The Cocktail CrafterThis week I was feeling like making a light summer drink with some tiki vibes, so obviously pineapple was my first choice. I still had some kiwi soda syrup left over from last week’s recipe, so it seemed like the perfect chance to bring it into something tropical. The result? A bright, juicy, slightly exotic cocktail that’s refreshing without being overly sweet.
It turned out even better than I expected — juicy pineapple, tangy kiwi, a splash of rum, and just enough citrus to make everything pop. It’s the kind of cocktail that practically disappears from your glass before you realize it.
Kiwi Pineapple Tiki Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker
where to buy - 1 Jigger
where to buy - 1 Hawthorne strainer
where to buy - 1 Fine mesh strainer
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Ingredients
- 4 cl white rum
- 2 cl fresh lime juice
- 1.5 cl kiwi soda syrup
see recipe here - 7.5 ml Grand Marnier
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- A few small chunks of fresh pineapple
- Garnish: pineapple leaf & kiwi slice
Instructions
- Add rum, lime juice, kiwi soda syrup, Grand Marnier, bitters, and pineapple chunks to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake hard for about 10–12 seconds to break down the pineapple and chill the drink.
- Double strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple leaf and a kiwi wheel.
Notes
- You can freeze pineapple leaves for long-term garnish use—just rinse, pat dry, and store in a sealed bag.
- If your pineapple isn’t very sweet, muddle it lightly before shaking to release more juice.
- Swapping in an overproof rum will boost the drink’s strength and bring out a bolder, more tropical tiki character.
Why I Love This Drink
Tiki cocktails are all about layers — sweet, sour, boozy, aromatic — and this one nails it without feeling heavy. The pineapple brings juicy sweetness, the kiwi syrup adds a tangy brightness, and the Grand Marnier pulls in a rich, citrusy depth. The bitters? They’re like the seasoning that makes all the other flavors play nice together.
The Kiwi Twist
Last week’s kiwi soda syrup was a bit of an experiment, but now it’s becoming a regular in my home bar. It works so well here, adding a touch of tartness that makes the pineapple and lime even more refreshing. Plus, it’s a great way to use something homemade instead of reaching for another store-bought mixer.
Balancing the Sweet and the Sour
With tiki drinks, it’s easy to overdo the sweetness. That’s why the lime juice here is so important — it keeps the drink bright and zippy. If you like it sweeter, go ahead and add a splash more kiwi syrup, but taste as you go so it stays balanced.
Where You’ll Want to Drink This
Honestly? Anywhere the sun is out. Backyard BBQ, lazy afternoon on the patio, even a Wednesday night when you need a little mental vacation — this cocktail is one of those instant mood-lifters.
