Pineapple Ginger Smash
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This four-step pineapple ginger smash combines juicy pineapple, spicy fresh ginger, bourbon, and citrus for a refreshing cocktail with the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warming flavors. Easy to make and packed with tropical flavor, this whiskey smash recipe is great for summer entertaining, happy hour, or backyard gatherings. For more cocktail recipes that highlight seasonal produce, try my prickly pear margarita or this spicy cucumber margarita next.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and refreshing – Pineapple and lemon juice keep this bourbon cocktail light and citrusy.
- Balanced flavor – Fresh ginger adds a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Easy to make – This cocktail comes together quickly with simple fresh ingredients.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Vodka – Vodka is a clear, distilled spirit. It’s made by extracting starch from various grains, fruits and vegetables; commonly potatoes, wheat or rice. Unless flavors are added, vodka at its base is less flavorful than other spirits making it a great liquor for flavorful drinks like this.
- Pineapple – Sweet and tart pineapple juice is perfect in summer cocktails and pairs well with zesty ginger and herby cilantro. Look for 100% fruit juice or fresh pressed pineapple juice for this recipe.
- Ginger – Peel away the skin of ginger with a spoon. It helps to navigate the uneven texture. The spicy flavor of fresh ginger root complements the sweet flavors of the pineapple and masks the alcohol.
- Lemongrass – Lemongrass adds a bright, lemony flavor to this cocktail. I only use the bottom yellow part of the stalk (the top part is typically much too tough). Muddling it helps to release the flavor. Fresh lemongrass is best rather than using a pre-packaged paste since it has a more complex flavor.
- Cilantro – Muddling the cilantro helps to infuse the cocktail with fresh, woodsy notes. If you don’t want any remaining bits of cilantro in your cocktail, I recommend double straining the drink through a fine mesh strainer.
- Agave – Rather than adding simple syrup to this cocktail recipe, I add a bit of agave, a natural sweetener. Agave has a neutral flavor and comes from the agave plant.
- Lime juice – A bit of citrus goes a long way to balance the flavors and brighten up this cocktail.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pro Tip
Muddle the ginger thoroughly before shaking to release as much fresh, spicy flavor as possible into the cocktail.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Bourbon: Swap with dark rum or tequila for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh pineapple: Use pineapple juice if fresh pineapple is unavailable.
- Ginger: Substitute ginger syrup for a smoother ginger flavor.
- Lemon juice: Use lime juice for a sharper citrus finish.
- Make it sparkling: Top with club soda or ginger beer for a bubbly variation.
How to Make a Pineapple Ginger Smash (Step-by-Step)
Add the ginger, lemongrass and cilantro to a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to press down and twist the mixture. Repeat this a few times until the ginger releases juice.
Add the vodka, pineapple juice, agave and lime juice.
Then add ice to the shaker, then close the top and shake vigorously.
Strain the mixture into a low-ball glass filled with ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Can I Make a Pineapple Ginger Smash Mocktail?
Whether you’re sober, sober-curious or simply trying to drink less, this summer cocktail can easily be made without alcohol. Omit the vodka and add 2 ounces of water to cut the sweet, tart and spicy flavors. If you prefer a drink on the fizzy side, top the drink with a splash of soda water instead of water.
How to Serve a Pineapple Ginger Smash
- For happy hour: Serve over crushed ice with a pineapple wedge or candied ginger garnish.
- With grilled foods: Pair with grilled chicken, burgers, or shrimp skewers for a summer meal.
- At parties: Batch the cocktail ahead of time and shake individual servings with ice before serving.
- For brunch: Serve alongside tropical fruit platters or breakfast tacos.
How to Store a Pineapple Ginger Smash
- Store the mixture: Refrigerate the cocktail mixture without ice for up to 2 days.
- Shake before serving: Re-shake with fresh ice before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep ingredients ahead: Cut the pineapple and juice the citrus ahead of time for easy assembly.
- Avoid storing with ice: Ice will dilute the cocktail as it sits.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Bourbon works best because its caramel and vanilla notes pair well with sweet pineapple and spicy ginger.
Yes. You can mix the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to shake with ice and serve.
Yes. Replace the bourbon with ginger beer, sparkling water, or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative.
Fresh pineapple wedges, candied ginger, mint, or lemon wheels all make great garnishes for this cocktail.
Other Recipes to Try
If this sweet cocktail made you go into vacation mode, give some of my other favorite cocktails a try:
Tried it? Loved it? Tweaked it? Leave a review below and tell me how it went – I’m all ears (and always hungry).
Pineapple Ginger Smash
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Ingredients:
- 1” knob ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 stalk lemongrass, lower tender part only, halved lengthwise
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves
- 2 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- ½ ounce agave
- ½ ounce lime juice
- Pineapple wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the ginger, lemongrass and cilantro to a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to press down and twist the mixture. Repeat this a few times until the ginger releases juice.
- Add the vodka, pineapple juice, agave and lime juice.
- Then add ice to the shaker, then close the top and shake vigorously.
- Strain the mixture into a low-ball glass filled with ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
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Notes:
Nutrition:
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