You’ve picked something to watch. Dinner is nearly ready. There is nobody coming over and no reason to get the nice glasses out.
Except that you like them.
Somewhere along the way, making a drink can become something reserved for guests. On your own, it’s whatever is already open, poured into whatever is nearest the sink.
There is nothing wrong with that. But sometimes a few minutes in the kitchen is part of enjoying the evening. Cutting a lime. Filling a glass with ice. Making something you chose because it sounds good.
This peach and pineapple fizz is for that sort of night. A short ingredient list, no specialist equipment and room to adjust it to your taste.
Peach, pineapple and lime fizz
Makes one drink · About 5 minutes
What you’ll need
- 50 g ripe peach flesh, roughly chopped, plus a wedge for serving
- 60 ml pineapple juice, chilled
- 10 ml freshly squeezed lime juice, plus more to taste
- 80–120 ml chilled sparkling water
- Plenty of ice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar syrup, if the fruit needs it
Frozen peach works too; let it soften before using. Tinned peach in juice is another option. Drain it first and taste before adding any syrup.
How to make it
- Mash the peach thoroughly in a small jug with the lime juice. A fork works; a small blender gives a smoother result.
- Stir in the pineapple juice. Taste, adding the optional syrup only if you want more sweetness. Strain through a fine sieve if you prefer a drink without pulp.
- Fill a large glass (at least 350 ml) with ice and pour in the fruit mixture.
- Add 80 ml sparkling water, stir gently, then top up to taste. Finish with the peach wedge.
Add the sparkling water last to keep the drink lively. If you’re using a blender or shaker for the fruit base, leave the sparkling water out until you pour.
Make it taste the way you like
Peaches vary, and so does pineapple juice. Use the measurements as a starting point.
If it tastes too sweet, try a little more lime. If it is too sharp, add a small amount of syrup. If you want something lighter to sip alongside food, add more sparkling water.
You don’t need to correct every difference. A softer peach will give you a different drink from a firmer one. That is part of making it with fruit.
For two people, double the fruit base, divide it between two glasses filled with ice and add the sparkling water separately. There is no need to buy a whole set of bar equipment for a night on the sofa.
Let it be part of the evening
This version uses no caffeinated ingredients. It is simply a drink to make because you fancy peach, pineapple and lime, with no promised transformation attached.
Put it beside the dinner you were already making. Take it outside for a few minutes if the weather is kind. Drink it while choosing a film, even if choosing the film takes longer than making the drink.
You don’t need guests to enjoy something you’ve made.
The nice glass can be for you.
