Bright, refreshing, and relatively healthy, my Flor de Piña cocktail is a true happy hour delight. Made with tequila, orange liqueur, honey, coconut water, and pineapple, this tasty adult beverage might just be my new favorite way to transition from the workday to chill time.

Flor de Pina cocktail in a speckled amber glass on a colorful patterned background garnished with a dried pineapple flower and a pineapple leaf.

When I found out that coconut water is a perfect remedy for hangovers, my wheels started turning. Could I incorporate this tasty, lightly coconut-flavored super-beverage into a cocktail to head off any next-morning regrets? I could, I did, and I highly recommend you try it. 

About This Recipe

Flor de Piña literally translates to “pineapple flower,” which is a perfect description of this light and refreshing cocktail. Sweetly acidic pineapple juice, potassium-rich coconut water, orange-flavored liqueur, and honey weave a flavorful tapestry that is delicately floral; add tequila to the mix, and you have yourself a fiesta.

With just about 5 minutes of effort, you can have a fancy mixed drink that is sure to slay at your next happy hour gathering. As a bonus, this is a cocktail that you can batch ahead of time and place in a pitcher, making sure the good vibes keep flowing.

Dried pineapple flowers cooling in a muffin tin to form dried pineapple flowers.

Since I’m of the opinion that cocktails are simply better when you have a pretty garnish, I couldn’t resist adding an actual “pineapple flower” to the glass. While they might sound complicated, this simple technique takes just a few minutes of active time. Peel and then thinly slice fresh pineapple, then bake the slices and let cook in muffin tins; the effect is stunning, whether you use them for cocktails, cakes, or anything else.

Also, did you know that pineapples signify celebration and hospitality? I couldn’t think of a better focus for a happy hour at home. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good theme? Pair this yummy beverage with my Pineapple Mango Salsa or Pineapple Empanadas to double down on my favorite tropical fruit.

Ingredients and Equipment

This simple recipe for my Flor de Piña cocktail doesn’t need a whole lot to come together. Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • Pineapple Juice – If you can lay your hands on some fresh pineapple juice, I can promise you won’t regret the splurge. If not, canned or bottled will work just fine.
  • Honey – You can’t have flowers without bees, so this Flor de Piña pays homage by using local honey. Feel free to swap in agave nectar if you are vegan.
  • Coconut Water – If you have yet to try this beverage, I highly recommend you do. Plain coconut water tastes vaguely of coconuts, with a texture that I liken to slippery water. Coconut water is actually alkaline, which helps to neutralize the acidity of the pineapple juice and liquor, and also gives it that signature “slippery” taste. Feel free to use flavored coconut water if you prefer.
  • Tequila Blanco – Tequila comes in 3 primary forms: young blanco, mildly aged reposado, and deeply aged añejo. Opt for light and citrusy blanco here; reposado and añejo are too rich and oaky to let the other flavors shine through. Make sure you pick a brand that is 100% agave for the finest flavor and a decreased risk of a hangover.
  • Orange Liqueur – I recommend reaching for premium brands like Grand Marnier or Cointreau here; and the bottle will last you a long time.
  • Cocktail Shaker & Strainer – This simple cocktail recipe doesn’t require a lot of bells and whistles. Just a simple shaker and strainer will do! Make sure you shake the cocktail vigorously with ice for the best results.

How to Make Flor de Piña Cocktails

This tasty cocktail recipe is super simple to execute. Here’s how it’s done:

Combine all the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Strain into a chilled glass over ice and garnish with a dried pineapple flower. That’s it. Easy, right? Salud!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a vegan Flor de Piña?

Absolutely! Simply swap the honey for agave nectar instead.

What is the best tequila to use for making this cocktail?

I like the bright, citrusy flavor of tequila blanco as the base for this cocktail. Try Cazadores, Exotico, or El Mayor brands – they are all high-quality, reasonably priced, and made with 100% agave.

Can I batch the Flor de Piña cocktail?

Yep! Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and set it next to a bucket of ice. Told you this was a dreamy happy hour beverage!

More Homemade Cocktail Recipes

Still thirsty? I’ve got you covered!

If you tried my recipe for Flor de Piña cocktails, please be sure to rate and review the recipe below!

giraffe speckled glass filled with flor de piña cocktail.

Flor de Piña

5 (1 rating)
Made with tequila, orange liqueur, honey, coconut water, and pineapple, this tasty adult beverage might just be my new favorite way to transition from the workday to chill time.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces pineapple juice
  • 1 ounce honey
  • 4 ounces coconut water
  • 1.5 ounces tequila blanco
  • 1/2 ounce orange liqueur

Instructions 

  • Combine all the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Strain into a chilled glass over ice and garnish with a dried pineapple flower.

Notes

  • Feel free to swap the honey for agave nectar instead
  • Feel free to use your favorite tequila or mezcal
  • Make a pitcher: Quadruple all ingredients in a large pitcher and set it next to a bucket of ice. Told you this was a dreamy happy hour beverage!
Serving: 1g, Calories: 280kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 123mg, Potassium: 377mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 36g, Vitamin A: 3IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 1mg

Photography by Jenna Sparks