Pineapple and basil create a tasty mix in this cool summer drink. The sweet fruit pairs well with the herb’s fresh flavor.
The Pineapple Basil Cooler Cocktail is easy to make at home and perfect for hot days.
This cocktail blends rum, pineapple juice, and muddled basil leaves. A splash of lime adds a tangy kick.
The drink is topped with sparkling water for a light, fizzy finish.
Try this recipe at your next backyard party or beach day. It’s sure to be a hit with friends who like fruity drinks with a twist.
The bright yellow color and basil garnish make it look as good as it tastes.
Pineapple Basil Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Strainer
- Tall glass
- Ice
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make one Pineapple Basil Cooler:
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves
- Club soda
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge and basil sprig for garnish
Fresh ingredients are key. Use real pineapple juice, not from concentrate, for the best flavor.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Pineapple Basil Cooler:
- Put basil leaves in the shaker and muddle gently.
- Add pineapple juice, vodka, and simple syrup.
- Fill shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and basil sprig.
Muddle the basil just enough to release its oils, but not so much that it becomes bitter.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Pineapple Basil Cooler Cocktail offers a refreshing blend of flavors. Sweet pineapple juice forms the base, balanced by the herbal notes of fresh basil.
A hint of lime adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness. Meanwhile, the cocktail has a smooth, light texture from the sparkling water.
The aroma is tropical and inviting. Pineapple scents dominate, with whispers of basil adding complexity.
On the palate, the drink starts sweet then shifts to a slightly tart finish. The basil provides an unexpected but pleasant earthy undertone.
This cocktail is best served ice-cold. The flavors become more pronounced as the drink warms slightly.
Garnishes like pineapple wedges or basil leaves can enhance both the visual appeal and taste experience.
The alcohol content is mild, making it suitable for casual sipping. Non-alcoholic versions retain most of the flavor profile.
Food pairings:
- Grilled seafood
- Spicy appetizers
- Light salads
- Tropical fruit desserts
The Pineapple Basil Cooler works well as an aperitif or a poolside refresher. Its unique flavor combination makes it stand out among summer cocktails.
Substitute
If you don’t have pineapple or basil on hand, don’t worry! There are easy swaps for this refreshing cocktail.
Instead of pineapple juice, try mango or passion fruit juice. These tropical flavors work well with the other ingredients. You can also use canned pineapple chunks blended with water as a quick fix.
For the basil, mint makes a great stand-in. It adds a similar fresh, herbal note. Cilantro or rosemary could work too, but use less as their flavors are stronger.
No fresh fruit for garnish? Frozen berries or citrus slices look pretty and keep drinks cold. Or skip the garnish entirely – the drink will still taste great.
With these swaps, you can still enjoy a tasty tropical cooler even if you’re missing some items. Get creative and try new flavor combos!