Smoky but fresh, earthy, and sweet – is your mouth watering yet? It will be soon when you try this pineapple mezcal mocktail recipe. You won’t even believe it doesn’t have any alcohol in it. Whether you are sober curious or choosing mocktails for other life reasons, this one will not disappoint. Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorites at the bottom of this post.
This recipe mixes citrus flavors of lime and pineapple with the sweetness of agave nectar and nonalcoholic mezcal. It is simple to make and easy to prepare batches if you are hosting a mocktail party.
What is Mezcal
The agave plant plays an important part in Aztec and Mexican mythology. It is sometimes called the “elixir of the gods.” Legend has it that lightning struck an agave plant that roasted the heart and released the juice inside. The agave has been used in medicinal remedies as well.
Mezcal is most often described as having a smoky flavor. This smokiness comes from roasting the heart of agave in underground pits. Over 30 types of agave can be used to make mezcal. The most traditional is espadin which is made in the region of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Mezcals can be bottled immediately after distillation. These varieties are called joven or young. Alternatively, mezcal can be aged in wooden barrels to deepen the flavors from 2-12 months.
Is Mezcal Different from Tequila
Both mezcal and tequila are made from agave, but tequila almost always uses a blue agave. Mezcal is any agave-based drink, so tequilas are always mezcals but not all mezcals are tequila. Mezcal also has a higher percentage of alcohol than tequila. For this recipe, however, we are using a nonalcoholic mezcal.
When to Drink Pineapple Mezcal Mocktail
October 21st is National Mezcal day, which sounds like a great day to have a party with me. Otherwise, this mezcal mocktail is great for happy hour or with dinner any day of the week. Fresh pineapple and citrus fruits will be at their peak in the summer, but you can enjoy this drink all year round.
Tips for Pineapple Mezcal Mocktail Recipe
This drink is very simple. The ingredients are easy to find, and it takes just a couple of minutes to put together. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your ingredients.
Nonalcoholic Mezcal
Like other zero-proof spirits, nonalcoholic mezcal will vary between manufacturers. The process for extracting and replicating the smoky agave will be slightly different. Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative, Monday Zero Alcohol Mezcal, and FLUÈRE are all good choices. You will need to experiment a little bit to find the brand you love the most. They will all have an agave base and then floral or fruity notes as well as a kick of pepper. FLUÈRE has a nice smoke profile where as Monday is spicy.
Lime Juice
Lime juice that has been canned or lime concentrate will work in a pinch. You will be much happier with the flavor of the mocktail if you use fresh juice. A Lime wedge or slice makes colorful and refreshing garnishes.
Pineapple Juice
Fresh pineapple juice will be the best option here, as well. If you don’t have a fresh pineapple, choose bottled juice over canned. Monitor for sweetness if you use fresh juice. The riper the pineapple, the sweeter your mezcal mocktail. If pineapple juice is too sweet for you, swap out for grapefruit.
Dark Agave Nectar
This mocktail recipe calls for 1 tsp of nectar or syrup, but adjust it according to your taste. If your pineapple is really ripe and naturally sweet, you might not need very much at all. Using the agave nectar will amplify the smoky agave flavors in the nonalcoholic mezcal.
Supplies for a Mezcal Mocktail
This recipe is so simple that you don’t need any bar supplies. However, half the fun of mocktails is building the ambiance with different styles of glasses and cocktail shakers. Here are a few of my favorite bar items to get you started.
Cocktail Shaker
A cocktail shaker has a tightly closing lid. Put your ingredients inside, secure the lid, and shake! It’s that easy. Your ingredients will get both thoroughly mixed and slightly chilled.
Glasses
For this pineapple mezcal mocktail drink, you can use a variety of glasses. If you want flirty and fun, try a coupe glass. If sultry and somber is more your style, then opt for rocks or Collins glasses.
How to Make Enough Pineapple Mezcal for a Party
With fizzy mocktails, you have to leave the sparkling water or fizz for the last step. This pineapple mezcal mocktail, though, can be made quite easily in advance. Multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need and mix it all together. Be careful to adjust the sweetness from the agave nectar. Add the ice in only when you are ready to serve, so it doesn’t dilute your drink. Finally, add garnish with pineapple and/or lime wedges.
What to Serve with a Pineapple Mezcal Mocktail
This is usually a happy hour mocktail, so you will also need some snacks or appetizers to go with it. Snacks focused on citrus flavors will draw out the lime and pineapple.
Alternatively, you can focus on that smoky spice with jalapeño and other Mexican cuisines such as street tacos or chips and salsa.
If you Love Mezcal Mocktails. . .
Mezcal has that signature smoky flavor from the roasted agave with a little punch at the end. For other mezcal or tequila mocktails, give these a try:
Or Fruity Mocktails. . .
If you love the sweetness of fresh fruit in mocktails or need something cool and refreshing, try these lighter mocktails, too:
- Nonalcoholic Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
- Watermelon Mint Mojito Mocktail
- The best Pineapple Old Fashioned Mocktail
- Strawberry Elderflower Bellini Mocktail
Mocktails are a fun and festive way to celebrate with friends or relax in a quiet setting. If you want to go alcohol free, you no longer have to settle for a lukewarm glass of orange juice or flat coke. I love creating and experimenting with new mocktail recipes, both to replicate classic cocktails and dreaming up new combinations, such as this pineapple mezcal mocktail. Let me know what your favorite mocktails are in the comments.
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