Fresh, peppery and tart, the Pineapple Arugula Mojito is a light and bubbly treat that’s perfect for entertaining on a warm afternoon.
“I haven’t had arugula in six weeks.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a veg-uh-ta-bul!”
My introduction to the leafy, tart and peppery veggie known as arugula was through, of all things, a Steve Martin movie. In the 1990 film My Blue Heaven, Martin plays Vinnie Antonelli, a mobster hiding out in the suburbs as part of the witness protection program. A complete “fish-out-of-water”—and based on Henry Hill of GoodFellas fame—Vinnie really exaggerates the pronunciation of what the slightly bitter and spicy green is. As a result, arugula was always sitting at the back of my mind for years. Not literally of course, just the nebulous idea of a bushel of it, sort of floating in the ether. If one actually physically had arugula, or any food item on their brain, that means it was deliberately put there and is cause for alarm.
I bring arugula up because it’s a pretty important component in tonight’s cocktail, the Pineapple Arugula Mojito. And once you’ve taken your first sip of one, you’ll never forget the veg-uh-ta-bul that makes this recipe so memorable.
A full-bodied and light, refreshing beverage, this spin on the classic rum and mint-based Mojito is a great large batch mixture you can serve at your next poolside party. With the tropical notes of the pineapple and rum, coupled with the unlikely but delicious combination of fresh mint and arugula, you and your friends will be pleasantly surprised by this intriguing tipple.
What Is The Best Rum To Use In A Pineapple Arugula Mojito?
I went for a trustworthy bottle of Bacardi Silver rum when making my own P.A.M.s. It’s easy to find, reasonably priced and always good in any drink that calls for it. For more tropical notes, you can use Malibu coconut rum. If you’re really into full-flavored libations, try experimenting with darker, spiced rums.
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves plus more for garnish
- 1 cup arugula
- 2 limes cut into 8 wedges, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cans pineapple juice (6 ounces each)
- 2 cups light rum
- Club soda to top
Instructions
- Peel and core the pineapple. Cut into chunks, and reserve 6 pieces. Purée the rest of the pineapple in a food processor or blender, then set aside.
- In a large pitcher, add mint, arugula, limes, and brown sugar.
- Muddle the leaves, limes and sugar together using a spoon or muddler.
- Add puréed pineapple, pineapple juice, and rum to the pitcher. Top with a good splash of club soda.
- Pour over ice, and garnish each glass with a pineapple chunk, mint, and more lime wedges.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Pour your Pineapple Arugula Mojito into a collins glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, as well as a wedge of lime and a pineapple chunk on the rim.
ARE THERE OTHER COCKTAILS THAT FEATURE ARUGULA?
Yes! There’s the Gin Rocket, Over the Field, The Roquette and Arugula Gimlet just to name a few.
Other Mojitos Worth Trying
Ready for more Mojitos? Because Twist & Toast has a mouthwatering array of delicious riffs on the classic cocktail. Try the few listed below, then poke around the site for even more tasty and thirst-quenching creations.
- Vodka Mojito – This ice-cold concoction is minty, crisp and citrusy.
- Frozen Mojito – Need your next Mojito to be extra cold? Give this recipe a whirl.
- Tequila Mojito – The Southwestern spiciness of tequila vibes nicely with the Caribbean flavors in this drink.
- Blueberry Mojito – Fruity and fresh, this juicy dram is a sweet and cool treat.
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