Did you hear? Pineapple is the new avocado! The tropical fruit has overtaken the humble avo to become the fastest-selling fruit in Britain. Whatever your thoughts on pineapple on pizza, in curries, or on the barbecue, we can all agree that it pairs very well with alcohol. If you’re looking for something fresh and fruity to sip this spring, here are some of London’s finest pineapple cocktails.
If you like your drinks short and punchy, head to modern Turkish restaurant Yosma and order their signature sour. It’s a smooth but potent bland of Yeni Raki, La Diablada pisco, pineapple, lime and egg white – guaranteed to get the party started. Pair it with some of their chargrilled lamb chops or the crispy calamari with rose harissa mayo.
This Soho taqueria serves a tropical tipple that’s guaranteed to brighten your day. Made with toasted coconut rum, pineapple and coconut cream, the Piña Rita gets an extra kick from Calle 23 tequila – try it with some of their baja fish tacos.
If you’ve got reservations at City Social, we recommend showing up early and having a cocktail at the adjoining bar, Social 24, to make the most of those stunning city views. A must-try from the new menu is the St Pauls – a colourful cocktail made with Absolute Elyx, pineapple, sage, chartreuse, communion wine and a wafer. In a nod to the golden pineapple that sits atop St Paul’s Cathedral, it’s served in a pineapple shaped glass.
Inspired by the beer halls of Brussels, Belgo Centraal serves hearty Belgian comfort food alongside a huge range of craft beers. There are beer-infused cocktails too, like the Pina Co-Lager made with Malibu, pineapple juice and Mongoza coconut beer. Refreshing? You bet.
Tucked away from the bustle of Upper Street, this cosy cocktail bar is perfect for date night or a few drinks after work. If it’s been a particularly long day, try the Golden Hour – a rich and summery concoction made with Somerset Cider Brandy, Yellow Chartreuse, Campari, lemon, pineapple syrup, and Pernod absinthe. Feeling peckish? Order some of their Cajun-inspired bar snacks or dine nearby at Black Axe Mangal, Trawler Trash, or Trullo.
The Stoke House serves a slimline version of the classic pina colada, made with Koko Kanu, pineapple juice, coconut water and lime juice. It’s lighter and more refreshing than the original, which is handy if you’re also tucking into their smoked meats. Try the short rib – thank us later.
With its beach shack vibes, fruity cocktails and jerk chicken, it feels like summer all year long at The Rum Kitchen. We can never resist their Zombie, which combines the sweet tang of pineapple and grapefruit with three different kinds of rum – Bacardi 8, Bacardi Oro, and Doorley’s 3. It’s served in a skull with a flaming shot of rum on top – bet you can’t drink just one!
Temper City is all about big flavours, from smoked meat and steaks to seafood dishes that sings with spice and citrus. With that in mind, you might like a drink that refreshes the palate whilst getting you nicely tipsy. The Don Colada – made with rum, Dangerous Don mezcal, coconut cream and pineapple – fits the bill perfectly.
Looking for something different? Check out these London restaurants where the cocktails are as good as the food.
