Pineapple Basil Smash with Spicy Honey
The Pineapple Basil Smash is a vibrant alcohol-free cocktail that drops you straight into summer: juicy pineapple, fresh basil, a squeeze of lime and that familiar sweet-and-spicy accent from hot honey syrup. The drink is light and refreshing, yet never boring. Pineapple brings tropical sweetness, basil adds a cool herbal note, lime balances everything beautifully, and a Tajín rim makes every sip a little piquant. The perfect mocktail for a hot day, a party, a brunch — or any moment when you want something pretty, fresh and full of character.
Preparation
- 1
Prepare the glass. Moisten the rim of a tall glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into Tajín or a salt-and-chilli mix to create a piquant rim.
- 2
Wake up the basil. Take 3 fresh basil leaves and clap them lightly between your palms. This releases the essential oils and makes the aroma brighter.
- 3
Mix the base. In a shaker with ice, combine the pineapple juice, basil, spicy honey syrup and 2 fresh lime wedges. Shake well so the drink chills and the flavours come together.
- 4
Serve. Fill the prepared glass with crushed ice and strain the drink into it.
- 5
Final touch. Top with a splash of sparkling water or soda. Garnish with a lime wheel and a basil leaf. Drink right away, while it is at its coldest, freshest and most fragrant.
Chef's tips
- —Want more heat? Add a little more spicy honey syrup, or make a more generous Tajín rim.
- —Want it more refreshing? Top up with more soda or sparkling water. For a brighter acidity, add a little more lime juice.
- —No Tajín? Mix salt, ground chilli and a little lime zest.
- —For a beautiful presentation, use a tall clear glass, crushed ice, a lime wheel and a small sprig of basil.
- —Do not muddle the basil too hard: overworking it can leave a bitter aftertaste.
