Leia Pineapple Cocktail
Pineapple is one of my favorite fruits. I love how sweet and bright it is, and, as a result, it finds its way into my summer drinks every year, right beside my tropical mocktail and my watermelon basil spritzer.
In the South, the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality, which is exactly why I love serving it to guests. With this in mind, this cocktail is a natural fit for a watermelon summer board or a fried chicken board on the patio.
Whatās more, it requires minimal ingredients and takes less than ten minutes to make. If you are having a backyard barbecue or a themed party such as a lūʻau, it is not only easy but also ideal to make in batches, much like my lemonade prosecco punch and raspberry bourbon sangria.
What Is the Leia Pineapple Cocktail?
In essence, it is a light rum and pineapple drink. White rum and pineapple juice are stirred over ice, strained into a chilled glass, topped with sparkling coconut pineapple water, and finished with nutmeg.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- White rum (1.5 ounces). A clean base that lets the fruit lead.
- Pineapple juice (3 ounces). Sweet, tropical and the main flavor.
- Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple. A sparkling topper that adds bubbles and a hint of coconut.
- Nutmeg. A pinch on top for warmth and aroma.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
This post contains affiliate links. I only share products I personally use and genuinely love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Cocktail Shaker
For stirring the rum and juice over ice.
Hawthorne Strainer
Gives a clean pour into the glass.
Old-Fashioned Glasses
The short glass named in the recipe.
Stemmed Coupe Glasses
A dressier option, as in my photos.
Jigger
For measuring the rum and juice.
Bar Spoon
For a quick stir.
Nutmeg Grater
Fresh nutmeg makes a difference.
Glass Pitcher
For making a batch.
Pineapple Corer
Easy wedges for garnish.
Large Ice Cube Tray
Keeps the drink cold without watering it down.
Round Serving Tray
Carries a round of drinks outside.
Cocktail Picks
For a pineapple wedge garnish.
How To Make the Leia Pineapple Cocktail
Step 1: Combine
Add the white rum and pineapple juice to a shaker. Add ice.
Step 2: Stir and Strain
Stir, then strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass.
Step 3: Top
Top with Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple.
Step 4: Garnish
Finish with a pinch of nutmeg.

Leia Pineapple Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces white rum
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple to top
- nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Add the white rum and pineapple juice to a shaker. Add ice.
- Stir and strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass.
- Top with Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple.
- Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg.
KEEP HOSTING
More to pour from the bar ā three cocktails worth shaking up next.
Perfect Fall Inspired Mimosas
A bright, bubbly mimosa that makes any brunch feel like a celebration.
Pour a Glass ā
Delicious, Festive and Super Easy Perfect Cranberry Moscow Mule
Crisp, gingery and served over plenty of ice.
Pour a Glass ā
Bourbon Peach Tea Smash
A spirit-forward sipper with bold, warming character.
Pour a Glass āVariations
Skip the Rum
Leave it out for a pineapple mocktail, or try my strawberry lemonade fruit pop mocktail.
Change the Topper
Club soda or another sparkling water can stand in.
Add a Garnish
A pineapple wedge on the rim, as in my photos.
Make a Batch
Multiply the rum and juice, keep the pitcher chilled, and top each glass with the sparkling water as you pour.
When I Love Serving This Pineapple Cocktail
A Backyard Barbecue
It is cold, fruity and easy to hand out.
A Lūʻau or Tropical Party
The theme takes care of itself.
Pool Days
Furthermore, it is light enough for an afternoon.
A Boat Day
See my tips for a great boat day.
Summer Showers
Pretty in a stemmed glass. Here is how I host a baby shower.
Girlsā Night In
Equally important, it takes under ten minutes.
What To Serve With It
Something Fresh
Honey basil peach fruit salad or cucumber tomato avocado salad.
A Board
A spring charcuterie board or a spring tinned fish board.
An Easy Bite
Easy crab toast with lemon mayo or prosciutto and fig crackers.
A Frozen Treat
Champagne berry popsicles, plus water fruit cubes for the glasses.
Another Pour
A raspberry lemonade for guests who are not drinking.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Serve right away. Add the sparkling topper just before serving so it stays bubbly.
- Batching ahead. Mix the rum and pineapple juice and keep the pitcher refrigerated.
- Chill the glasses. The recipe calls for a chilled glass, so put them in the freezer while you set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rum should I use?
A white rum.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes. Leave out the rum and top the pineapple juice with the sparkling water.
Is it shaken or stirred?
Stirred over ice, then strained.
Can I make it for a crowd?
Yes. It is ideal to make in batches; add the sparkling topper per glass.
How many does this make?
One cocktail.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this is summer in a glass: a few ingredients, less than ten minutes, and a drink that makes guests feel welcome. Without a doubt, it is one I will keep making. As always, please drink responsibly.

One Comment