Whether you’re hosting a gathering, craving a satiating drink after a long day at work, or merely looking to quench your thirst on a sunny afternoon—get ready to enjoy this splendid concoction. Served both as a cocktail and a non-alcoholic refresher, the Pineapple Express drink offers a flexible recipe to suit everyone’s palette.
So, let’s escape to the land of sunny beaches and clear blue waters as we dive into the process of making this heavenly tropical concoction—trust me, you’re going to love it!
How to make Pineapple Express Drink
The Pineapple Express drink is a tropical and refreshing concoction that typically includes pineapple juice as a primary ingredient. It’s often mixed with other spirits like rum or vodka and sometimes includes coconut cream or coconut rum for an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. Vodka (Optional)
- 1 oz. Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
- 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
- Club Soda
- Pineapple slices and a sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix it up: In a shaker, add the vodka (if you’re making the cocktail version), pineapple juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake it: Cover the shaker and give it a good shake for approximately 15 seconds to combine all the ingredients well.
- Prepare your glass: Grab your favorite drinking glass and fill it with ice.
- Pour it out: Strain the cocktail over the ice into your glass.
- Top it off: Top off the drink with club soda to add that delightful fizz.
- Garnish: Finally, garnish with a slice of pineapple and a sprig of mint to enhance the tropical vibes.
Tips
- Quality matters: Always use fresh juices whenever possible. Fresh pineapple juice will give your Pineapple Express cocktail a more authentic and vibrant flavor.
- Ice Matters: Ensure you add enough ice to keep your drink cold and balance its consistency.
- Garnish over Generosity: Be generous with your garnish. A vibrant garnish not only makes your drink look more inviting but also adds a tiny bit of flavor.
- Dress it Down or Up: This drink is completely flexible. Feel free to add or decrease the amounts of each ingredient to tailor it to your taste.
What to serve with
The Pineapple Express drink is a flavorful and vibrant addition to any gathering, party, or personal treat. To elevate your experience to the next level, a few well-selected dishes can create an exquisite tropical spread that goes hand in hand with this delicious beverage. Below are some ideas to help you decide what to serve with your Pineapple Express:
- Tropical Fruit Salad: Combine a variety of tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya, kiwi, coconut shavings, and passion fruit, to create a vibrant and refreshing fruit salad. The natural sweetness from the fruits enhances the overall tropical experience the Pineapple Express drink delivers.
- Shrimp Ceviche: A zesty, savory option for seafood lovers, shrimp ceviche, marinated in lime juice, pairs well with the refreshing Pineapple Express drink. The tangy, citrusy flavors in both the shrimp ceviche and the drink harmonize beautifully, creating a perfect balance.
- Grilled Pineapple Salsa Chicken: Include the pineapple in your main course with some delicious grilled pineapple salsa chicken. The sweet and savory combination of salsa with grilled chicken adds a delightful counterpart to the Pineapple Express drink’s fruity flavors.
- Caribbean Jerk Spiced Tacos: Bring a taste of the Caribbean to your table with jerk spiced tacos. The spices of Caribbean Jerk will complement your Pineapple Express drink by adding a welcomed contrast of flavors.
- Coconut Rice: Coconut rice is an ideal side dish to serve with the Pineapple Express drink. This fragrant, coconut-infused rice adds a delightful tropical aroma and mild sweetness, while still retaining a light and subtle quality that won’t overpower the other flavors in your meal.
- Grilled Summer Vegetables: Accompany your Pineapple Express drink with simple grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. The freshness and slight char of these vegetables will highlight the fruity flavors in your cocktail without overwhelming them.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: For a sweet, tropical finish, pair your Pineapple Express drink with a soft and warm pineapple upside-down cake. The caramelized pineapple on top of the cake creates the perfect combination with the fruity flavors of your drink.
- Coconut Macaroons: These small, chewy, and sweet coconut treats are enticingly delicious and pair incredibly well with your Pineapple Express drink by adding a little tropical sweetness in every bite.
Final Thoughts
The Pineapple Express is all about enjoying a delightful and refreshing beverage that transports you to a tropical paradise with each sip. Enjoy!
More Fruit Drinks:
- Orange Tea Shot Recipe
- Smoothie King Peanut Power Plus Recipe
- Tic Tac Shot Recipe
- Applesauce Shot Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz. Vodka (Optional)
- 1 oz. Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
- 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
- Club Soda
- Pineapple slices and a sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions
- Mix it up: In a shaker, add the vodka (if you're making the cocktail version), pineapple juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake it: Cover the shaker and give it a good shake for approximately 15 seconds to combine all the ingredients well.
- Prepare your glass: Grab your favorite drinking glass and fill it with ice.
- Pour it out: Strain the cocktail over the ice into your glass.
- Top it off: Top off the drink with club soda to add that delightful fizz.
- Garnish: Finally, garnish with a slice of pineapple and a sprig of mint to enhance the tropical vibes.
