Rent-A-Pineapple and Forever Young Cocktail

Greetings all!

Did you know that several centuries ago pineapples used to be a status symbol and could cost thousands of dollars in today’s money? Native to South America, pineapples need a tropical climate to grow so only wealthy people could afford to buy one.

If you could not purchase a pineapple, you could still rent one – but not to eat! Instead, you would walk down the street with your rented pineapple, or display it as a dinner centerpiece, or bring it with you to a luncheon as an accessory! I wonder if a pineapple warranted a separate invitation as a “plus 1”? 

If you could not afford to rent a pineapple, you could then buy porcelain dishes and teapots in the shape of a pineapple. Things starting changing in 1900s, when James Dole planted pineapples in Hawaii and made the fruit more available and affordable. 

Today, food pictures rule Instagram but in the 17th century, paintings were the order of the day. Just look at Charles II being presented with a pineapple – pineapples were a huge deal!

https://www.rct.uk/collection/406896/charles-ii-presented-with-a-pineapple

If you like - and can easily buy - pineapples and pineapple juice, here is a drink you might enjoy.

Image and recipe from https://www.totalwine.com/cocktail-recipes/forever-young

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. vodka
• 2 oz. lemon-lime soda
• 1 oz. pineapple juice
• Pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions:

• Pour vodka, lemon-lime soda and pineapple juice into chilled glass with ice.
• Stir well.
• Garnish with pineapple wedge.

Additional Sources:

• https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/65506/super-luxe-history-pineapples-and-why-they-used-cost-8000
• https://historydaily.org/pineapples-arent-native-to-hawaii-the-story-of-james-dole-and-hawaiian-gold
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Dole

What did you think? Drop me a line!