Strawberry Pineapple Smash Cocktail Recipe

There’s just something about a drink that’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. When I’m craving something fruity but not cloying, I reach for a mix that balances juicy pineapple with sweet strawberries. This Strawberry Pineapple Smash Cocktail delivers a crisp, refreshing taste with only a few easy steps.

I love how this cocktail feels light but still bursts with flavor. Strawberries bring a gentle sweetness, while pineapple throws in a tangy punch that keeps things lively.

You can whip this up fast—no need for fancy gadgets or obscure ingredients.

Just grab a few fresh ingredients and muddle them together. You’ll end up with a colorful, refreshing drink that’s easy to enjoy whenever the mood strikes.

Here’s how I put it together and what you can expect with that first sip.

Strawberry Pineapple Smash Cocktail Recipe

This drink mixes sweet strawberries and bright pineapple for a refreshing balance. The combo of fruit, herbs, and bubbles just works—especially on a warm day or when friends drop by.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I use this to mix and chill the drink fast.
• Jigger – It helps me measure out vodka, gin, or juice without guessing.
• Muddler – I press the strawberries, lime, and mint leaves to pull out their flavors.
• Strainer – I strain the mix so the glass isn’t full of fruit bits.
• Tall glass – Highball or Collins glasses are my go-tos.
• Bar spoon – I stir in the soda or sparkling water at the end.
• Ice – Crushed or cubed, whatever’s handy, keeps it cold and crisp.

Having these tools ready makes everything smoother and the drink comes out just right.

Ingredients

• 4–5 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1.5 oz vodka or gin (non-alcoholic gin works too)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup or honey
• Juice of half a lime
• 4–5 fresh mint leaves (or swap in basil)
• Club soda, ginger ale, lemon lime soda, or sparkling water to top
• Ice cubes

I always grab ripe strawberries—they add natural sweetness. Pineapple juice brings that tropical vibe, and a squeeze of lime brightens everything up.

The choice of soda totally changes the finish, so I just use what I’ve got.

Instructions

• Toss strawberries, mint leaves, and lime juice into the cocktail shaker.
• Muddle gently until the fruit softens and lets out its juice.
• Pour in vodka or gin, pineapple juice, and simple syrup or honey.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain the mix into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with club soda, ginger ale, lemon lime soda, or sparkling water.
• Give it a light stir with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with a strawberry slice or mint sprig if you’re feeling fancy.

I keep the shake quick so the flavors blend without getting watered down.

Notes

Sometimes I switch vodka for gin when I want a herbal twist. Non-alcoholic gin works great if I’m making a mocktail.

If I want it sweeter, ginger ale or lemon lime soda does the trick. When I’m in the mood for something lighter, I just top it with sparkling water or club soda.

Fresh herbs really make a difference. Mint gives a cool, fresh taste, while basil brings a softer, savory vibe. Honey instead of simple syrup makes the sweetness a bit more interesting—almost floral.

Ice makes a bigger difference than you’d think. Crushed ice melts faster and softens the drink, but cubes keep it bolder and less diluted.

Tasting Notes

Right away, I get this sweet burst of strawberry—it’s light, really refreshing, and kind of makes you want another sip. Then the pineapple jumps in with a gentle tang, just enough to keep things interesting without going overboard.

Honestly, the mix reminds me of a berry cocktail—something you’d want as a summer cocktail, especially when it’s hot out. It’s bright, easygoing, and doesn’t weigh you down at all.

I’m a fan of how clean the fruit flavors stay. The strawberry brings a soft, juicy note, and the pineapple gives it this crisp edge, so it never feels heavy or syrupy.

If you’re skipping alcohol, you can still enjoy it as a mocktail. The fruit flavors hold up on their own, so you don’t really miss anything.

When I drink it chilled, everything feels even fresher. The cold seems to make the pineapple stand out more, while the strawberry just smooths the whole thing out.