Pineapple Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Make your next cocktail a tropical one with the sweet and tangy Pineapple Martini.

I’m a little spoiled when it comes to how I prefer my pineapple cocktails. I could take or leave the armored fruit. It’s not a topping I choose to put on my pizzas, but if it’s served to me this way, I don’t complain. I usually don’t go out of my way to order a beverage that uses pineapple juice, and at the same time, I love tiki drinks, which tend to feature the ingredient.

When my partner and I were in Hawaii, we took a tour of the Koloa rum plantation on Kauai. Our guides, Fletcher and Tanji, gave us an experience we’ll never forget and made us some delicious potions along the way. What stuck out the most was when they procured for us a pineapple right off the plant and used it for our drinks. From that moment forward, I can’t have anything pineapple-related unless it’s that fresh.

That doesn’t mean that I refuse the fruit when it’s offered, especially when used in a tasty tipple. The drink we’re making tonight is one of those: the Pineapple Martini. Like other cocktails that use the ‘Tini title, this is an adult treat for folks who don’t dig the traditional version of the drink. This recipe has been around for 27 years and is a sweet, sour, and tart mixture consisting of vodka, lime juice, and triple sec.

In 1997, author and cocktail expert Ben Reed whipped up the first Pineapple Martini for the opening of the posh, members-only Met Bar in London. Frequented by such celebrities as Kate Moss, Liam Gallagher, and the Spice Girls, the Met hosted a “who’s who” of late-’90s British pop-culture icons.

You don’t need to be a member of the Met to enjoy your own Pineapple Martini since you’re already the head of the most exclusive drinking establishment in town… your home bar. So grab a shaker and the freshest pineapple juice you can get a hold of, then prepare yourself for a relaxing evening of sweet sipping.

Is the Pineapple Martini a Martini?

The colorful cocktail might be served in a classic martini glass, but it is technically not a martini. The traditional version of the cocktail is made with gin and dry vermouth. A vodka martini is the most popular variation, and of course, a favorite of secret agent James Bond, but many connoisseurs believe that only gin and vermouth make a real martini.

What is the Best Vodka to Use in a Pineapple Martini?

For this cocktail I used a Polish organic rye vodka. It mixes well with the lime and pineapple juice and brings a subtle heat that warms the belly. I would also recommend using a potato-distilled vodka for an earthier taste and for those who are gluten intolerant. For something a tad sweeter, go for a corn-distilled version of the spirit.

What type of glassware and garnish are used?

With a name like Pineapple Martini, there’s really only one way to enjoy it: in a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a juicy wedge of pineapple and you’ll be just as golden as the drink in your hand.

Isn’t there an International Pineapple Martini Day?

Yes! The inventor of the drink, Ben Reed, has declared June 26 as International Pineapple Martini Day.

Similar Cocktails to the Pineapple Martini

Looking for more sweet and colorful drinks to liven up your next party? Twist & Toast has the recipes you’re looking for, with so many classics and interesting cocktails to choose from. Try out a few of them below, then explore the site for even more mouthwatering ideas.

• Lemon Drop Martini – If you want something that tastes like liquid candy and has a kick, the Lemon Drop Martini is the cocktail for you.
• Chocolate Martini – An avalanche of creamy chocolate decadence will greet your lips with every sip of this indulgent tipple.
• French Martini – This combination of pineapple juice, vodka, and raspberry liqueur will have you exclaiming “Oui!”
• Blue Moon – This bright blue elixir is sure to make your next romantic evening a memorable one.