Sip on Sunshine: Pineapple Mocktails for a Tropical Twist

Summer is in full swing and those refreshing tropical drinks are calling our name! Mocktails are having a moment as more Americans are opting to cut alcohol out of their diets to improve their health and overall headspace! And we are HERE for it. 

One place we were worried we might miss that extra little kick was in our fruity summer drinks - but it turns out that summer cocktails are just as refreshing, fun, and delicious without alcohol! WE've put together a list of our favorite summer mocktails that make use of that oh-so-sweet, oh-so-tangy summer treat: pineapple!

Your Summer of Pineapple & Coconut

We LOVE pineapple in summertime. It's sweet, it's juicy, and you can eat it fresh, frozen, blended, diced, or sliced. The list goes on! It's versatile too: it pairs great with creamy treats like coconut and with tangy citrus like lime juice. You can even mix it with eclectic flavors like maple syrup or mint for a surprising twist!

Health Benefits of Pineapple in Your Drinks

Pineapple doesn't just taste great: it gives your mocktails a healthy boost too. It's rich in vitamic C, bromelain, and antioxidants, and it supports immune function and digestion, making it a guilt-free addition to your summer beverages.

On top of that, pineapple's natural sweetness means no added sugar is needed, which cuts down on calories and refined carbohydrates. It's self-care that tastes great! 

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Pineapple Mocktail

Fresh pineapple juice is the key ingredient for any summer mocktail recipe, and ice cubes are obviously important for that cool, refreshing hit, but beyond that, you can let your imagination run wild! Just remember: simple ingredients are always better.

Try coconut cream, coconut milk, unsweetened coconut water, or shredded coconut for an exotic, piña colada twist. Balance sweetness with something sharp like ginger ale or mint, or perhaps a splash of fresh lime juice, orange juice, or lemon juice. Sparkling water gives any drink a fun fizz, and fresh mint leaves can be used to garnish, or muddled with sugar to create a pineapple coconut mojito mocktail.

Classic Pineapple Mocktail Recipes

Pineapple Mojito Mocktail

A refreshing blend of pineapple juice, lime, mint leaves, and sparkling water.

• 2 pineapple chunks
• 2 lime wedges
• 2 mint leaves
• 3 ounces pineapple puree
• 4 ounces club soda

Muddle the pineapple chunks, lime wedges, and mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, fill with ice, and shake until cold. Do not strain. Pour directly into a chilled glass and top off with club soda. Garnish with mint or lime.

To make a pineapple coconut mojito mocktail, add 2 tbsp coconut cream to the bottom of the cocktail shaker during the muddling step.

Pineapple Coconut Cooler

Combines pineapple juice, coconut water, and a hint of honey over ice.

• 2 tbsp Torani Coconut Syrup
• 1 tbsp Torani Vanilla Syrup
• 2 cups pineapple chopped
• ¼ cup coconut water
• ½ cup ice

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Use a wedge of pineapple to wet the rim of two glasses and dip the rims into shredded coconut, then fill with the blended drink. Top with a pineapple wedge or filly umbrella.

Innovative Twists on Pineapple Mocktails

Spicy Pineapple Margarita

Infuses pineapple juice with jalapeño slices, lime, and agave syrup.

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice or 1 fresh lime
• 1/4 cup lime seltzer water
• 1 tbs honey
• Spicy Margarita Salt
• 1 jalapeño

Add pineapple juice, lime juice and honey to a cocktail shaker, fill with ice, and shake until chilled. Use a lime to wet the rim of a margarita glass and salt the rim with spicy margarita salt. Pour and garnish with jalapeño slices.

Pineapple Ginger Sparkler

Mixes pineapple juice with fresh ginger, lemon juice, and club soda.

• 4 cups ginger ale
• 4 cups pineapple juice
• 1 piece fresh ginger, sliced thin
• 1orange, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

In a 64 ounce pitcher, combine the ginger ale and pineapple juice over ice. Garnish with ginger, orange slices, and basil.

Kid-Friendly Pineapple Mocktails

Pineapple Punch

A blend of pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda, garnished with cherries.

• 1 can frozen limeade concentrate (you won't be adding water)
• 6 cups pineapple juice
• 2 liters Ginger Ale OR Lemon Lime Soda
• Pineapple chunks orange slices, lime slices, and cherries

Combine the pineapple juice and ginger ale in a large punch bowl, then slowly stir in the frozen lemonade concentrate. Garnish with pineapple chunks, citrus slices, and cherries and serve with a large spoon.

Tropical Paradise Smoothie

Combines pineapple juice, banana, and yogurt for a creamy, fruity mocktail packed with vitamins.

• 1cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
• 1 15 oz can of fruit cocktail or tropical fruit salad
• 1cup pineapple juice
• 1banana

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For an even more tropical twist, add 1/2 a ripe mango and a splash of coconut water.

Garnishing Tips for a Stunning Presentation

Fresh Fruit Skewers

Thread pineapple chunks, berries, and mint leaves on skewers for a vibrant garnish that doubles as a snack.

Coconut Rim

Dip glass rims in coconut flakes or shredded coconut for a tropical touch that enhances the drink's coconut flavor.

Summer of Sunshine

Pineapple juice and lots of ice can make almost anything into a refreshing drink or a tasty mocktail (or even jazz up your holiday mocktails later this year!) Whether you're planning a summer trip with the little ones or just taking a weekend staycation, pineapple adds a delightful burst of flavor to your day.

Use the recipes in this article as a jumping-off point to let your creativity run wild and create your own drinks using whatever mocktail ingredients sound best to you. You can't go wrong with something as delicious as pineapple!