If you are someone who loves tropical fruit and enjoys drinks that have both sweetness and zing, then this spiced litchi and pineapple fizz is sure to become a favourite. It is a vibrant blend of soft litchi, tangy pineapple and just a touch of spice that keeps each sip interesting. The fizz from soda adds sparkle while the hint of cumin and black salt gives it an Indian street style edge. You can serve it as a welcome drink, a brunch cooler or even a party mocktail. The trick is to get the balance right between sweet and savoury.
Use fresh litchi and ripe pineapple if available, or good quality canned versions when the fruits are out of season. Just make sure the juices are not overly sweetened so the drink stays refreshing.
Step 1: Gather and prepare your fruits
Start by peeling and deseeding around twelve to fifteen fresh litchis to get about one cup of juicy pulp. If using canned litchis, rinse lightly and pat dry. Next, chop half a cup of fresh ripe pineapple into small pieces. The pineapple should be golden yellow, slightly soft to the touch and sweet smelling. Avoid green unripe ones as they may taste sour or too sharp. These two fruits together form the sweet and tropical base of your drink.
Step 2: Blend with spices and chill
Add the litchi pulp and pineapple pieces to a blender. Sprinkle in a pinch of roasted cumin powder, a pinch of black salt and a tiny amount of crushed black pepper. Add half a cup of chilled water to help it blend smoothly. Blend the mixture until completely smooth and pour it into a jug. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Place the jug in the fridge for about twenty minutes to allow the flavours to settle and the drink to cool naturally.
Step 3: Strain for a clean finish
Once chilled, strain the blended mixture through a fine sieve or muslin cloth to remove pulp and fibre. This step gives the drink a silky smooth texture and lets the fizz stand out better later. Press with a spoon to extract every drop of flavour. The result will be a slightly cloudy golden liquid with a rich fruity aroma and a subtle spice in the background.
Step 4: Add lemon and fizz just before serving
Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and stir gently. The lemon adds brightness and brings the sweet and spicy elements into balance. Just before serving, pour the litchi and pineapple mixture into serving glasses till they are two thirds full. Then top each glass with chilled soda water or sparkling water. Stir gently once to mix without losing the bubbles. You will see the drink come to life with a refreshing sparkle.
Step 5: Serve cold with a fun garnish
Add a few ice cubes to each glass and garnish with a wedge of pineapple or a small sprig of mint. You can also dust the rim of the glass with a mix of salt and roasted cumin powder for a street style touch. Serve immediately while the fizz is fresh and the aroma is bold. This drink works well on a hot day, during brunch or even as a light pre dinner mocktail.
The spiced litchi and pineapple fizz is a fun and flavourful twist on tropical juice. It combines the lush sweetness of litchi with the sharpness of pineapple and the warmth of gentle Indian spices. The fizz adds energy and lift, making it perfect for when you want something lively yet refreshing. Easy to make and full of contrast, this drink is a great way to explore how fruit, spice and sparkle can come together in one delicious glass.