Oh, you are in for a treat with this vibrant and refreshing Grilled Pineapple Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe! This cocktail effortlessly marries the smoky sweetness of grilled pineapple with the complex, herbal notes of green Chartreuse and the subtle spice of falernum liqueur. It’s an irresistible tropical experience in a glass, perfect for those moments when you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary. Whether you’re a cocktail novice or an expert, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Grilled Pineapple Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe plays a vital role in building its vibrant profile. You’ll appreciate how straightforward yet essential each component is — from the fresh pineapple to the aromatic liqueurs, everything is designed to create harmony and balance.
- Neutral oil (1 tablespoon): Ideal for coating grill grates to prevent the pineapple from sticking while grilling.
- Small whole pineapple (1): The star of the show, providing juicy sweetness and that lovely caramelized flavor when grilled.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds a natural sweetness and helps caramelize the pineapple on the grill.
- Grilled pineapple wedges (3): Two for muddling to release fresh juices and one for garnish to brighten the presentation.
- Green Chartreuse (1 1/4 ounces): A herbal liqueur that adds an intriguing complexity to the cocktail.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice (3/4 ounce): Provides zesty freshness and balance to the sweetness.
- Falernum liqueur (1/2 ounce): A spiced sweetener that complements the pineapple and Chartreuse beautifully.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for a warm aroma and subtle spice.
- Pineapple fronds: For a tropical, eye-catching garnish that sets the mood.
- Optional garnish – Lime wheel or edible flower: Adds a lovely pop of color and charm to your final presentation.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Pineapple
Start by generously coating your grill grates or grill pan with that neutral oil. This helps avoid any sticky moments with your pineapple. Preheat your grill to medium or set your pan over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, trim the pineapple by cutting off the crown, reserving the fronds for garnish, slice off the tough base, and cut the pineapple in half from top to bottom. Keeping the peel on, slice the halves crosswise into thin 1/4-inch half moons and brush them generously with honey on both sides. Trust me, that honey is going to caramelize beautifully and create flavor magic.
Step 2: Grill the Pineapple
Place the honey-brushed pineapple slices on the hot grill or grill pan and cover if using an outdoor grill, letting them cook for about 4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are ready when those lovely char marks appear and the pineapple softens slightly—but still holds its shape. Removing them and allowing a short cooling period is key before the next step.
Step 3: Cut and Muddle the Pineapple
After cooling, cut each pineapple half moon into 3 wedges. You’ll want 3 wedges for a single cocktail: two for muddling and releasing those luscious juices, and one to use as garnish. Carefully peel the skin off the wedges used for muddling so you get only the tender fruit. Add two wedges into a Collins glass and muddle thoroughly. This step ensures your drink is bursting with fresh grilled pineapple flavor.
Step 4: Build and Swizzle the Cocktail
Now, fill your glass with crushed ice, then pour in the Green Chartreuse, lime juice, and falernum liqueur. Here’s the fun part: using a bar spoon or swizzle stick, swizzle the cocktail vigorously back and forth until you see frost forming on the outside of your glass. This swizzling not only chills the drink perfectly but also melds the exotic flavors beautifully. Top off with extra crushed ice to fill the glass completely.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the top for a warm, aromatic lift. Garnish with the reserved grilled pineapple wedge and the pineapple fronds for that perfect tropical vibe. If you’re feeling fancy, add a lime wheel or an edible flower to entice the eyes and invite smiles. Now, get ready to sip and savor why the Grilled Pineapple Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe is such a showstopper!
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes don’t just make a cocktail prettier—they enhance aroma and invite you to enjoy every sip. Using a grilled pineapple wedge paired with vibrant pineapple fronds instantly transports you to a tropical paradise. Cinnamon sprinkled on top adds a tempting warm note, and a lime wheel or edible flower can add a pop of freshness and color that impresses without effort.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs beautifully with light, fresh plates that complement its tropical flair. Think grilled shrimp skewers, coconut shrimp, or even a crisp mango salad. The bright, herbal notes of the Chartreuse swizzle make it versatile enough to offset spicy or savory dishes, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Take presentation up a notch by serving your Grilled Pineapple Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe in a tall, clear Collins glass to showcase the layers of crushed ice and golden hues. Using a colorful swizzle stick or a bamboo skewer speared through the pineapple wedge adds charm. For special occasions, consider adding a small umbrella or themed cocktail stirrer for that fun, festive tropical feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with some leftover grilled pineapple, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 2 days and can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or added to other cocktails or desserts.
Freezing
While the full cocktail isn’t ideal for freezing due to the ice content, you can freeze extra grilled pineapple wedges separately. Freeze them flat on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a freezer bag, perfect to have on hand for future swizzles or tropical smoothies.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover pineapple by popping it briefly in a warm skillet or microwave to bring back a hint of that fresh grilled flavor before using it again. Avoid overheating to preserve its juicy texture.
FAQs
What makes green Chartreuse special in this cocktail?
Green Chartreuse is a unique herbal liqueur made by French monks from a secret blend of 130 botanicals. Its complex, aromatic profile brings a distinctive depth and brightness to the Grilled Pineapple Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe that you won’t get from other spirits.
Can I substitute falernum liqueur?
If you don’t have falernum on hand, a homemade mix of lime juice, almond syrup, and warming spices can be a decent substitute, but falernum’s nuanced flavors of cloves, ginger, and almond really elevate this cocktail to the next level.
Is it necessary to grill the pineapple?
The grilling adds a smoky caramelization that creates a delicious balance with the herbal Chartreuse and spiced falernum. While you can use fresh pineapple instead, you’ll lose that signature sweet-smoky depth that makes this cocktail special.
How do I make crushed ice for this cocktail?
Crushed ice can be made by placing ice cubes in a clean kitchen towel and gently pounding with a mallet until roughly crushed. Alternatively, use a blender or an ice crusher if you have one. Crushed ice chills the drink quickly and creates that perfect texture for swizzling.
Can I make this cocktail for a crowd?
Absolutely! You can grill a larger batch of pineapple wedges and mix up the cocktail ingredients in a pitcher. Just add crushed ice and swizzle each serving individually for the freshest flavor experience.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly captivating about crafting and sipping the Grilled Pineapple Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe. The way fresh, smoky pineapple intertwines with bright lime and the exotic green Chartreuse invites you to indulge in tropical bliss with every sip. If you’re looking to elevate your cocktail game and create moments worth savoring, this recipe will become an instant favorite. Go ahead, fire up that grill and bring this flavorful, refreshing drink to life—you won’t regret it!
PrintGrilled Pineapple Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe
The Grilled Pineapple Chartreuse Swizzle is a refreshing and aromatic cocktail that combines the herbal complexity of green Chartreuse with the sweet spice of falernum liqueur and the smoky sweetness of freshly grilled pineapple. Ideal for warm weather, this cocktail features muddled grilled pineapple, lime juice, and a cinnamon garnish, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and herbal flavors.
- Prep Time: 4 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Total Time: 14 mins
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
For the Grilled Pineapple
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as avocado oil, for the grill grates
- 1 small whole pineapple
- 1/4 cup honey
For the Swizzle
- 3 wedges grilled pineapple
- 1 1/4 ounces Green Chartreuse
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 ounce falernum liqueur
- Cinnamon, for garnish
- Pineapple frond, for garnish
- Lime wheel or edible flower, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill and Pineapple: Generously coat the grill grates or a grill pan with neutral oil. Heat the grill to medium or place the grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Slice the Pineapple: Remove the pineapple crown, reserving the fronds for garnish. Cut a 1/2-inch-thick slice from the base and discard it. Leave the peel on and slice the pineapple in half from top to bottom through the core. Then, crosswise slice the pineapple halves into 1/4-inch-thick half moons. Brush both sides of the pineapple slices with honey.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the honey-brushed pineapple slices on the hot grill or grill pan. Cover if using an outdoor grill, and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until the pineapple is lightly charred and caramelized.
- Cool and Cut Pineapple Wedges: Remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool. Cut each pineapple half moon into three wedges. You will use three wedges per cocktail — two for muddling and one for garnish. Remove the skin from the wedges intended for muddling.
- Muddle the Pineapple in Glass: Place two grilled pineapple wedges in a Collins glass and muddle thoroughly to release their juices and flavor.
- Add Ice and Liquors: Fill the glass with crushed ice, then add 1 1/4 ounces Green Chartreuse, 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1/2 ounce falernum liqueur.
- Swizzle the Cocktail: Insert a bar spoon or swizzle stick into the glass and swizzle the cocktail vigorously back and forth until frost appears on the outside of the glass. Top the glass with more crushed ice to fill completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the crushed ice. Garnish with the reserved grilled pineapple wedge, pineapple fronds, and optionally a lime wheel or edible flower. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Green Chartreuse can be difficult to find, but its unique herbal profile is essential for this cocktail.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan works well on the stove to achieve the char and caramelization.
- Use fresh, ripe pineapple for the best flavor.
- Falernum is a sweet syrup or liqueur with flavors of almond, ginger, lime, and cloves, commonly used in tropical cocktails.
- Swizzling chills and dilutes the drink while mixing, giving a refreshing frosted appearance on the glass.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey brushed on the pineapple if desired.
- Crushed ice is preferred for the traditional swizzle texture and temperature.
