There are some evenings when all I want is something cold and delicious and a little more time outside. A porch, a patio, somewhere green, and a drink that feels bright enough to shake off the day.
This pineapple gin cocktail starts with a pop of fresh pineapple, then gives way to fennel, ginger, Pernod, and gin for a green, herbal note that keeps the whole thing crisp and refreshing.
A Bright, Herbal Pineapple Gin Cocktail
Pineapple is the first thing you taste in Verdant Horizon, giving the drink its bright, lush character. It’s followed by the fresh, green flavor of fennel. Pernod echoes that with its own gentle anise note, while gin brings even more herbs into the mix.
The combination is tropical and refreshing with enough herbal character to balance the pineapple’s sweetness and keep the drink feeling vibrant.
Why Use Digestive Bitters in a Cocktail?
Bitters have a long history of being used around meals, with bitter herbs traditionally used to support the belly. Fennel, ginger, elecampane, and other herbs with that same purpose are where the name Digestive Bitters comes from.
They’re also blended to taste good. Use them just like other aromatic bitters in cocktails, or add a few dashes to sparkling water, ginger ale, or another simple drink when you want a little more herbal flavor.
Verdant Horizon
Makes: 1 drink
2 oz pineapple juice
1 oz Brixeur Willamette Valley Gin
1/2 oz Pernod
10 drops Digestive Bitters
fennel frond or pineapple leaf, to garnish
Shake pineapple juice, gin, Pernod, and Digestive Bitters with ice until well chilled. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass and garnish with fennel frond or pineapple leaf.
Make It Your Own
There are plenty of ways to play with the bright, herbal flavors in Verdant Horizon. Top it with sparkling water for a longer, lighter drink, or add a splash of ginger ale to bring out the fresh ginger in Digestive Bitters.
You could also add a squeeze of grapefruit or lime for a little more citrus, or try adding a toasted coconut syrup to boost the tropical notes. A little experimenting is part of the fun here.
This drink is a good reminder that Digestive Bitters aren’t just for sipping after a meal. A few dashes can bring herbal brightness into all kinds of drinks, from something as simple as sparking water to a pineapple gin cocktail like this one.
