pitcher, removing the ginger and pineapple pieces.
- Press the pineapple pieces to extract more juice before discarding.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 5: Serve
- Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour chilled tea over ice.
- Garnish with pineapple slices and mint leaves if desired.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pineapple and ginger tea do to the body?
Pineapple ginger iced tea isn’t just tasty it’s good for you too. Ginger helps with digestion and can reduce inflammation making it great after meals. Pineapple contains bromelain an enzyme that helps reduce swelling and can improve digestion. Together they make a drink that might help with bloating and stomach discomfort. The combo also gives your immune system a boost thanks to vitamin C in pineapple and antioxidants in ginger. Many people drink it when feeling under the weather or to help with stomach issues.
How to make ginger and pineapple tea?
Making pineapple ginger iced tea is super simple. First brew black tea with hot water. Then add fresh sliced ginger and pineapple chunks letting them steep together for 30 mins to 2 hours. Strain the mixture then chill it in the fridge. Serve over ice with optional garnishes like pineapple slices or mint. For hot version just skip the ice and refrigeration. You can adjust amounts of pineapple and ginger depending how strong you want the flavors. The basic recipe uses 6 cups water 4 tea bags 1 cup pineapple and 2 inches sliced ginger.
What does pineapple tea do for your body?
Pineapple tea offers several health benefits even without the ginger. The bromelain in pineapple helps reduce inflammation and can ease arthritis symptoms for some people. It’s also great for digestion and might help break down proteins. Pineapple contains loads of vitamin C which supports immune function and manganese for bone health. Many people drink it to help with bloating or water retention. Some even use it as part of weight management since it’s naturally sweet but low calorie when unsweetened. In this pineapple ginger iced tea recipe you get all these benefits in a super refreshing drink.
Is it okay to drink cold ginger tea?
Absolutely you can drink cold ginger tea including this pineapple ginger iced tea. Cold ginger tea still keeps most of the beneficial compounds that help with digestion and inflammation. Some people actually prefer it cold especially in summer months or after workouts. The cooling effect combined with ginger’s naturally warming properties creates a nice balance. If you have sensitive digestion very cold drinks might sometimes cause discomfort so start with room temperature if unsure. But for most people cold ginger tea is perfectly fine and can be even more refreshing than hot.
When not to drink ginger tea?
While pineapple ginger iced tea is great for most people there are some situations where you might want to avoid it. If you’re on blood thinners check with doctor since ginger can increase their effect. People with gallstones should sometimes limit ginger. If you have low blood pressure be careful as ginger might lower it further. Some people get heartburn from too much ginger especially on empty stomach. Pregnant women should consume moderate amounts only. If you notice any discomfort after drinking it try reducing the amount of ginger or avoiding it completely. Always listen to your body’s signals.
Tips for the Perfect Brew
Getting that perfect pineapple ginger iced tea isn’t complicated but these tips will help:
Don’t oversteep your tea bags or it’ll get bitter. 5 minutes max is plenty.
Fresh ingredients make huge difference. Fresh pineapple and ginger have way more flavor than canned or powdered versions.
Let the mixture cool completely before refrigerating to preserve flavor.
This tea actually tastes better the next day after flavors have time to blend so making ahead is perfect.
If serving at a party add frozen pineapple chunks instead of ice cubes so it doesn’t get watered down.
Great Pairings for Your Pineapple Ginger Iced Tea
This drink goes amazing with spicy foods since the sweetness balances heat. Try it with:
- Spicy Thai or Indian dishes
- BBQ foods like grilled chicken or ribs
- Fish tacos or seafood
- Tropical fruit salads
For a complete summer menu try serving this pineapple ginger iced tea with grilled pineapple skewers and coconut rice. The flavors work perfectly together.
If you’re looking for more refreshing drinks to try check out our Banana Lemon Ginger Smoothie which has similar ginger kick but creamier texture. For something lighter our Blueberry Infused Water is super popular too.
Looking for more pineapple recipes? Our Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie is a reader favorite. And for something completely different but equally refreshing try our Honeydew Lemonade.
Health Benefits Worth Mentioning
This pineapple ginger iced tea isn’t just tasty it’s packed with good stuff:
Ginger contains gingerol which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and might help reduce muscle pain.
Pineapple is loaded with vitamins and minerals plus bromelain that helps digestion.
Black tea has antioxidants called polyphenols that support heart health.
Together they create a drink that’s refreshing and good for you especially as natural alternative to sugary sodas.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this pineapple ginger iced tea is you can make big batch ahead of time:
Brew a double batch and keep it in fridge up to 5 days in covered pitcher.
For parties prep it the day before so flavors have time to develop fully.
If making way ahead freeze some in ice cube trays to add to glasses later so it doesn’t get watered down.
The color might darken slightly over time but flavor stays good for several days.
Final Thoughts on Pineapple Ginger Iced Tea
First time I made this pineapple ginger iced tea was during a summer when nothing seemed to cool us down. My kids were tired of regular lemonade and I had pineapple that needed using up. The combo with ginger was accidental but now it’s our go-to summer drink.
What I love most is how it balances tradition and new flavors. It starts with classic iced tea but transforms into something special with tropical sweetness and spicy warmth. Everyone who tries it gets hooked.
Make it your own by adjusting sweetness ginger level or trying the variations. On hot days nothing beats this refreshing drink that’s both cooling and energizing at same time. Give this pineapple ginger iced tea a try and you’ll see why it’s become such a favorite in our house and might become one in yours too.