Sweet, Tart, and Tropical: The Pineapple Lemon Drop I Serve All Summer

Name: Sweet, Tart, and Tropical: The Pineapple Lemon Drop I Serve All Summer
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 oz Deep Eddy’s Pineapple Vodka; 2 oz pineapple juice; 1 oz fresh lemon juice; Ice cubes; Lemon slice for garnish; Pineapple wedge for garnish

March 31, 2025

Recipes

If I had to pick just one cocktail to sip on all summer—or honestly, any time I want a mood lift—it’s this Pineapple Lemon Drop. It’s crisp, citrusy, and has just the right amount of tropical sweetness, all balanced by that signature lemony snap. This version features Deep Eddy’s Pineapple Vodka, which already has bright, juicy flavor built in, making the cocktail practically effortless to pull together.

It’s the drink I serve when I want to impress without doing much, and it’s a guaranteed hit every single time. Whether I’m mixing up a quick round for friends or just winding down on a warm evening, this cocktail feels like vacation in a glass.

Why This Cocktail Just Works

Bright and refreshing: The lemon and pineapple juices play off each other for a fresh, clean flavor that isn’t too sweet or too tart.
Versatile sweetness: The simple syrup is totally optional—I usually taste first and add just a splash if I want it smoother.
The sugar rim is everything: It adds that extra pop of sweetness and texture with every sip.
Gorgeous presentation: A sugared rim and a juicy wedge of pineapple or lemon make it feel a little luxe with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need

(Serves 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes)

3 oz Deep Eddy’s Pineapple Vodka
2 oz pineapple juice
1 oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Ice cubes
Sugar (for rimming the glass)
Lemon or pineapple wedge (for garnish)

How I Make My Pineapple Lemon Drop (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Glass

First, I chill a martini or coupe glass by popping it in the freezer for a few minutes. Then I run a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it into a shallow plate of sugar. I give it a gentle twist so the sugar sticks evenly. The chilled glass helps everything stay cold and crisp longer.

2. Build the Drink

In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, I add the pineapple vodka, pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of simple syrup if I’m feeling it. The vodka already has a hint of sweetness, so sometimes I skip the syrup if I want a punchier, tart-forward drink.

3. Shake It Hard

I shake the cocktail shaker like I mean it—vigorously for about 15 seconds—until the shaker feels icy cold in my hands. This not only chills the drink but helps blend everything into a smooth, balanced cocktail.

4. Strain and Serve

I strain the cocktail into the sugar-rimmed glass, careful not to knock off that pretty edge. The drink pours out a soft golden color that just looks like sunshine.

5. Garnish and Sip

To finish, I add a lemon twist or a small wedge of pineapple on the rim. If I have fresh mint or a dehydrated citrus slice around, I might use that for an extra flair, but it’s honestly perfect as-is.

My Tips for a Better Lemon Drop

Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice just doesn’t hit the same. Fresh lemon gives the drink its signature brightness.
Chill everything: A cold glass and cold ingredients make a huge difference in how crisp and smooth the cocktail tastes.
Taste before you pour: Depending on how sweet your pineapple juice is, you might not need the simple syrup at all.
Make a pitcher for parties: Multiply the recipe and shake in batches. Or stir it up in a large pitcher and pour over ice for a more casual feel.

What I Pair With This Cocktail

This Pineapple Lemon Drop is light enough to sip solo, but I love pairing it with:

Spicy snacks: Think chili-lime cashews or jalapeño poppers. The drink’s sweetness balances the heat.
Summer appetizers: Shrimp skewers, grilled pineapple, or even caprese skewers with a tropical twist.
Cheese boards: I’m talking salty feta, brie, or aged cheddar with some fresh fruit on the side.

FAQs From My Home Bar to Yours

Q: Can I use a different vodka?
A: You can, but flavored vodka makes a huge difference. If you use plain vodka, I’d suggest adding a splash of pineapple liqueur or muddling a chunk of fresh pineapple to boost that flavor.

Q: Can I make it frozen?
A: Absolutely. Just toss everything into a blender with a cup of ice and blend until slushy. It’s like an adult slushie and just as fun.

Q: What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
A: Use a mason jar with a tight lid or even a protein shaker bottle. Anything that seals well and lets you shake with ice works just fine.

Q: Is this drink too sweet?
A: Not at all—as long as you control the simple syrup. I often leave it out completely and let the pineapple juice do the work. If you love a little sweetness, start with a small splash and build from there.

Why This Drink Never Fails Me

There’s something about the combo of lemon and pineapple that just hits the spot—sunny, sweet, and slightly tart, like a beachside cocktail without the plane ticket. This Pineapple Lemon Drop checks every box: fast to make, beautiful to serve, and so easy to customize. It’s my go-to when I want something a little different from the classic lemon drop but still familiar and refreshing.

Whether you’re making one for yourself after a long day or mixing up a round for your next get-together, this cocktail brings tropical energy and a little sophistication to any moment.

Cheers to bright flavors and easy sipping. Let me know how you make it your own!