Dark Rum and Pineapple Juice Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, there’s just something so easy and satisfying about a dark rum and pineapple juice cocktail. It’s really just dark rum, pineapple juice, and a couple of simple steps—nothing complicated at all.

You don’t need fancy bar gear or rare liqueurs to pull off a drink that tastes this good. That’s probably why I keep coming back to it.

Whenever I throw this together, the deep, mellow flavor of the rum just melts into the sweet, tangy pineapple juice. It’s a pretty chill drink—good for a quiet night or when you’ve got a few friends over.

I’ll walk you through the ingredients, quick steps, and what kind of flavors to expect, so you can mix it up without second-guessing yourself.

Dark Rum And Pineapple Juice Cocktail Recipe

I genuinely like how this drink balances the sweetness of pineapple with the richness of dark rum. A touch of citrus and spice keeps it from being cloying and adds a bit of zip.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – helps everything come together fast.
• Jigger or measuring cup – so you don’t eyeball and regret it.
• Bar spoon – handy for a quick stir.
• Strainer – keeps the ice and pulp out of your glass.
• Highball or rocks glass – just depends on your mood.
• Small plate – for rimming with sugar or cinnamon, if you’re feeling extra.
• Knife and cutting board – for slicing up a garnish.
• Ice cubes or crushed ice – because nobody likes a warm cocktail.

I like to have all this stuff nearby, just makes the whole thing less of a hassle.

Ingredients

• 2 oz dark rum
• 4 oz pineapple juice (fresh or bottled)
• 0.5 oz lime juice (fresh-squeezed is best)
• 0.25 oz simple syrup (optional, adjust to your liking)
• 1 dash bitters (optional)
• Pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon (for garnish)
• 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
• 1 pineapple chunk or frozen pineapple (for garnish)
• Ice cubes or crushed ice

If you can get your hands on fresh pineapple juice, go for it. The flavor’s brighter and just feels fresher, but honestly, strained bottled juice is totally fine too.

Instructions

• Toss some ice into your cocktail shaker—about halfway full.
• Pour in the rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
• If you’re into a little spice, add a dash of bitters.
• Shake it up for 10–15 seconds until it feels cold.
• Strain into a glass packed with fresh ice.
• Dust the top with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon.
• Finish with a cherry and a wedge or chunk of pineapple.

I usually serve it right away, since letting it sit too long just waters it down. And nobody wants that.

Notes

Fresh juice really does make a difference—especially with pineapple and lime. If it comes out too sweet, just hit it with a bit more lime juice.

Sometimes I’ll top it off with soda water if I want something lighter. If I’m in the mood for a stronger kick, I’ll use less juice and a touch more rum.

Rimming the glass with sugar or cinnamon sugar is fun if you want to get fancy. And hey, chilling the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring helps keep everything nice and cold.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, the dark rum jumps out with this deep, molasses-like vibe. The pineapple juice brings a sweet, fruity note that really helps balance things out.

I notice the tartness from fresh lime—it brightens everything up. Honestly, it keeps the cocktail from getting too heavy or cloying.

Sometimes I’ll add a splash of ginger beer for a gentle fizz and a hint of spice. Suddenly, it’s got this refreshing, almost breezy feel, like something you’d want on a lazy, sunny afternoon.

This mix really works, whether you’re after a simple rum and pineapple drink or you’re making a pineapple rum punch for friends. It’s nothing fancy, but honestly, it feels like a signature cocktail when you serve it cold over ice.

The whole thing reminds me of those classic rum cocktails you find at beach bars—except you can whip it up at home. Doesn’t matter if it’s a short glass or tall; the flavors stay balanced and, well, kind of inviting.

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