Whenever I attend a party, there are rarely any non-alcoholic drink options. And if there are, it’s usually a sad little pitcher filled with a poor man’s lemonade or fruit punch. This Pineapple Ginger Mojito (mocktail) has all the complex qualities and nuances of a cocktail. You won’t even miss the rum because it has such a well-rounded flavor profile. The lime and sugar add acidity and sweetness, while the ginger lingers in the background with a slow burn. Here’s where things get fun: The subtle burn is soon replaced by the effervescent quality of the sparkling water. It’s almost as though the bubbles receive a signal from the ginger that the back of your throat needs to be soothed.  

Ingredients (for 1 pitcher)

1 peeled, fresh pineapple 

1/2 peeled, fresh ginger 

3/4 fresh lime juice and lime wedges for garnish

4-8 tbsp of dark brown and white, granulated sugar

1 tsp of flake salt

1 tbsp of vanilla extract

Fresh mint leaves and sprigs for garnish

Crushed ice

2 cups of chilled sparkling water or club soda

*Feel free to modify the recipe according to your palette. For example, you may wish to add more sugar or less sugar to your batch.

Instructions

Pineapple and ginger syrup

Fill a saucepan with about 3-4 cups of water. Add the pineapple chunks, and brown and white, granulated sugar, then bring the mixture to a boil (reserve some pineapple chunks for later). Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the pineapples are soft and the liquid has reduced. Strain the mixture into a bowl. Remember to extract the juice from the pineapples as well. Let the syrup cool for about 10-15 minutes. You can place it in the fridge to speed along the process. Repeat the same steps with the ginger chunks in a separate saucepan.

Pineapple ginger mojito prep

Use a pestle and mortar to muddle the pineapples, sugar and mint leaves into a pitcher. Pour in the lime juice, vanilla extract, sparkling water, and pineapple and ginger syrup, then stir. Dip the rim of your serving glasses into the flake salt. Add the crushed ice and fresh pineapple chunks into each glass. Top the glasses with the pineapple ginger mojito mixture and garnish with sprigs of mint and lime wedges. 

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