Pineapple Basil Smash

Flavor profile: tropical, citrusy, herbaceous. Built for tiki menus, brunch specials, and summer pool bars—fresh, bright, and highly crushable.

Serves: 1 • Time: 3 minutes • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 oz white rum (or substitute gin for a more herbal twist)
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz pineapple juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 3–4 Thai basil leaves, muddled
• Ice

Garnishes

• 1 dehydrated pineapple wheel (Bar Necessities)
• 1 fresh Thai basil sprig or leaf cluster

Instructions

1. Muddle Thai basil with lime juice and simple syrup in a shaker.
2. Add rum, pineapple juice, and ice.
3. Shake hard for 15 seconds.
4. Double strain into a coupe or rocks glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a dehydrated pineapple wheel and Thai basil on top.

Tips & Variations

• Mocktail: replace rum with extra pineapple juice and top with soda or ginger beer.
• Chili kick: add a pinch of chili salt or rim half the glass.
• Bubbly version: top with a splash of prosecco for a light spritz.
• Prep ahead: pre-batch the spirits and juices (no basil or ice) for service, then muddle basil to order.

Recommended Bar Necessities garnishes: dehydrated pineapple wheels, dehydrated lime wheels.