Fresh pineapple and mojito were always going to be a good combination. This pineapple mojito mocktail is tropical, minty, and exactly what a summer drink should be.
A few years ago, my friends and I scheduled a summer day out by the pool and I volunteered to make the drinks. One of my friends really doesn't like bottled juices and prefers fresh fruit drinks whenever possible.
So, even though big batches of drinks with fresh fruits take a few more minutes to make, I accepted the challenge and made multiple pitchers that morning, including this pineapple mojito mocktail and my watermelon lychee mocktail.
This pineapple mojito mocktail was the first to go. The fresh pineapple gives it this bright, natural sweetness that juice just doesn't have, and the mint and lime keep it crisp and cool so it never feels heavy. It's the kind of drink that's refreshing enough to keep sipping without realizing how fast the pitcher is emptying.
It was inspired by my latest visit to Miami, Florida. The streets of Miami are as full of rum drinks as anything else. I took time to do a pub crawl with my friend, and our stop at bars like Broken Shaker, Sweet Liberty Drinks, Medium Cool and Swizzle Rum Bar all showed that rum was the drink of choice in the hottest city in America. And rum mojito mocktails? They were everywhere, too.
After that pool day, my friends started asking me to bring drinks to every gathering. The friend who requested fresh fruit told me she hadn't enjoyed drinks that much in a long time because she's so used to everything tasting processed and overly sweet. She said the pineapple mojito specifically was her favorite because she could taste every ingredient instead of it all blending into one generic sweetness.
Now, whenever we plan something, the group chat always includes "are you bringing drinks?" and I always say yes. When I need something that works for a bigger group without the muddling, my orange grapefruit punch is the one I make alongside this because it scales up effortlessly and disappears just as fast.
Ingredients
The tropical base comes from fresh pineapple chunks, which release juice and natural sweetness when muddled. Fresh works best for brighter flavor and softer texture, though thawed frozen pineapple can work if that's what you have.
Mint leaves make this feel like a mojito instead of pineapple soda. Non-alcoholic rum adds that familiar mojito backbone, and Sprite brings sweetness and fizz that ties the pineapple and mint together.
Top Tips for Pineapple Mojito Mocktail
Use ripe pineapple: Ripe pineapple is sweeter, juicier, and gives the mocktail better flavor.
Strain if desired: For a smoother drink, strain out the muddled pineapple before serving.
Muddle gently: Press the mint just enough to release its oils. Over-muddling can make the drink taste bitter.
How to Make Pineapple Mojito Mocktail?
This pineapple mojito mocktail is the kind of mocktail that feels fun enough for a summer get together but simple enough to make for one glass at home.
Muddle the pineapple and mint
Add the pineapple chunks, mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup to a sturdy serving glass, then muddle gently for about 30 seconds.
- The pineapple should break down enough to release juice, but it does not need to turn into a smooth puree.
- Press the mint gently instead of grinding it, since over-muddled mint can taste bitter.
Add the non-alcoholic rum
Pour the non-alcoholic rum into the glass and stir it into the muddled pineapple mixture.
Add ice
Fill the glass with fresh ice, leaving a little room at the top for the Sprite.
Finish with Sprite
Pour the Sprite over the ice until the glass is nearly full, then stir gently.
Garnish and serve
Clap the mint sprig between your hands, then garnish with the mint, pineapple wedge, and lime wheel.
Yes, but fresh pineapple gives the drink more texture and a brighter flavor. Pineapple juice works well when you're short on time.
Yes. Sparkling water makes the drink less sweet and lets the pineapple and mint stand out more. You may want to add a little extra simple syrup.
You can leave it out or replace it with coconut water for a slightly different tropical flavor profile.
Use extra pineapple chunks or choose a very ripe pineapple. Ripe fruit releases more juice and sweetness when muddled.
Yes. Blend the ingredients with ice instead of serving them over ice for a slushy, frozen version that's especially good on hot summer days.
Pineapple Mojito Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh pineapple chunks
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz non-alcoholic rum
- 4 oz Sprite
- Pineapple wedge lime wheel, and mint sprig for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Add the pineapple chunks, mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup to a serving glass.
- Muddle for about 30 seconds, until the pineapple is crushed and the mint is fragrant.
- Add the non-alcoholic rum and stir to combine.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Top with Sprite and stir gently.
- Slap the mint sprig between your hands to release the oils.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge, lime wheel, and mint sprig, then serve.
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