Pineapple Peel and Core Lemonade with Mint

 

Peel and core from 1 pineapple

3 generously sized mint sprigs

1 C. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 C. simple syrup

 

Place the pineapple core and pieces of peel in a medium size pot with 4 C. of water.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, add the mint sprigs, and let the mixture steep, covered, for 25 minutes. Strain the mixture into a pitcher or serving vessel and discard the pineapple core, peel, and mint sprigs. Add the lemon juice to the pineapple-infused water, stir, and slowly start adding simple syrup, tasting as you go, until the lemonade is sweetened to your liking. Refrigerate until chilled. This lemonade is at its best the day it is made, but can be kept for a few days in the refrigerator. Stir before serving. Any remaining simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of weeks.