This colorful, fruity cocktail tastes just like summer in a glass. Sweet pineapple, zesty lemonade, and a splash of grenadine come together with vodka for a drink that’s fun, refreshing, and just a little nostalgic. It’s inspired by those juice pouches we all loved as kids—but with a grown-up twist.
Capri Sun Cocktail
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting the recipe: fresh juice really makes all the difference. It brightens the flavors and keeps the drink from being overly sweet.
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball or Collins glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 3 oz (90 ml) lemonade
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Ice cubes
– Orange slice, for garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, lemonade, and pineapple juice.
- Add the grenadine last—it gives the drink that pretty, sunset-like swirl.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
- Fill a highball glass with ice, then strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice and serve right away.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh juice whenever possible—especially for the lemonade and pineapple juice. It makes a huge difference in flavor.
– Don’t skip the shake. Shaking chills the drink and mixes the ingredients thoroughly.
– Want to cut back on sugar? Swap grenadine for a splash of pomegranate juice or use a natural sweetener like honey.
– Make a pitcher! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix in a large container. Keep it chilled and shake individual servings with ice before pouring.
Storage
You can mix the drink (without ice) ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake with fresh ice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is super versatile and works with all kinds of snacks and small bites. Here are a few of my go-to pairings:
Fruit Salad
The natural sweetness of the fruit plays nicely with the tropical vibe of the cocktail.
Grilled Shrimp
The smoky, savory flavor of shrimp balances out the sweet and tangy notes of the drink.
Cheese Platter
Try it with sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or even a creamy brie for a fun flavor contrast.
Make It Your Own
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights, but it’s also easy to switch things up depending on what you have on hand.
Substitutions
– Use rum instead of vodka for a more tropical feel.
– Swap lemonade with limeade if you want a tangier kick.
– Try coconut water for a lighter version.
– Want to skip the alcohol? Use sparkling water or lemon-lime soda instead of vodka.
Flavor Variations
Tropical Capri Sun
– Coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a spoonful of mango purée.
– Shake with ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Berry Capri Sun
– Vodka, cranberry juice, and raspberry syrup.
– Shake and top with fresh berries.
Spicy Capri Sun
– Tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and a few slices of jalapeño.
– Muddle the jalapeño first, then shake everything with ice.
Virgin Capri Sun
– Skip the vodka and use sparkling water or soda.
– Still sweet, bubbly, and super refreshing.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Mix everything but the ice and grenadine. Store in the fridge, then shake with ice and add grenadine just before serving.
What’s the best glass to use?
A highball or Collins glass works great. Just make sure it’s tall and can hold plenty of ice.
How do I reduce the sugar?
Use fresh juices and a natural sweetener like honey or agave. You can also go easy on the grenadine or skip it entirely.
What if I don’t have grenadine?
Try pomegranate juice, cherry syrup, or even a splash of cranberry juice for color and sweetness.
What other fruits can I try?
Mango, guava, passion fruit, or even peach juice are all fun alternatives.
Wrap-Up
Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or just relaxing on the porch, this Capri Sun Cocktail brings a little sunshine to your glass. It’s playful, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Try a few variations, pair it with your favorite bites, and enjoy the sweet, tangy kick that makes this drink such a crowd-pleaser.
