The Pineapple Last Word is one of those cocktails that feels like sunshine in a glass. It’s crisp, tropical, and just the right mix of sweet and tart. With juicy pineapple, zesty lime, and a touch of herbal warmth, this drink is a fun twist on a vintage classic—and it’s been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio.
Pineapple Last Word
Ingredients
Makes 1 cocktail | Prep time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– 0.75 oz (22.5 ml) gin
– 0.75 oz (22.5 ml) Green Chartreuse
– 0.75 oz (22.5 ml) Maraschino liqueur
– 0.75 oz (22.5 ml) pineapple juice (fresh if possible)
– 0.75 oz (22.5 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
– Ice
– Optional garnish: pineapple leaf or lime wheel
What You’ll Need
– Cocktail shaker
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smoother pour)
– Coupe or martini glass, chilled
Method
- Chill your serving glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you mix the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake hard for about 15 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker feels icy cold.
- Dump the ice water from your glass if you used that method. Strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple leaf or a lime wheel if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh juice: Fresh pineapple and lime juice make a big difference in flavor. The drink will taste brighter and more balanced.
– Chill your glass: This keeps your cocktail cooler longer and helps preserve the delicate aromas.
– Balance is everything: This cocktail is all about harmony. If one ingredient feels too strong, slightly adjust the ratios next time.
– If you find it too sweet, try reducing the Maraschino liqueur just a touch.
Make-Ahead Notes
If you’re hosting, you can pre-mix the ingredients (without ice) and store the mix in the fridge for up to a day. Shake with ice just before serving to keep it fresh and chilled.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed right after it’s made. If you have leftovers (rare, but hey), you can store the mix in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake it again with fresh ice before serving.
Flavor Profile
This drink hits all the right notes: sweet from the pineapple, tart from the lime, and that distinctive herbal finish from the Green Chartreuse. The Maraschino liqueur adds a subtle cherry-almond undertone. It’s layered but still easy to drink.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: if you want a slightly lighter sip, switch to yellow Chartreuse—it’s softer and a bit sweeter.
Serving Suggestions
The Pineapple Last Word is perfect as a pre-dinner drink. Its bright flavors wake up your taste buds without overpowering them. It also shines at brunch or backyard gatherings.
Food Pairings
– Grilled shrimp: The sweet and smoky combo is just right with the tropical vibes of the cocktail.
– Spicy tacos: The cocktail’s sweetness balances out the heat beautifully.
– Cheese platter: Try tangy goat cheese or aged cheddar with crackers and fruit for a great match.
Substitutions & Variations
Substitutions:
– Use vodka instead of gin for a milder base.
– Swap Green Chartreuse with yellow Chartreuse for a softer herbal flavor.
– Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but fresh is really best.
– If you’re out of Maraschino liqueur, try a splash of Luxardo syrup and a tiny bit of almond extract (just a drop).
Variations to Try:
Pineapple Gin Fizz
– 1 oz gin
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 0.5 oz lemon juice
– Top with soda water
Shake everything but the soda with ice, strain, and top with bubbles.
Tropical Last Word
– 0.75 oz gin
– 0.75 oz pineapple juice
– 0.5 oz passion fruit syrup
– 0.75 oz lime juice
Shake and strain for a more exotic twist.
Pineapple Basil Smash
– 0.75 oz gin
– 0.75 oz pineapple juice
– 0.5 oz lime juice
– 0.5 oz simple syrup
– A few fresh basil leaves
Muddle basil with syrup, add other ingredients, shake with ice, strain.
Non-Alcoholic Version
Mix 1 oz pineapple juice, 1 oz lime juice, and top with soda water. Garnish with a lime wheel or mint sprig. Refreshing and light!
FAQs
Q: Can I make a big batch for a party?
A: Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and store in the fridge. Shake each serving with ice before pouring.
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Use fresh pineapple juice and reduce the Maraschino liqueur just a bit.
Q: What’s the best glass for this drink?
A: A coupe glass works beautifully—it shows off the color and lets the aroma shine.
Q: Can I use bottled lime juice?
A: You can, but fresh lime juice really makes the drink pop.
Q: Is Green Chartreuse the same as yellow?
A: Not quite—Green is stronger and more herbal, while yellow is milder and sweeter. Both work, but they’ll give slightly different flavors.
This cocktail is a fun way to shake things up from the usual. Whether you’re sipping it solo or serving it to friends, the Pineapple Last Word is a flavorful crowd-pleaser that’s easy to love.
