Sometimes I get an idea into my head, and then that idea brews for a while. In this case, I’ve been waiting to throw this B-Y-O-Pineapple party for about 9 months. Is there anything better than having a fruity beverage in hand and your feet dipped into the pool under the hot sun?

Really, this whole thing stems from a lack of funds, because sometimes we don’t have the money to get to an island paradise and order that beverage with a full fruit salad coming out of the top. Not to worry, a staycation can really feel like a vacation if you do it right!

Step 1: Find a pool or a great back yard.
Step 2: Grab yourself a pineapple, because what is more luxurious and fun than a fruity drink in the fruit that it came from?
Step 3: Invite all your friends for a BYOP – Bring Your Own Pineapple party!

A pineapple might be a bit large for a cup, but we’re using a fruit for a cup here, let’s get a little decadent. Once you’ve hollowed out your pineapple, the chunks are blended together with strawberries and rum to make for the most tropical cocktail ever. Optional add ins: drink umbrellas, crazy straws, and a fruit kebab. Why the heck not?

A drink (and vacation) that might have cost you a fortune somewhere else whittles down to about $5 when made in your own back yard. Put your feet up and slip into vacation mode, stress free and wallet happy!

Clothing Details: Julia’s Straw Hat (similar straw fedora hat) – Lucky Brand Jeans || Julia’s Scalloped Swim Suit – Victoria’s Secret || Julia’s Sunglasses – Nordstrom || Megan’s Swim Suit (similar high neck swim suit top) – Victoria’s Secret

See below for the recipe and DIY.

DIY Pineapple Cups

Supplies

Pineapple with a flat bottom
Sharp Knife
Metal Spoon
Cutting Board

1. Take your pineapple and cut the top off. Cut a small triangle into the top as a hole for a straw. Keep this as a lid for later.

2. Cut a circle into the pineapple, leaving about a half of an inch of fruit around the edge. Cut almost to the bottom without cutting through it so you don’t get any leaks! (NOTE: If you accidentally cut through the pineapple, just throw a solo cup in there and you will still appear to be using the pineapple as the cup.)

3. Cut an X into the pineapple through the center to help you break up the fruit. Start cutting diagonally into the fruit to get chunks out. Use your spoon to scoop the fruit out of the middle as it gets closer to the bottom.

4. Take the fruit from the center and use it to make pineapple daiquiris (recipe below)!