Welcome, Friends!

Harness the power of the pineapple to welcome your summer guests with a dreamy blended cocktail.

The pineapple is known as the symbol of welcome, but how did that come about? Legend has it that during the Colonial era when a sea captain would return from the Caribbean having traded spices, rum and fruit, they often came bearing the ever-so-rare pineapple. The captain would spear the pineapple on a fence post outside his home to show he had arrived safely. This was an invitation for friends and family to stop in, share in his bounty and hear tales of the voyage.

I was raised believing that pineapples were a Southern sign of hospitality and friendship. That’s why you can find pineapple door knockers, light fixtures and gate posts all around the South. The Pineapple Fountain in Charleston, South Carolina, sits in Charleston’s Waterfront Park as a focal greeting monument. All of these are representations of the legend and the welcoming of guests.

Over Memorial Day weekend my spouse and I entertained friends at our lake house. It was hot outside, and we wanted to offer a drink that was quenching and offered the element of Southern hospitality. We created this cocktail with a few summertime ingredients and a blender. With just one sip we were all transformed to the tropics.

Feel free to use coconut water or rim the glass with fresh coconut for a pina colada flair. I am sure this would be even better with fresh pineapple, but when we created it at the lake we only had frozen available. Either way, it’s delicious and perfect for welcoming guests.