Some cocktails are meant to comfort, while others are meant to revive and this pineapple gin cooler falls happily into the second category. With juicy pineapple, crisp lime and fragrant gin, it delivers a bright and breezy sip every time. The gentle fizz from soda water lifts the drink, while a touch of fresh herbs adds complexity without effort. It is ideal for garden brunches, rooftop evenings or slow afternoons where something chilled and cheerful makes everything feel better. Choose sweet, golden pineapples that have a fruity aroma near the base and feel slightly soft when you press them. A clean, floral gin works best here, something not too heavy but full of botanical notes.
Step 1: Blend fresh pineapple juice
Cut one cup of ripe pineapple into chunks and add to a blender with a splash of cold water. Blend until smooth and strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the fibres. You should get about half a cup of clear, golden juice. Fresh pineapple gives this drink its vibrant flavour and natural sweetness. Avoid packaged juice as it can taste flat or overly sweet.
Step 2: Mix with gin and citrus juice
In a cocktail shaker or mixing jar, pour in the pineapple juice and add one and a half shots of gin. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime to add brightness and lift the gin’s natural aromas. Stir or shake gently to combine. If your pineapple is too tart, you can add a teaspoon of sugar syrup or honey to balance it. If you want to make a bigger batch, simply double the quantities while keeping the same ratios.
Step 3: Add fresh herbs for depth
Take a few leaves of fresh basil or mint and crush them lightly between your fingers to release their oils. Drop them into the gin and pineapple mix and let them sit for five minutes. This short infusion time adds just enough herbal note to make the drink more interesting without overpowering the fruit and gin. You can strain the leaves before serving or leave a few floating in the glass for visual appeal.
Step 4: Top with soda and chill
Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the infused gin and pineapple mixture into it. Top up with chilled soda water, leaving a little space at the top. Stir gently once or twice to mix the layers. The drink should be lightly golden with green flecks of herb and a sparkling surface. If you like stronger fizz, use sparkling mineral water or tonic instead of soda.
Step 5: Garnish and serve immediately
Garnish your pineapple gin cooler with a thin wedge of pineapple, a lime wheel or a fresh herb sprig tucked along the side. Serve immediately with a paper or metal straw. This drink is best when cold, bubbly and freshly mixed. You can also chill the base mixture in advance and top with soda right before serving if preparing for a group.
The pineapple gin cooler is an easy, elegant cocktail that celebrates freshness. Its mix of juicy fruit, crisp gin and cooling herbs makes it one of those drinks you’ll reach for all summer long. With just five simple steps, you get a cocktail that is light, fragrant and effortlessly tropical the kind that feels just as good by the pool as it does at a weekend get together. Make it once, and it might just become your new go to cooler.