Bright, colorful, and just the right mix of sweet and tangy, the Pikachu Ing is a drink that brings a little spark to any occasion. Inspired by the cheerful energy of Pikachu, this cocktail isn’t just fun to sip—it’s a total crowd-pleaser with its electric hues and refreshing flavors. I’ve made this drink countless times for summer parties, and it never fails to get a “Wow!” before the first sip even happens.
Pikachu Ing
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Highball glass or mason jar
Make-ahead: Mix the juices in advance and chill; assemble just before serving for best fizz and color layering
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) lemonade (freshly squeezed if possible)
– 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) ginger beer
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) electric blue curaçao (or blue raspberry syrup for a non-alcoholic version)
– A dash of grenadine
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: slice of star fruit or pineapple wedge
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice. If you have time, chill the glass first—it helps keep the drink cooler and more refreshing.
- In a shaker or small pitcher, mix the lemonade and pineapple juice. Stir or shake briefly to combine.
- Pour the juice mixture into your glass over the ice.
- Top with the ginger beer. Pour slowly so you don’t lose the fizz.
- Next, take a spoon and flip it so the back faces up. Hold it just above the drink and gently pour the blue curaçao over the back of the spoon. This helps it float and create that gorgeous layered look.
- Finish with a dash of grenadine. It’ll sink to the bottom and give you a fun sunrise effect.
- Garnish with a slice of star fruit or pineapple wedge for a playful touch.
Tips for Success
– Use fresh lemonade and pineapple juice for the brightest, cleanest flavor.
– Don’t skip the spoon trick—it really helps get that beautiful color separation.
– If you’re serving a crowd, mix the juices ahead of time and keep them chilled in a pitcher. Add ginger beer and the colorful layers just before serving.
– Want it less sweet? Use less grenadine or swap ginger beer for tonic water.
Ingredient Swaps
– No blue curaçao? Use blue raspberry syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
– Out of pineapple juice? Mango juice brings a slightly richer, tropical twist.
– Prefer more tartness? Swap lemonade for limeade.
– Don’t love ginger beer? Try lemon-lime soda or tonic water for a different kind of fizz.
Why These Ingredients Work
The lemonade brings bright citrusy notes, while pineapple juice adds tropical sweetness. Ginger beer gives a spicy kick and some bubbles, balancing everything out. The blue curaçao adds not only a pop of color but a hint of orange flavor. And grenadine? That’s your sweet finishing touch—it settles at the bottom, giving the drink a layered look and a subtle berry note.
Storage
This drink is best made fresh. If you’re prepping ahead, mix the lemonade and pineapple juice and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don’t add ginger beer or the layered elements until just before serving—otherwise, you’ll lose the fizz and that stunning look.
Serving Suggestions
The Pikachu Ing is perfect for:
– Themed parties (especially Pokémon nights!)
– Summer BBQs
– Brunch with a twist
– A fun, colorful happy hour
Pair it with:
– Fresh sushi rolls (the citrus and spice in the drink balance the umami in the fish)
– Grilled chicken skewers
– A crisp fruit salad (especially with melon, kiwi, and strawberries)
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends—it’s light, fun, and always gets people talking.
Fun Variations
Thunderbolt Twist
– Add 1 oz (30 ml) vodka with the juices for a boozier version.
Sparkling Pika
– Use sparkling wine instead of ginger beer. It’s bubbly and festive—great for brunch or celebrations.
Electric Blue Raspberry (Non-Alcoholic)
– Swap the blue curaçao for blue raspberry syrup. You’ll still get the color and fruity flavor without the alcohol.
– Add a splash of lemon-lime soda for extra fizz.
Virgin Pikachu Ing
– Skip the alcohol entirely and use extra pineapple juice and soda water or lemon-lime soda to keep it fun and fizzy.
FAQs
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
You can mix the lemonade and pineapple juice in advance. But wait to add the ginger beer, blue curaçao, and grenadine until just before serving—those give you the fizz and the layered look.
Is there a kid-friendly version?
Yes! Use blue raspberry syrup instead of blue curaçao and lemon-lime soda instead of ginger beer. Kids love the color and the fruity taste.
How do I layer the drink properly?
Pour the blue curaçao slowly over the back of a spoon to help it float on top. Do the same with grenadine, letting it sink gently to the bottom.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back on grenadine or use tonic water in place of ginger beer. Fresh lemonade also tends to be less sweet than bottled versions.
Can I use store-bought lemonade?
Yes, just check the label for added sugars. Fresh is always best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
Final Sip
The Pikachu Ing isn’t just a drink—it’s a little electric moment in a glass. Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or serving a tray at your next get-together, it’s sure to make things more fun. Play with the flavors, try a twist, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Cheers!
