Pineapple sage is a unique twist on the traditional sage you may know from savory dishes. This variety brings a light, fruity aroma with hints of pineapple, making it a natural fit for tropical cocktails, fruity spritzes, and bright summer coolers. Best of all, according to National Garden Clubs, both the pineapple sage flowers and leaves are edible.
This herbaceous plant is bold enough to stand out but mellow enough to play well with others.
Best of all, it’s super easy to grow. If you can grow sage, you can grow pineapple sage in your home garden. I have it with my sage, lemon thyme, and basil in a big planter. If you are in zones 8-11 (like me), it is hardy and will stick around. If you are in a growing zone 7 or below, you can assume it will act more like an annual and die off each year.
What’s It Taste Like?
Fruity, slightly sweet, with a pineapple-citrus aroma and mild herbal finish. Much gentler than culinary sage, with no strong bitter or savory notes.
What Is Pineapple Sage?
- Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage)
This vibrant, red-flowered herb is grown for its fruity scent and edible leaves. It’s part of the mint family and often found in herb gardens or farmers markets. Unlike common sage, it’s more aromatic than savory, with tropical appeal.
Bonus: The bright red flowers are also edible and make a beautiful cocktail garnish!
Best Ways to Use Pineapple Sage in Cocktails
- Pineapple Sage Syrup: Steep leaves (and flowers, if available) in a 1:1 sugar-water mixture. Great in rum and tequila drinks.
- Muddling: Gently muddle leaves with lime, mango, or berries for a fruity-herbal base.
- Infused Spirits: Try infusing light rum, blanco tequila, or vodka for a pineapple-scented spirit.
- Garnish: Float a whole leaf or a cluster of edible red flowers for a tropical finishing touch.
Perfect Spirit Pairings
- White Rum – A natural match for tropical cocktails
- Tequila (Blanco) – Pairs well with lime, chili, and fruit juices
- Vodka – Clean and refreshing with pineapple sage syrup
- Aperol or Campari – Add to a citrus-forward spritz for depth
- Gin – Especially with citrus and floral botanicals
Flavor Pairings
- Pineapple
- Lime or lemon
- Mango
- Coconut
- Strawberry or raspberry
- Honey
- Ginger
- Mint or basil
- Sparkling water
Pineapple Sage Cocktail Ideas
- Pineapple Sage Mojito – White rum, lime, pineapple sage syrup, soda, mint
- Tropical Sage Margarita – Tequila, lime juice, triple sec, pineapple sage syrup
- Pineapple Sage Spritz – Vodka, lemon juice, pineapple sage syrup, sparkling water
- Coconut-Sage Cooler – Coconut water, rum, pineapple sage, lime juice
- Berry Sage Fizz – Muddled berries, gin, pineapple sage syrup, lemon, soda
Pineapple Sage Tips & Warnings
- Use fresh leaves only. Dried pineapple sage loses most of its fruity aroma.
- Steep briefly. A short steeping time (5–7 min) is enough to draw out the flavor in syrup or spirits.
- Avoid over-muddling. Gentle handling helps maintain its delicate flavor.
- Pineapple Sage Flowers: Use as a garnish, but add just before serving—they’re fragile.
Pineapple sage is a playful, tropical-flavored herb that brings something new to your cocktail game. Whether you’re building a mojito twist or adding flair to a summer spritz, this herb delivers fruity freshness with just the right amount of herbal charm.
