Pineapple Spritz
This Pineapple Spritz is a vibrant, easy-to-make cocktail combining muddled fresh mint and sugar with crushed pineapple, dark rum, and effervescent ginger ale. Served over ice, it’s a refreshing drink perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweet, boozy, and spicy notes.
Equipment
- 1 Muddler For gently bruising the mint.
- 1 Mixing Pitcher Large enough to combine all liquid ingredients.
- 6 Serving Glasses Highball or rocks glasses are suitable.
- 1 Jigger or Measuring Spoons For accurate measurement of rum and sugar.
- 1 Bar Spoon For stirring ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 small bunch mint
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
- 1 cup dark rum
- 1/2 to 1 cup ginger ale
- Ice
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves and sugar in a sturdy mixing pitcher.
- Gently muddle the mint and sugar together for about 15-20 seconds to release the mint's essential oils.
- Add the crushed pineapple (undrained) and dark rum to the pitcher with the muddled mint and sugar.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly with a bar spoon to combine all ingredients well.
- Fill six serving glasses generously with ice.
- Divide the pineapple-rum mixture evenly among the prepared glasses.
- Top each glass with 1/2 to 1 cup of ginger ale, adjusting the amount to achieve your desired fizz and dilution.
- Stir each drink gently in the glass to incorporate the ginger ale.
- Garnish each Pineapple Spritz with a fresh mint sprig and a pineapple wedge, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
1. When muddling the mint, use a light touch to gently bruise the leaves and release their aromatic oils. Over-muddling will tear the mint, releasing chlorophyll which can lead to a bitter taste.2. The sweetness level can be adjusted. Start with the suggested amount of sugar and ginger ale, then taste and add more ginger ale or a touch of simple syrup if a sweeter profile is desired. A quality dark rum will provide depth; consider a spiced rum for an added layer of complexity. 3. For an elevated presentation, chill the serving glasses beforehand and garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge or a full mint sprig, giving it a gentle clap to awaken its aroma just before serving.