If you’re not getting much juice, that usually means the pineapple isn’t fully ripe. A ripe one should feel heavy for its size and smell sweet at the base. When you trim and core it, you should see juice collecting in the bowl.

That said, pineapples shipped to colder states are often picked a little underripe so they survive transport. If yours doesn’t give you enough juice, just top it off with 100% pineapple juice until you reach ⅓ cup. No syrup, just straight juice. No, pineapple drink.

Also, once the fruit sits with the sugar and rum, it will release even more liquid. So don’t panic if it looks dry at first.

You’re just building flavor here, not trying to pass a tropical purity test. Ha. I hope you enjoy it.