Pineapple Basil Smash – Refreshing Tropical Cocktail with Gin or Rum
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Pineapple Basil Smash

A bright, tropical cocktail that blends pineapple, lime, and fresh basil for a refreshing balance of sweet, tart, and herbal. Perfect for warm nights and easy entertaining.

Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.

A vibrant Pineapple Basil Smash cocktail served over crushed ice in a short rocks glass, garnished with fresh basil leaves and pineapple fronds against a dark background.
Ingredients
  • 2 ounces gin or rum

  • 1 ounce pineapple juice

  • ¾ ounce lime juice

  • ½ ounce simple syrup

  • 2 basil leaves


Instructions
  1. In the base of a shaker glass, gently muddle the basil leaves with the lime juice.

  2. Add the gin (or rum), pineapple juice, and simple syrup.

  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until well chilled.

  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

  5. Garnish with a basil sprig and a pineapple leaf or wedge.

Notes from the Bar

Spirit Options

Both gin and rum pair beautifully with pineapple. Gin enhances the herbal, botanical notes, while rum makes it rounder and more tropical.


Pineapple Juice

Use 100% pineapple juice (not from concentrate) for the freshest, brightest flavor. If you have a juicer, freshly pressed pineapple juice adds extra froth and tang.


Herb Balance

Less is more. Two or three basil leaves are plenty. Over-muddling can turn the flavor bitter. Gently press to release aroma, don’t pulverize.


Ice Choice

Crushed ice works beautifully for this drink, keeping it frosty while letting the flavors evolve as it melts.


Seasonal Tip

This cocktail shines in spring and summer but works year-round when you need a touch of sunshine in your glass.

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Make It a Date Nite

This cocktail is part of something bigger for us. It's a ritual we return to week after week.

Each week, we create a Date Nite designed around one drink, one thoughtful menu, and the feeling of slowing down together. The kind of night where the table is set with intention, the music hums softly in the background, and the evening unfolds without rushing.

For this Date Nite, we’ve paired a cocktail with a cozy, make-ahead-friendly menu, so you can enjoy the process without spending the whole night in the kitchen. We also include little touches we love like timing notes, a head start option, and a playlist to set the mood. Feel to pair the meal with any of our cocktails.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And turning an ordinary night at home into something that feels quietly special.

Each Date Nite includes a curated menu, cocktail pairing and a playlist, as well as another thoughtful extras like make-ahead tips, leftover ideas or table talk prompts to carry the night.

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