Nalu's Hawaiian Recipe

Prepare infusion

Place 1 cup (about 1 small cup) of fresh pineapple chunks into a clean 1-pint (or larger) jar. Pour 2 cups (16 fl oz) vodka over the pineapple, ensuring fruit is fully submerged. Seal the jar with a tight lid.

Infuse

Let the vodka infuse at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 24 to 48 hours for a bright pineapple flavor. For a more pronounced pineapple profile, refrigerate and infuse up to 72 hours. Shake the jar gently once or twice per day to circulate flavors.

Strain and store

After desired infusion time, strain the vodka through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean bottle or jar to remove solids. Press gently on the pineapple to extract liquid but avoid pushing through pulp. Discard the spent pineapple or save for culinary use. Label and refrigerate the infused vodka; it will keep refrigerated for up to 1 month (room temp up to 3 months if jar and vodka were sanitized).

Measure and chill

Place a cocktail shaker or large mixing glass in the refrigerator for a few minutes if desired. Add 2 cups of ice to a cocktail shaker (or fill a large mixing glass with ice).

Combine ingredients

Add 6 oz pineapple-infused vodka, 4 oz fresh pineapple juice, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup to the shaker with ice. If you prefer a drier drink, reduce simple syrup to 0.25 oz; for sweeter, increase to 0.75–1 oz.

Shake

Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker is cold and well-chilled (or stir for 20–30 seconds if using a mixing glass and you want a clearer drink).

Strain and serve

Divide ice among four chilled coupe or rocks glasses (lightly crushed or standard cubes). Strain the cocktail evenly into the prepared glasses using a Hawthorne strainer or fine mesh to catch ice shards. Each serving will be approximately 3.5–4 oz.

Garnish

Garnish each glass with a pineapple wedge on the rim and a fresh mint sprig if using. Optionally, express a lime peel over the top for extra aroma.

Serving suggestion & storage

Serve immediately. Any leftover infused vodka should be refrigerated and used within one month for best flavor. If batching ahead, mix infused vodka, pineapple juice, lime, and simple syrup and keep chilled for up to 24 hours; add ice and shake before serving.