Thank you so much for being here. Whether you stumbled upon this recipe while dreaming of a beach getaway or you’re planning your next backyard luau, I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite summer drinks with you: the Pineapple Paradise Cocktail. This cocktail is everything you want in a tropical drink—bright, fruity, visually stunning, and so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Right after the H1, here’s your focus keyword: pineapple paradise cocktail. This vibrant drink doesn’t just look like a vacation—it tastes like one too.

What is a Pineapple Paradise Cocktail?

The Pineapple Paradise Cocktail is a tropical cocktail made with coconut rum, fresh pineapple juice, and a drizzle of grenadine for a sweet, sunset-hued finish. It’s served right in a hollowed-out pineapple, making it a total showstopper at parties or just for treating yourself to something extra special on a sunny afternoon.

It’s like a piña colada and a tequila sunrise had a delicious beach baby. If you’ve ever wanted to “drink your vacation,” this is the cocktail that delivers. Fruity, refreshing, and undeniably fun, it’s designed to transport you to a hammock under the palms with every sip.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Paradise Cocktail

Gorgeous presentation – There’s something magical about serving a cocktail in a pineapple. It instantly sets a fun, festive mood.
Easy to customize – Whether you like it boozy, sweet, or more balanced, this drink can be tailored to your taste.
Perfect for parties – Make it in individual pineapple cups or scale it up to a pitcher or punch bowl. It always steals the spotlight.
Fresh and flavorful – With real pineapple juice and high-quality coconut rum, every ingredient adds to the lush, tropical experience.
Tastes like a dream – Think creamy coconut, vibrant pineapple, and a gentle swirl of berry sweetness from the grenadine.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine the first bite of fresh pineapple—juicy, sweet, and just a little tangy. Now blend that with smooth, coconut-infused rum and top it off with a rich ribbon of grenadine that adds both color and a subtle red fruit sweetness. That’s the Pineapple Paradise Cocktail.

The flavor is layered but balanced. The coconut rum adds a creamy finish without being heavy. The pineapple juice is bright and crisp, and the grenadine brings in a pop of sweetness that enhances without overpowering. It’s the kind of drink that goes down easy, tastes indulgent, and makes you feel like you’re on vacation—even if you’re just on your porch swing.

A Few (Unexpected) Benefits

Okay, we’re not pretending this is a green juice, but for a cocktail, it’s got some surprising upsides:

Fresh pineapple juice is naturally high in bromelain, which supports digestion and reduces inflammation.
Hydrating base – Pineapple juice and ice make this more hydrating than a spirit-forward drink.
Mood-enhancing – The aroma of pineapple and coconut is proven to evoke feelings of happiness and relaxation.
Lower in alcohol – Coconut rum tends to be lighter in alcohol content (typically 21% ABV), making this a great option for daytime sipping.

Ingredients List

Serves 1

1 whole ripe pineapple (top sliced off, inside scooped out)
2 oz coconut rum (Malibu or similar brand)
2 oz pineapple juice (preferably fresh, or a high-quality bottled version)
1 oz grenadine
Ice (crushed or cubed)

Optional Garnishes

Maraschino cherry
Pineapple wedge
Cocktail umbrella
Fresh mint sprig
Paper or reusable straw

Tools You’ll Need

Sharp chef’s knife (for slicing the pineapple)
Spoon, ice cream scoop, or melon baller (for hollowing out the pineapple)
Blender or fine mesh strainer (to make fresh juice if desired)
Cocktail shaker with lid
Jigger or measuring cup
Straw and garnishes for serving

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This cocktail is wonderfully flexible. Here are some easy swaps and fun add-ons to help you make it your own:

Coconut Rum Substitutes: Don’t have coconut rum? You can use regular white rum and add a splash of coconut cream or even a drop of coconut extract for flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Turn this into a mocktail by skipping the rum and replacing it with coconut water or club soda. It’s just as refreshing.
Frozen Version: Toss everything into a blender with ice to make a frozen pineapple daiquiri-style drink.
Tropical Twist: Add a splash of mango, guava, or passion fruit juice for extra tropical flair.
Extra Boozy: Float a little dark rum on top for a tiki-style depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Start by slicing off the top of the pineapple. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the inside, leaving enough flesh around the edges to keep the “cup” sturdy. Be sure to save the juice and fruit you remove—it can be blended and strained for fresh pineapple juice.

If you’re short on time, you can skip using the pineapple as a cup and simply serve the drink in a highball or tiki glass. But trust me, the presentation is half the fun!

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, combine the following:

2 oz coconut rum
2 oz pineapple juice (fresh or bottled)
A generous handful of ice

Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosty and the drink is nicely chilled. This usually takes about 15 seconds.

Step 3: Build the Drink

Pour the chilled cocktail into your hollowed pineapple. Then, slowly pour the grenadine over the top. It will sink to the bottom and create a beautiful layered effect, resembling a tropical sunset.

If you’re blending your cocktail (for a frozen version), add all ingredients including grenadine to the blender and pulse until smooth.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top with a maraschino cherry, a pineapple wedge on the rim, and a sprig of fresh mint. If you’re going for full-on island vibes, add a cocktail umbrella and serve with a straw.

What to Serve with a Pineapple Paradise Cocktail

This cocktail pairs wonderfully with summer appetizers and island-inspired fare. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Grilled shrimp skewers with lime and chili
Tropical fruit salsa with tortilla chips
Coconut chicken bites with a honey-lime dip
Teriyaki pineapple sliders
Mango and avocado salad

You could also make it the star of your next themed party. Set up a DIY tiki bar and let guests build their own pineapple cocktails with different fruit juices, rums, and toppings.

Tips for Success

Use a ripe pineapple – It should be fragrant at the base and slightly soft to the touch. This ensures the best juice and flavor.
Chill the pineapple cup – Stick it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing effect.
Don’t skip the grenadine – It’s not just for looks. That hint of berry sweetness rounds out the acidity of the pineapple beautifully.
Prep ahead – You can pre-scoop the pineapple and store the cups covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The drink itself is best made fresh, but you can pre-mix the rum and juice.

Storage Instructions

While best enjoyed immediately, you can prep parts of this cocktail in advance.

Hollowed pineapple cups can be stored in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to 24 hours.
Pre-mixed base (rum and juice) can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for 1–2 days.
Grenadine drizzle should always be added just before serving to preserve the beautiful layered look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, although fresh juice will give you the most vibrant flavor. Choose 100% pineapple juice with no added sugar if using canned.

What can I substitute for grenadine?
Try pomegranate juice mixed with a little simple syrup, or use raspberry syrup for a similar effect.

Is coconut rum very strong?
Coconut rum like Malibu is relatively mild, usually around 21% ABV, making this drink more flavorful than boozy. You can always adjust the ratio to your taste.

Can I make this cocktail in bulk?
Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed. You can serve it in a large pitcher or punch bowl with fresh fruit garnishes. Add the grenadine last to create that signature layered effect.

Conclusion: Sip Your Way to the Tropics

The Pineapple Paradise Cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want to celebrate the sunshine, embrace the weekend, or simply treat yourself to something extra special. It’s simple, stunning, and endlessly satisfying.

Whether you’re throwing a summer party, relaxing poolside, or just pretending to be on vacation from your living room, this cocktail delivers all the island energy you need.

If you love fun, fruity cocktails, don’t miss these other reader favorites:

Key Lime Pie Mojito Cocktail Recipe – Creamy, citrusy, and just the right amount of tangy.
Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail Recipe – Whimsical, colorful, and guaranteed to make you smile.
Pink Lemonade Punch – Boozy Candy Twist – A sweet-and-sour twist on lemonade with a nostalgic candy finish.

Let’s Keep the Party Going

If you try this Pineapple Paradise Cocktail, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think. Leave a review in the comments, or better yet—snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram @mmmrecipes. Your creativity and feedback help others find inspiration and bring these recipes to life.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 180–200
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugars: 18g
Alcohol: 2 oz rum
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Fiber: 1g (if using fresh pineapple)

Pineapple Paradise Cocktail – Your Tropical Vacation in a Glass

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

This pineapple paradise cocktail is your personal vacation in a glass—bright, fruity, and served in a real pineapple! Coconut rum, fresh pineapple juice, and a swirl of grenadine make this an instant tropical favorite. It’s as fun to make as it is to drink and perfect for pool days, backyard BBQs, or anytime you’re craving beach vibes. Grab a straw and get ready to sip something special!

Ingredients

Scale

Serves 1

1 whole ripe pineapple (top sliced off, inside scooped out)
2 oz coconut rum (like Malibu)
2 oz pineapple juice (fresh or bottled)
1 oz grenadine
Ice (crushed or cubed)

Optional Garnishes:

Maraschino cherry
Pineapple wedge
Cocktail umbrella
Fresh mint sprig
Straw (paper or reusable)

Instructions

Prep your pineapple: Slice off the top and carefully scoop out the inside with a spoon or melon baller, leaving a thick enough wall to hold the liquid. Save the fruit and juice!
Make fresh juice (optional): Blend the scooped pineapple and strain if you want ultra-fresh pineapple juice.
Mix the cocktail: In a shaker, combine 2 oz coconut rum, 2 oz pineapple juice, and a handful of ice. Shake well until chilled and frosty.
Build the drink: Pour the mix into your hollowed pineapple. Slowly add 1 oz grenadine—it’ll sink to create a gorgeous layered effect.
Garnish it up: Add a cherry, a pineapple wedge, and a sprig of mint. Pop in a straw and a cocktail umbrella to finish the vacation vibes.

Serve and sip: Enjoy immediately while it’s cold, and pretend you’re on a beach somewhere beautiful!

Notes

No coconut rum? Use white rum and add a splash of coconut milk or a drop of coconut extract.
Want a mocktail? Omit the rum and use coconut water or club soda for fizz.
Make it frozen: Blend everything with ice for a slushy twist.
Hosting a party? Prep the pineapple cups ahead of time and mix a big batch of the cocktail base in a pitcher. Add grenadine just before serving.

For an extra-refreshing experience, chill your hollowed pineapple in the freezer for 15–20 minutes before pouring the drink.