City Slicker

A lightning-fast non-alcoholic drink built on pineapple juice and ginger ale, with a dash of ground ginger stirred in for a spicy back note. Three ingredients, no shaker, no muddling, done.

The dash of ground ginger is what turns this from plain fruit-and-soda fizz into something with a little kick. It settles in the bottom of the glass and releases as you sip, so each mouthful carries a different ratio of sweet pineapple, dry ginger ale bubbles, and that warming spice. Freeze leftover pineapple juice into cubes if you have time; they keep the drink cold without diluting it.

Garnish however the glass calls for: a pineapple wedge on the rim for a tropical feel, candied ginger slices on a toothpick for more spice, or mint sprigs for a summer-garden look. Serves as a solid mocktail option at brunch or for designated drivers at a cocktail party.

Bar Tips

• Use chilled ingredients. Warm juice and ginger ale make watery drinks even with ice.
• Ginger ale loses fizz fast once poured. Add it last, right before serving.
• Use real ginger ale, not ginger-flavored soda. Reed’s, Fever-Tree, or Bundaberg give much deeper flavor than generic brands.
• Fresh-grated ginger gives more zing than dried if you have it on hand. A quarter teaspoon grated equals the dash of dried.

Variations

• Spike with 1 to 2 ounces of white rum or bourbon for an adult version.
• Swap pineapple for mango or passion fruit juice for a different tropical angle.
• Add a splash of lime juice and a sprig of fresh mint for a ginger-mojito feel.