Leia Pineapple Cocktail

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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.

lr 0318 for tropical pineapple cocktail in glass with fresh pineapple slice for summer gathering

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.

What’s 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.

Leia pineapple cocktails garnished with pineapple wedges beside yellow flowers

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.

Leia Pineapple Cocktail

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.
leia pineapple cocktail

Everything I Love for This Recipe

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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.

Pineapple cocktail in a stemmed glass with a pineapple wedge
Leia pineapple cocktail with a pineapple wedge and tropical leaves

Leia Pineapple Cocktail

White rum and pineapple juice topped with sparkling coconut pineapple water and a pinch of nutmeg.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course cocktails, Drinks
Servings 1 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

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Variations

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.

pineapple cocktail

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.

Girls’ Night In

Equally important, it takes under ten minutes.

Leia pineapple cocktail with a pineapple wedge and tropical leaves

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.

Erica Thomas smiling at a styled autumn dinner table with florals and place settings

SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!

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