Pineapple Cooler Recipe: The Best Pineapple Lime Drink (So EASY!)

This Pineapple Cooler is so refreshing on a hot summer day and tastes great with your favorite taco recipe! If you prefer an adult beverage version of this pineapple mocktail, this pineapple drink pairs well with tequila, rum, or vodka as a spirit choice – instructions included!

Creating this Pineapple Cooler Recipe

You might have noticed that this Pineapple Limeade Cooler Recipe made an appearance in a couple of photos recently. First the Fajita Burger with Peppers and Guacamole and then they appeared again in the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Taco Recipe.

It started out as just a prop when I made the burgers, but my husband walked downstairs while I was photographing and commented: “Look at those pretty drinks.” I told him that he could have one of the since I was done photographing.

It turns out that this Pineapple Limeade Cooler was more than just pretty prop for the photo and it tastes great after a long day of work. So, we decided to give this simple drink recipe another go on purpose. this pineapple cooler is the real thing!

Why is a Pineapple Called a Pineapple

Have you ever wondered where the name ‘pineapple‘ came from? The name Pineapple dates back to the early 1600s when European explorers thought that the fruit resembled pinecones that grow on conifer trees.

This fruit is rich in Vitamin C. Pineapple also contains an enzyme called Bromelain that is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Pretty interesting if you ask me!

Ingredients in a Pineapple Cooler

• Pineapple Juice
• Limeade
• Club Soda
• Ice
• Lime Wedges or Slices
• Mint Leaves

Ingredients in the Limeade

• Lime Juice
• Cold Water
• Sugar or Agave

Substitutes in this Pineapple Cooler Recipe

Substitutes for the Club Soda

Plain or flavored sparkling water could also be used in place of the club soda (think: lime or key lime La Croix, or similar beverage).

If you prefer a sweeter Pineapple Cooler you could use lemon-lime soda instead of club soda.

Another fun substitute would be to use coconut water. If you want it sparkling, only substitute half coconut water for the club soda. Or, you can go with full coconut water.

Substitutes for the Limeade

If you don’t want to prepare homemade limeade to make these Pineapple Coolers, you can use a high-quality store bought Limeade instead.

I don’t think I would recommend lemon slices or lemon juice in place of the lime in this Pineapple Cooler recipe. If you need to substitute a citrus fruit, I think that fresh oranges and orange juice would be a better choice. This would create a fun Pineapple Cooler with hints of Orange.

I have not tried this, but you could experiment with using coconut milk instead of the limeade. But, if I did, I would use unsweetened so it isn’t crazy sweet, and then you can add simple syrup if you need it sweeter

How to Make this Pineapple and Lime Mocktail Recipe

Making these easy Pineapple Coolers is pretty basic – even my older kids can do it (sans alcohol) – and I love that it only requires simple kitchen tools.

First, you’ll need to prepare the limeade recipe that is used in these pineapple coolers. Recipe and instructions included.

Next, pour the pineapple juice, limeade, and club soda in a large pitcher. Then, chill until the pineapple coolers are cold.

After that, fill tall glasses with ice cubes. Then, pour pineapple cooler over the ice. Lastly, garnish if desired and serve.

TIP: Using fresh pineapple to garnish your drinks? This post shares how to cut a pineapple six different ways, as well as ideas for using the pineapple top and tough skin. 

How to Make Limeade for Pineapple Coolers

What’s so great about this homemade limeade recipe is it’s simplicity. One batch of this will allow you to make you several batches of these Pineapple Coolers. Or, you’ll have extra which you can use for other drink recipes, to make popsicles, or just to drink! 

1. First, juice the limes, set aside.
2. Then, combine the sugar with 1 cup water in a saucepan. Next, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let the sugar dissolve. Let cool.
3. Then, combine the lime juice with the sugar water, and stir in cold water 1 cup at a time until you reach your desired flavor.

Note: If you prefer it less sweet then add 1/2 cup sugar per 1 cup water when making the limeade

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making the Best Pineapple Cooler

• Use unsweetened pineapple juice or fresh pressed pineapple juice. If using store bought, look for labels that have no added sugar, otherwise this recipe may be too sweet.
• Don’t use bottled lime juice. Squeezing your own fresh limes to make the limeade is key. Check out my post on how to squeeze the most juice from your limes for tips on squeezing fresh lime juice.
• Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved in the water when you prepare the simple syrup recipe for the limeade.
• If you’re making a large pitcher of this pineapple cooler, don’t add ice to the pitcher. Doing so will only dilute the drink.
• Chill this easy pineapple mocktail before serving, then serve it iced cold in a nice tall glass filled with ice.
• If you don’t want your glass of this easy mocktail with pineapple to get diluted at all, you can even make ice cubes out of the pineapple cooler and use those to add to your glass.

How to Garnish this Pineapple Mocktail

Garnishing this pineapple drink recipe is one of my favorite ways to make it feel even more special and pretty!! Here are a few of my favorite ways to garnish a pineapple cooler:

• Fresh Pineapple Wedge
• Mint Leaves, Fresh
• Lime Wedge or Slices

Serve this Pineapple Cooler Recipe with these Main Dishes

Here are a few of our favorite dinner recipes to serve with these easy pineapple mocktails. They’re so refreshing on a hot day and perfect for grilling out!

Pineapple Coolers go great with grilled chicken recipes like Grilled Caribbean Chicken, Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken, or Mango Habanero Drumsticks.

It also goes great with all of the traditional American recipes we like to serve during BBQ season. Try a Pineapple Cooler with your favorite burger recipe. We like it with Fajita Burgers and Teriyaki Turkey Burgers.

A Pineapple Cooler also goes great with Mexican Food, like Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas, Vegetarian Fajitas, Grilled Chicken Tacos with Corn Salsa, or Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos.

How to Make this Pineapple Cooler an Adult Beverage Pineapple Cocktail

Who doesn’t enjoy the good times sipping a cocktail, like this pineapple drink recipe, on the porch after busy weeknights? Here are my suggestions for turning this easy pineapple cooler recipe into a fun, summer cocktail:

• For a Pineapple Vodka Cocktail: add 2 ounces of vodka for every 6 ounces of pineapple cooler. Serve over ice. 
• For a Pineapple Tequila Cocktail: add salt on the rim of the cup, then combine 2 ounces of tequila for every 6 ounces of pineapple cooler. Serve over ice.
• For a Pineapple Spritzer: Combine 4 ounces chilled dry white wine with 3 ounces of pineapple cooler. Serve over ice.
• For a Pineapple Rum Cocktail: add 2 ounces of dark rum for every 6 ounces of pineapple cooler. Serve over ice. 

Note: The nutrition facts will be different than those shared in the recipe card if you decide to add alcohol.

More Drinks with Pineapple Juice or Fresh Pineapple

Here are some more simple recipes for our favorite refreshing drinks to help you beat the summer heat:

The sweet yet acidic taste of fresh pineapple combines perfectly with the fizzy bubbles of sparkling water in this Sparkling Pineapple Mint Juice.

This quick and healthy Pineapple Orange Smoothie is made with frozen fruit, coconut milk, and a secret ingredient that really amps up the orange flavor.

This recipe for a Strawberry Pineapple Coconut Smoothie will brighten your breakfast table! The flavors of strawberry, pineapple, and coconut together make this smoothie taste a little bit like a strawberry colada – only much healthier!

In this Pineapple Coconut Kale Smoothie, frozen pineapple is combined with kale, coconut oil, chia seeds, water, and orange juice for a refreshing green smoothie.

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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Photography: photos taken in this post are by Rachael from Set the Table.