Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler

Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler

Is it happy hour yet?

I have been Pineapple obsessed lately! They are just so pretty, and the tropical sweetness makes me wish that the weather felt tropical as well. At least making a cocktail with those flavors will hold me over until it starts to get warm. The beach cities in Los Angeles get what’s called “May Gray” and “June Gloom.” I know everyone thinks it is nice here all year long, but when it is nice everywhere else, it is crappy here. Some days the gray lifts in the afternoon, but on days like today, I cannot wait for the time to pass so that we can see the sun again. There are worse things to complain about, so I thought I would make a cocktail to turn it all around and think of the warm weather ahead.

Working from home has its perks, but since I alway have access to my “office” I never really have a “work week.” It is more of a “when I open my eyes and when I close my eyes.” Do you feel like that even if you don’t work from home? I used to work in a salon, and I would always look forward to when I would leave and feel that freedom. It was like leaving school! I also loved grabbing drinks with people from work, because it would kick off the weekend. I wanted to create that feel at home, and that way I can invite whoever I like, and what is a happy hour without cocktails?

This tropical Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler will be your new go-to summer cocktail. If you like this combination you should also make my favorite Pineapple and Mint Margarita recipe.

Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler

Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler

Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler:

For a single drink:

½ cup unsweetened pineapple juice 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons mint simple syrup 2-3 fresh mint leaves; torn into smaller pieces 1-2 shots vodka; depending on how strong you want the drink to be ice a splash of soda water Instructions:

Place all of the ingredients, except for the soda water, into a glass and stir together well; you can also shake this in a martini shaker for a very cold drink Top it off with a splash of cold soda water and stir until combined Decorate with a piece of fresh lime or pineapple

Homemade Mint Simple Syrup:

1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1/3 cup fresh mint (more can be used if desired)

Instructions For Mint Syrup:

Combine the water and sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the water is just starting to boil Bring to a simmer over low heat and pour in the mint by tearing it a bit to release the natural oils Simmer for about 8-10 minutes stirring frequently Allow to cool Pour through a strainer to remove the mint pieces Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use Cheers!

Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler

Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler

Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler

Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler