Pineapple Coconut Chili Highball

A bright, tropical highball with a kick — inspired by my days balancing bold flavors in the test kitchen and later refining them for healthy living. This version keeps texture light by using coconut water and sparkling water so the chili schnapps sings without weighing the drink down.

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) white rum or vodka (optional; omit for a lighter/low-ABV drink)
• 1.5 oz (45 ml) pineapple juice (fresh if possible)
• 1 oz (30 ml) coconut water (chilled)
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) chili schnapps (adjust to taste; some brands are sweeter/milder)
• 3–4 oz (90–120 ml) chilled sparkling water or club soda
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice (about ½ lime)
• 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup or sugar-free sweetener (optional; only if you prefer sweeter)
• Ice (cubed)
• Garnish: pineapple wedge and a thin slice of fresh chili or a jalapeño wheel (seeded for less heat)
• Equipment: highball glass, bar spoon, jigger

Allergens: none major (check schnapps for any additives). Not keto if using regular simple syrup — use sugar-free sweetener to keep it low-carb.

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. In a shaker or mixing glass, combine pineapple juice, coconut water, chili schnapps, lime juice, rum/vodka (if using), and simple syrup/sweetener. Add ice and shake briefly (5–7 seconds) to chill and blend.
3. Strain into the prepared highball glass over fresh ice.
4. Top gently with chilled sparkling water (pour down a bar spoon if you want to preserve more fizz). Stir once gently to integrate.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and place the chili/jalapeño slice on the rim or float it on top.

Flavor profile

• Bright, tropical pineapple balanced by clean coconut water; lime sharpens and lifts; chili schnapps provides sweet-spicy warmth that lingers on the finish; sparkling water adds effervescence to keep it refreshing.

Chef's tips

• Use coconut water (not coconut milk) for a lighter mouthfeel that mixes well with carbonation.
• Adjust chili schnapps to match your heat tolerance; start small and increase.
• For more complexity, muddle a few cilantro leaves or basil in the shaker for herbaceous notes.
• To keep it keto-friendly, substitute a sugar-free simple syrup or omit entirely.

Keto-friendly note

• Omit regular simple syrup and use a sugar-free sweetener to reduce carbs. Use vodka or white rum sparingly; alcohol adds calories but minimal carbs when using distilled spirits.

A solid keto-friendly cocktail worth sharing. Publish it so the cocktail community can enjoy it too.