Jennifer Hanes MS, RDN, LD
Mocktails have become increasingly popular for their ability to offer delicious, alcohol-free alternatives that are just as satisfying and flavorful as their boozy counterparts.
Among these delightful concoctions, the Basil Pineapple Refresher stands out for its tropical flair and refreshing herbal twist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a sunny afternoon, or simply craving a flavorful beverage, this mocktail is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- Pineapple juice – fresh is fine, but store-bought is easier!
- Lemon-Lime soda – I used the “zero” version
- Ice cubes
- Fresh basil – use fresh basil for the best flavor
- Optional garnishes – more basil and pineapple wedges
Instructions
First, thing’s first. You want a well-chilled glass. Consider putting your glass in the fridge the night before or in the freezer about 1 hour before you make your drink.
When you’re ready to start making your drink, tear the fresh basil with your hands and place in a bowl. Use the back of a spoon and crush the basil into the bowl. The earlier you do this, the more pronounced the basil flavor will be.
Take your glass out of the fridge and fill halfway with ice cubes. Add your basil on top of the ice.
Pour the pineapple juice into the glass, filling it about halfway.
Slowly pour the lemon-lime soda over the pineapple juice. Gently stir the mixture with a long spoon to combine the flavors without losing the fizz.
Garnish the drink with a small pineapple wedge or slice on the rim of the glass for an extra tropical touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your Pineapple Basil Refresher!
Flavor Profile
The combination of sweet pineapple juice and aromatic basil creates a unique and delightful flavor profile in the Pineapple Basil Refresher.
The tropical notes of the pineapple are perfectly complemented by the fresh, herbal undertones of the basil, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful mocktail that is sure to please.
Basil Pineapple Mocktail
Ingredients
- 3-4 Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 cup Pineapple Juice store-bought is fine
- 1 can Lemon-Lime Soda I used sugar-free
- Ice Cubes
- Pineapple wedges, slices, or cubes optional
Instructions
- Start by chilling your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes, if desired, to keep your mocktail cool.
- Take the fresh basil leaves and tear them into small pieces with your hand. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon in a bowl to crush the basil. The earlier you do this, the more pronounced the basil flavor will be.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes to create a refreshing base for your drink.
- Place the basil on top of the ice.
- Pour the pineapple juice into the glass, filling it about halfway.
- Slowly pour the lemon-lime soda over the pineapple juice. The carbonation will add a light fizziness to the drink.
- Gently stir the mixture with a long spoon to combine the flavors without losing the fizz.
- Optionally, garnish the drink with a small pineapple wedge on the rim of the glass for an extra tropical touch.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
*We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through links on our site. These commissions help support our work in providing valuable content to our readers. Thank you for your support!
Serving Suggestions
The Pineapple Basil Refresher is best served in a chilled glass with plenty of ice to keep it cool and refreshing.
For an added touch of elegance, garnish each glass with a cute umbrella or a small pineapple wedge.
This mocktail pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it the perfect complement to brunch, lunch, or dinner. Add this fun drink to your favorite vegetarian fare for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serve it with Brunch
Serve it alongside savory dishes like vegetable quiche, avocado toast, or a hearty breakfast burrito.
The tropical notes of the Pineapple Basil Refresher provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of brunch favorites, making it a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
Serve it With a Light lunch
For a light and satisfying lunch, pair the Pineapple Basil Refresher with a crisp salad or a veggie-packed wrap.
The herbal undertones of the basil complement the fresh flavors of the salad ingredients, while the sweetness of the pineapple juice adds a touch of tropical flair to the meal. It’s the perfect beverage to enjoy on a warm spring day.
Serve it at a Vegetarian BBQ Feast
Hosting a vegetarian barbecue? Serve up grilled veggie skewers, portobello mushroom burgers, and corn on the cob alongside the Pineapple Basil Refresher for a refreshing and flavorful meal.
The mocktail’s tropical notes provide a delightful contrast to the smoky flavors of the grilled vegetables, making it a refreshing and palate-cleansing drink that guests will love.
Serve it with Festive Appetizers
Planning a holiday gathering or cocktail party? Pair the Pineapple Basil Refresher with an assortment of festive appetizers such as bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or mini caprese skewers.
The mocktail’s bright and refreshing flavors provide the perfect counterpoint to the rich and savory appetizers, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your guests craving more.
And Serve it With Dessert!
End your meal on a sweet note by serving the Pineapple Basil Refresher alongside a selection of decadent desserts such as fruit tartlets, lemon bars, or coconut macaroons.
The mocktail’s tropical flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the desserts, making it the perfect palate cleanser to enjoy between bites.
Customize Your Mocktail
Feel free to customize the Pineapple Basil Refresher to suit your personal taste preferences.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less pineapple juice or experimenting with different soda flavors for a unique twist.
For an extra kick, try adding a splash of ginger ale or a squeeze of lime juice.
You could also experiment with different herbs. I struggled with deciding between rosemary and basil for this recipe. I finally chose basil because I know more people who don’t like rosemary than don’t like basil!
Consider adding some heat with a little bit of hot sauce or minced jalepeno.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this mocktail your own.
The Pineapple Basil Refresher is a delicious and refreshing mocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a leisurely afternoon, or simply looking for a flavorful beverage to quench your thirst, this mocktail is sure to impress.
With its tropical flair and herbal twist, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your repertoire of mocktail recipes.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch of Pineapple Basil Refreshers to enjoy with friends and family. Cheers to good times and great flavors!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious mocktail recipes and nutrition tips. Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest posts and share your Basil Pineapple Mocktail creations with us.
I can’t wait to see how you put your own spin on this delightful mocktail!
Jennifer Hanes MS, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian, mom, wife, and vegetarian in North Texas. She has dedicated Dietitian Jenn to be a source of information, ideas, and inspiration for people like her, vegetarians that live with people with different dietary beliefs and/or needs in a multivore household.