Fruit Cooler Recipe

Juice citrus

If not using pre-pressed juice, squeeze fresh oranges, lemons, and limes to yield 1.5 cups orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove pulp and seeds for a smoother cooler.

Make fruit purée

Place pineapple chunks, chopped mango, and hulled strawberries in a blender. Add 3 tablespoons simple syrup. Blend on high until very smooth, about 30–45 seconds. If the purée is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons cold water to help blend.

Combine with citrus

Pour the strained citrus juices into a large pitcher. Add the fruit purée and whisk or stir vigorously until fully combined. Taste and adjust sweetness: add up to 1 more tablespoon simple syrup if you prefer sweeter, or add a splash more lime juice if you prefer brighter acidity.

Chill briefly

Refrigerate the combined liquid for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld, or fill the pitcher with ice to chill quickly for 5–10 minutes. If you refrigerated, stir again before serving.

Assemble drinks

Fill four tall glasses with about 1/2 cup ice cubes each. Pour the fruit-citrus mixture into each glass until they are about two-thirds full, leaving room for sparkling water.

Top with sparkle

Divide 2 cups cold sparkling water or club soda evenly among the glasses (about 1/2 cup per glass) and gently stir once to combine, preserving the carbonation.

Garnish and serve

Garnish each glass with a thin citrus slice and a small sprig of mint if using. Serve immediately while fizzy.