Cooking Lesson #677: Hawaiian Pineapple-Mint Squash

The Cruising Collection 

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

How you doin’? When I was a kid I loved cruising to the Hawaiian Islands with my Uncle Harry. Matson’s SS Lurline was the third Matson Lines vessel to hold that name and the last of four fast and luxurious ocean liners that Matson built for the Hawaii and Australasia runs from the West Coast of the United States. Lurline's sister ships were SS Malolo, SS Mariposa and SS Monterey.
 
Dole pineapple was grown on the islands and cued up with Matson and made wonderful pineapple cocktails readily available on board. Here is one for the books that goes out to all you pineapple lovers—my Hawaiian  Pineapple-Mint Squash.
 
It’s made with chunks of fresh Hawaiian pineapple muddled with a lemon, coconut sugar, vodka and a handful of mint and then topped off with sparkling soda. The vodka is so mellow, it really lets the mint and pineapple shine, and then there’s a pleasant coconut finish. It tastes very fruity and refreshing, yet not overly juicy. Which is to say that, even with all the pineapples and coconuts, it’s a light, sophisticated drink. Sipping it will make you feel like you’re on a fancy beach vacation even if you’re only solo on your patio. Bring out a floppy sun hat, a beachy magazine and Don Ho Hawaiian music from Alexa to amplify those effects. This drink is so mild, it’s perfect for a brunch gathering with your S.O. or a convivial happy hour.
 
Prep time:  7 minutes
Yield:  1 serving
 
Ingredients 
2 lemon wedges
2 pineapple chunks (2x2-inch cubes)
2 teaspoons spoons coconut sugar
2 ounces vodka (I prefer Grey Goose)
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
8 mint leaves, stems off
1 teaspoon simple syrup
2 ounces sparkling club soda
1 hollowed out pineapple (or cocktail glass)
1 pineapple wedge (for garnish)
1 fresh sprig mint (for garnish)
1 cocktail umbrella
 
Directions

1. Muddle the fruit in the base of a shaker with the coconut sugar.
2. Add the vodka, lemon juice, mint leaves and simple syrup.
3. Shake it like you mean it.
4. Strain the cocktail into a hollowed pineapple over ice and top with soda.
5. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple and a mint sprig.

ChefSecret: Wanna get even more tropical with it? Try topping it off with LaCroix mango, coconut, or passion fruit.

Quip of the Day:  Q. Why didn’t the pineapple fit in with the other fruit? A. Because it was rough around the edges.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross.
 
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                                                                                 ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023

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