How To Make The Perfect Tropical Drink

Known as La Piña Preparada, this concoction gives you a taste of the beach when you aren’t able to make it to the coast. 

I first encountered La Piña Preparada while visiting the Pacific Ocean down in Nayarit, Mexico. Hence why the name is in Spanish. 

Here is what you will need:



 

-Pineapple
-Large Metal Spoon
-Cutting Board
-Sharp Knife
-Grenadine
-Salt
-Lemon/Lime
-Mango
-Cucumber
-Jicama
-Watermelon   

       

On to the process of putting it all together.

Step 1: Cut the top or crown of the pineapple off.

Step 2: With the same knife, remove the core of the pineapple, leaving behind a circular void.

Step 3: With the large metal spoon, hollow out the pineapple by scraping out what you can. Then with the opposite side of the spoon, mush what is left on the sides and bottom to make it liquefy. Be careful not to push too hard, you don’t want to push through the side of the pineapple.

Step 4: Pour in 2 tablespoons of grenadine with a pinch of salt. Mix.

 

Step 5: Now for the sticky part. Per the image, the ingredients need to fit into the pineapple, so slice accordingly. Make sure that your slices aren't too large. 

After you have sliced them up, you can start putting them in.

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Step 6: Squeeze lemon/lime and orange over the fruits and a good bit into the juice.

Step 7: Put in a straw and a spoon. You are all set! 

All that is left is for you to sit down, feet up, and put some relaxing music on. You’ve earned it. Enjoy! 

Written by Jonathon Benedict, Marketing Major at Grand Valley State University.