This Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail recipe is the perfect balance between spicy and sweet for any season. Made with an easy homemade lime simple syrup, freshly-squeezed orange + lime juices, mulled pineapples + jalapeños, and topped with your favorite premium ginger beer, this mocktail is the best addition to any occasion or holiday! Plus, these mocktails are even more elevated with my homemade citrus-jalapeños ice cubes. All vegan ingredients.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links via Amazon for products that I wholeheartedly love.
Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail ---- yet another drink recipe to add to Orchids + Sweet Tea‘s archives and I’m so excited because it's insanely delicious. Like many of my other mocktails, this recipe experiments with bold flavor combos and you won't regret it. The best part, however, is just how perfect this mocktail is for the entire family, especially if they are fans of a little spice. Of course, feel free to omit the jalapeños for the kids for a nice refreshing, fruity taste.
Either way, everyone is guaranteed to love these! Be sure to watch all recipes via IG Reels for a nice visual! As you can tell, one of the fun highlights of this mocktail is the ice cubes. Usually, I like to make fun and infused ice cubes for an extra pizazz with my mocktails, but to make things really "fancy + beautiful" look, I chose to add chopped jalapeños and thyme sprigs because why not?! Haha. Lover of pineapple? I recommend checking out my Pineapple Chia Seed Tropical Mocktail! Plus, this Frozen Pineapple Margarita Mocktail makes for the best sip too! And this Cucumber Ginger Mint Mocktail is so good too!
Plus, this Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail is super easy to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, comes whipped together in 10 minutes (or less), and is the perfect balance between spicy + sweet. For extra pineapple flavor, I also give the option in the recipe notes to add pineapple juice to the mix, which is a nice addition by the way!
How to Make Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail
The first thing you need to make for these tasty drinks are the citrus-jalapeños ice cubes. You literally add the jalapenos + thyme pieces in your favorite ice cube tray, top with the orange-lime-water mixture, set it and forget it for a minimum of 3-4 hours (or overnight) until ice cubes are formed.
Then, you whip together the lime simple syrup and mocktail ingredients and assemble. Serve and enjoy!
Why You'll Love This Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail
First and foremost, the flavors in this simple and easy Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail is enough to convince anyone, however, here are a few more reasons why you'll love this recipe:
It's Very Similar to the real 'feel' of a cocktail. Yes, while this mocktail doesn't have actual alcohol, I promise that it's just as complex in flavor, with a slight "burn" (very minimal), and tasty as any cocktail----obviously with additional bold flavors from the tart lemony flavor and the nice ginger beer fizz. Of course, you can always add a nice alcohol-free cocktail option from Ritual Zero Proof.
It's super fun to make! I literally love the creation of the ice cubes and the shaking of all of the ingredients the cocktail shaker and the mulling process too!
You save money! This by far is one of my biggest reasons for making my own drinks at home (minus the last point to come). You definitely save more money purchasing the ingredients and making your own servings at home.
It's healthier. Most of all, this is my biggest plus! I love when I am able to know what ingredients I use whenever making drinks, cooking, or baking. Making my mocktails and drinks in general at home has definitely allowed me to switch to healthier, organic ingredients which is a win, win!
Ingredients for Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail
Here’s what you need for these Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktails:
Pineapple juice. This is optional, but adds a nice depth of pineapple flavor. Again, I like to purchase organic unsweetened pineapple juice.
Pineapple chunks. I like to purchase canned organic pineapple when convenient, however, you can slice an actual pineapple into chunks.
Lime juice. I like to use freshly-squeezed lime juice, but if you don't have a juicer and don't want to struggle with so many limes, you can also use store-bought.
Orange juice. You'll need 2 large navel oranges, freshly-squeezed for the ice cubes + mocktail.
Fresh jalapeños. If you'd like to tamper the heat a bit in your mocktails, you can remove the seeds from the peppers.
Sugar. I like to use organic cane sugar for the simple syrup, but you can substitute with raw, organic honey, or maple syrup.
Thyme. I like the herby taste of thyme which is included in the ice cubes. You can also use rosemary if preferred.
Soda. Top your mocktails with premium ginger beer. But you can also use sparkling water or lime soda (such as organic lime soda or Sprite).
Water. For clearer ice cubes, it's best to use store-bought "pure" water. See post for more info!
Garnish. This creates a nice, fancy experience for your mocktails. I love using lime wedges, pineapple wedges, and rosemary or thyme sprigs.
Why Did I Choose Pineapples?!
Besides the fact that pineapples are insanely delicious, I chose to use pineapple juice in this lemonade for a few specific reasons.
Pineapples are not just popular. They are loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and other enzymes that help to fight inflammation, etc.
Here’s a few impressive health benefits:
They are low in calories + loaded with nutrients such as Vitamin C, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Protein, among others.
Loaded with healthy antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.
Contains digestive enzymes which helps to better support the digestive system + functioning.
May help to boost Immunity + suppress inflammation, including Arthritis.
May help to speed recovery after surgery or a strenuous workout.
Of course, you can always use fresh pineapple which will be blended in together with everything. However, if using pineapple juice like me, be sure to keep things healthy by purchasing it organic.
Garnishes for Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail
I’m all about big, edible garnishes in my mocktails. Here’s what I like to add to glasses:
Fresh pineapple wedges. If you prefer a nice pronounced pineapple flavor, I would grill or char them before adding them to the rim of the glass(es). You can also use pineapple chunks for inside your mocktail, if preferred.
Lime wedges. You can always slice the lime thin or into thick wedges for a fun look.
Fresh rosemary sprigs. You could also use mint or thyme sprigs for an added herby touch.
Creating Additional Mocktail Servings
This Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail recipe serves two. But you’ll probably want more and I can’t blame you! You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd or your entire family.
The citrus-jalapenos mixture makes about 10 decent-sized (medium) ice cubes or 4 large circular ice cubes. The amount depends on the size of your ice cubes.
Can I Add Alcohol?
Of course! If you’d like to serve this as a cocktail, you can add your favorite alcohol to the mixture. The best types of alcohols (just about 1 ounce or so) that work great with this Pineapple Jalapeño Lime flavor combo is:
Gin
Rum
Champagne
Tequila
Whiskey
Vodka
Need Healthy Sweetener Options?
The Best Healthy Sugar Alternatives + Substitutes list is all about finding better ways to enjoy your favorite sweets without compromising your healthy lifestyle. For those who follow a vegetarian and/or vegan lifestyle, this lists offers a few great ideas to incorporate healthy sweeteners into your diet.
How to Make Clear Ice Cubes without a a Clear Ice Cube Mold
One of the greatest phenomenons when it comes to ice cubes has been seeing super clear ice cubes from those clear ice cube systems or molds and wanting to try it, but not necessarily wanting to have a huge contraption in my freezer. Haha. Anyone else feel my pain? Whelp, no need to worry----I've done my research and tested it out a bit and have found some solutions to help those of us who don't have any fancy system to making clear ice cubes. Here are a few ways:
Tip #1: It's best to use water that is distilled or super filtered to avoid gasses and dissolved oxygen, which are the two things that cause our ice to "fog up" when frozen.
Tip #2: Boil your water and freeze your water hot. Again, much to my previous point, this removes any dissolved oxygen or gasses. Just be sure to carefully pour the hot water into your ice cube tray or mold-----preferably one made from materials that naturally insulates like silicone. Also, ensure that your tray lays FLAT while freezing.
Tip #3: Slow freeze your ice cubes. This should be done for about 24 hours, which allows any impurities to be forced out of the ice---resulting in much clearer ice.
SHOP MY FAVORITE DRINKWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!
Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with these Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktails. Everything from my fave glassware, cocktail shakers, ice cubes trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Common Q + A’s About These Mocktails.
CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?
Absolutely! Simply make your mocktail mixture in a pitcher the day before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The best part about making these ahead of time is that they'll be completely chilled once ready to serve. Also, the ice cubes will be made in advanced and ready to add to your assembled mocktails!
WHAT OTHER INGREDIENTS CAN I ADD?
Honestly, you can choose to substitute with lemon as opposed to using lime. In addition, you can add herbs such as basil, mint, or rosemary to add an extra earthy flavor profile. Of course, you can always add strawberries to the mix for a nice twist as well. Also, you can substitute the pineapple with green apples or additional oranges.
HOW LONG DO THESE LAST?
For optimal freshness, these mocktails (made without ginger beer) will last 3-5 days once covered and refrigerated. Just top with ginger beer when ready to serve!
CAN I ADD PINEAPPLE JUICE TO THE MIX?
Of course! For extra pineapple flavor, you can add ¼ cup or so of pineapple juice. If you decide not to use store-bought pineapple juice, you can always use 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks and add them to a blender along with 1 cup fresh water. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth and pineapples are fully broken down. Continue recipe with juice.
More Amazing Mocktail Recipes to Try!
If you love this Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail, try these other mocktail options next:
2cupsfiltered water(For clearer ice, it's best to use purified water; See Posts for more!)
1jalapeño, chopped into pieces
1orange, freshly-squeezed
1lime, freshly-squeezed
handfulfresh thyme sprigs, chopped into pieces
LIME SIMPLE SYRUP:
1 ¼cupswater
¼cuporganic cane sugar
1lime, peels ONLY!
MOCKTAILS:
1orange, freshly-squeezed
2limes, freshly-squeezed
1cuplime simple syrup
1cupfresh pineapple chunks
1jalapeño, chopped
premium ginger beer, for topping
citrus-jalapeño ice cubes
GARNISH (OPTIONAL):
Lime wedges
Pineapple wedges
Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
Instructions
TO MAKE THE CITRUS-JALAPENO ICE CUBES:
In a bowl, mix together the filtered water and freshly-squeezed orange and lime juices.
In your favorite ice tray----add the chopped jalapeños and chopped thyme sprigs into each cavity and carefully cover them with the orange-lime-water mixture, filling them until all completely full. Repeat until all ice cube cavities are filled. Add the tray(s) to the freezer and freeze for 3-4 hours (or overnight) until ice is formed.
TO MAKE THE LIME SIMPLE SYRUP:
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add together all ingredients (stirring them to combine) and bring to a boil, about 1-2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes or so. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
TO MAKE THE MOCKTAILS:
In a bowl, add the orange juice, lime juice, pineapple chunks, chopped jalapeños and cooled lime simple syrup, mulling the pineapples and jalapeños until completely broken down. Stir together to combine.
Assemble the mocktail(s): For each mocktail,fill a good cocktail glass (11 oz. or so) with a few citrus-jalapeños ice cubes and pour half the amount of the mocktail mixture (w/ mulled fruit) and top with ginger beer until glass(es) is ¾ filled. Add lime wedges inside your mocktail and fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, if desired. NOTE: To be a bit fancy, add pineapple wedges to rim of glass.
Sip and Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
SERVING SIZE: To make additional mocktails, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.
ALCOHOL: If you'd like to keep this recipe amazing, but want to spruce things up with alcohol, feel free to add 1 ounce of rum, vodka, etc.
PINEAPPLE JUICE: For extra pineapple flavor, you can add ¼ cup or so of pineapple juice. If you decide not to use store-bought pineapple juice, you can always use 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks and add them to a blender along with 1 cup fresh water. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth and pineapples are fully broken down. Continue recipe with juice.
EQUIPMENT: Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail. Everything from my fave glassware, cocktail shakers, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
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