Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Cocktail Recipe

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:2g

Protein:0.5g

Carbohydrates:30g

Alcohol %:12%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake cocktail is inspired by the classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake dessert, which has a history dating back to the early 20th century. The dessert became popular due to the widespread availability of canned pineapple rings, and the cocktail version aims to capture the same sweet and fruity flavors. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and dessert-like drinks, and it's often served at parties and celebrations.

  • Origin: Early 20th century
  • Inspired by Pineapple Upside-Down Cake dessert
  • Popular for parties and celebrations

How Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Tastes?

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake cocktail is sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy. It has a rich, creamy texture with a hint of vanilla and a subtle warmth from the alcohol.

Interesting facts about Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

  • The cocktail is inspired by the classic dessert, which was popularized in the early 20th century
  • The drink captures the sweet and fruity flavors of the dessert, making it a perfect choice for those with a sweet tooth
  • The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake cocktail is often served at parties and celebrations due to its fun and festive nature

Ingredients

  • Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Amaretto: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Whipped cream: 1 dollop
  • Maraschino cherry: 1
  • Garnish: 1 Pineapple Wedge

A few good options for Pineapple Upside-Down Cake are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

Vodka is the cocktail's backbone, providing a clean canvas for other flavors. It's neutral, so it doesn't overpower the sweeter elements. Too much vodka would turn your cake into a harsh drink, less would make it too sweet.

Alex Green

Amaretto

This sweet, almond-flavored liqueur brings a warm, nutty layer, resembling the caramelized sugar in an actual upside-down cake. Without it, you'll lose depth. Swap it with Frangelico, and you'll get a hazelnut twist.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

It offers the tartness and fruity vibe you'd expect from the corresponding dessert. It's critical for the balance—less juice makes a stronger drink, more could drown other flavors.

Mary Mitkina

Grenadine

The pomegranate syrup provides sweetness and a vivid color gradient. It's like the cherry on top—or actually, below. Skip it, and the visual fun fades.

Alex Green

Whipped Cream

Cream doesn't just float; it's the rich, velvety layer mimicking the cake's texture. No cream would mean losing the dessert-like finish.

Emma Rose

Maraschino Cherry

The traditional garnish for our cake-in-a-glass! It's not just a pop of color; it's a nod to the actual dessert’s cherry topping.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Wedge

For garnish, and a hint at what's inside. Without it, the tropical fun would be less convincing. You could try a slice of orange for a citrusy take.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice
  2. Add vodka, amaretto, and pineapple juice
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Pour grenadine into the bottom of a chilled glass
  5. Strain the shaker contents into the glass, allowing the grenadine to create a layer at the bottom
  6. Top with whipped cream
  7. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and pineapple wedge

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cold longer.
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Shake the cocktail well to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Platters: The creaminess of cheese, especially milder ones like mozzarella or brie, balances the cocktail's sweetness.
  • Fried Appetizers: Think coconut shrimp or fried calamari, as the crispness complements the fruity and sweet notes.

Desserts

  • Vanilla or Coconut Based Desserts: The cocktail's sweet profile pairs well with vanilla ice cream or coconut cream cakes.
  • Fruit Tarts: An apple or peach tart can mirror the fruity notes of the cocktail.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

  • Vodka: Can be replaced with white rum for a tropical twist.
  • Amaretto: If not available, almond extract mixed with a simple syrup can be used.
  • Grenadine: Can be substituted with a homemade version using pomegranate juice and sugar.

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Coconut Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

  • Replace vodka with coconut rum.
  • Add a splash of cream of coconut to the shaker. This version will transport you to a tropical beach, adding a creamy coconut profile to your slice of cake-in-a-glass paradise.

Berry Upside-Down Cake

  • Use a berry-flavored vodka.
  • Garnish with fresh raspberries instead of a cherry. Sweet and berry-licious, this twist will give you a fruity explosion, making it perfect for those summer garden parties.

Spiced Upside-Down Cake

  • Add a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the shaker.
  • Use spiced rum instead of vodka. Taking you into the autumn spirit, this version will remind you of holiday desserts with its warm spice notes cozying up to the tropical flavors.

In case you forgot basics how to make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can substitute the vodka and amaretto with non-alcoholic substitutes, such as non-alcoholic vodka or amaretto syrup. Try to maintain the same volume of liquid to keep the balance of flavors.

Can other types of juice be used?

Pineapple juice is preferred because it mirrors the flavor of the original Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. However, you can experiment with other juices while keeping in mind this could alter the cocktail's flavor.

How can I achieve the best layered effect?

To achieve the best layered effect, pour the grenadine slowly into the bottom of the glass first. Then, very slowly pour the mixed alcoholic ingredients over the back of a spoon and onto the inside of the glass.

Can I batch make this cocktail for a party?

Yes, you can batch make this cocktail. Multiply the quantities of the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix in a large jug or punch bowl. However, the layered effect might not be as noticeable.

Is there a specific vodka brand that works best for this cocktail?

The choice of vodka is flexible as it's a neutral spirit. However, a good-quality vodka might give the cocktail a smoother finish.

More similar recipes to Pineapple Upside-Down Cake!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe