At OXO, our quest to make things better isn’t just for tools you use every single day, but also for tools that make once-in-a-while tasks a breeze, too. Our Ratcheting Pineapple Slicer(Opens in a new window) falls into that bucket – although if we had the option, we’d eat pineapple year-round. This tool makes short work of coring and slicing pineapple, and leaves the shell intact. Meaning perfect pineapple rings… and a totally compostable tropical cup.
The recipes below are perfect for sweltering summer days – once you’ve sliced your pineapple, toss the chunks into a blender with the rest of the ingredients, blend until smooth, and then pour the drink back into the pineapple shell for serving. We like to garnish with a sprig of mint, a straw and a paper umbrella. It’s vacation in a glass.
How to cut a pineapple: a step-by-step guide
Pick a ripe pineapple.
Unlike grocery store grapes, people won’t be thrilled if you’re sampling pineapples in the produce section. To tell if the fruit is ripe, check the bottom of the fruit, which should be sweet and fragrant, like pineapple juice.
Step 1: Slice off the top green part of the pineapple
Step 2: Using a Ratcheting Pineapple Slicer, measure the height of the fruit so you know how far too ratchet without slicing through the bottom of the pineapple.
Step 3: Twist the Slicer onto the exposed fruit
Step 4: When you get to the bottom, simply pull the Slicer out – the pineapple meat will come with it
Step 5: Slice the stack of pineapple into chunks
Piña Colada
You can’t list pineapple beverages and not include the classic – this one can be enjoyed with or without rum. No getting caught in the rain required.
1 cup fresh pineapple pieces
2 oz pineapple juice (there will be some once you core the pineapple!)
2 oz coconut cream
3 oz rum (white or dark)
Pineapple slices for garnish
Pineapple Cocktail
Not a coconut fan? Here’s a pineapple cocktail you can enjoy without falling prey to the piña colada.
3 cups fresh pineapple pieces
½ cup ice
6 oz gin (although it also works with vodka or white rum)
2 oz simple syrup
Pineapple Breakfast Smoothie
If a fruity cocktail isn’t your forte, try starting your day with a pineapple and leafy green concoction that’s perfect for drinking out of the pineapple shell on the porch… or pouring in a travel cup to take on the road.
1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
½ cup frozen mango
Handful spinach
2-3 large kale leaves
1 tbsp coconut oil
½ cup coconut milk
Tropical Smoothie
With its combination of sweet berries and tart pineapple, this pretty pink drink is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
6 strawberries
Small handful of raspberries
½ cup ice
½ cup orange juice
Need more inspiration for vacation sipping? Try an easy frosé recipe with fresh strawberries and lemon juice.