If you have been looking for a drink that tastes like a vacation without any effort, this is it. This pineapple mocktail is bright, tropical, and just tart enough to keep it from being too sweet.
My friend brought over pineapple mocktails for a day out by the pool last summer and I became instantly obsessed. It was so simple yet so refreshing, I kept going back for more until the pitcher was empty.
(That's also the kind of afternoon where my non-alcoholic cucumber margarita comes in handy. When it's hot and you're outside for hours, something that actually refreshes you while tasting that good is hard to beat.)
After that pool day, I asked my friend what was in it because I couldn't believe something that refreshing was so straightforward. I was surprised because it tasted way more complex than it actually is. I started making it at home that same week and quickly figured out the ratio that works best for me.
I make this when the weather is nice, and I want something cold and fruity by the pool, or when I'm having people over and need a drink I can make quickly without missing the conversation. On those same kinds of afternoons I'll sometimes make a big pitcher of my tropical mocktail alongside it so there are options, or switch things up with my mango colada mocktail.
My friend still laughs about how one poolside pitcher turned me into a pineapple mocktail loyalist, but I can't help it when something this simple tastes this good. And if you want a bright drink to add to your spread, try my lemon mojito mocktail recipe.
Ingredients
Fresh pineapple juice gives this mocktail its main flavor, so use fresh if you can, or bottled juice with no added sugar if that's what you have. Lime juice balances the sweetness and keeps the drink from tasting too heavy, while club soda adds light fizz.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Top Tips for Pineapple Mocktail
Strain pulpy pineapple juice if needed: Too much pulp can make the mocktail feel thick instead of light and fizzy.
Adjust the syrup to the pineapple: Very sweet pineapple juice may need less simple syrup, while sharper juice may need the full amount.
Use plain club soda: Flavored or sweetened sparkling water can throw off the balance and make the drink taste too sweet.
How to Make Pineapple Mocktail?
This pineapple mocktail is bright, fizzy, and easy to make in one glass or shaker. It's the perfect refreshing summer drink.
Mix the juices
Add the pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- The mixture should taste slightly stronger before the club soda goes in, since the soda will soften it.
Shake with ice
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- The pineapple juice should look lightly frothy after shaking.
Strain into the glass
Strain the mixture into a serving glass filled with fresh ice.
- Use fresh ice instead of the shaker ice so the drink stays cold without tasting watered down right away.
Add the club soda
Top the drink with club soda.
- Pour the club soda in slowly so it keeps its bubbles.
- Do not shake the club soda with the juice mixture, or the shaker can build pressure and spill.
Garnish and serve
Slap the mint sprig between your hands to release the oils, you may add a pineapple wedge for garnish and serve.
You can mix the pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup ahead of time. Add the club soda right before serving so the drink stays fizzy.
Yes. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, then keep the juice mixture chilled. Add club soda just before serving.
Yes, as long as it is 100% pineapple juice. If it is very sweet, start with less simple syrup and adjust after tasting.
Club soda loses bubbles quickly once mixed in. Add it last and serve the drink right away.
Yes, plain sparkling water works. Avoid sweetened or strongly flavored versions since they can change the balance.
Pineapple Mocktail
Ingredients
- 4 oz fresh pineapple juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- Mint
- Ice
Instructions
- Slap the mint sprig between your hands to release the oils, then garnish and serve.
- Add the pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Strain into a serving glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda.
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