Why I love this pineapple upside down cake drink recipe
I just have to tell you about this pineapple upside down cake cocktail recipe I’ve been loving lately.
It’s a layered martini with pineapple juice, vodka, Malibu coconut rum and grenadine.
And it’s honestly the most fun and colorful drink to serve when the weather gets hot.
There’s something about those bright, tropical flavors combined with the pretty layers that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just relaxing in your backyard.
It’s definitely become my go-to summer cocktail when I want something pretty, fun, and totally delicious.
Looking for more tropical cocktails? You'll love Guava Martini.
Ingredients
Here is your shopping list (for 1 cocktail):
- Alcohol – 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce coconut rum
- Juice – 2 ounces pineapple juice
- Mixer – Grenadine
- Fresh produce – Fresh pineapple wedge for garnish
- Jarred goods – Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Ice
Substitutions & Additions
- If you like a sweeter martini and want the cocktail to taste even more like the cake, substitute cake vodka for the regular vodka.
How to make a pineapple upside down cake drink
1 | Prep work
First we’re going to prepare the garnish.
Start by cutting a slice from the pineapple, then cut that slice into 6 pieces.
Make about a half-inch cut at the point of one of the pineapple pieces. This makes a slit that you will be able slide onto the rim of the glass after the drink has been poured.
Finally, insert a toothpick through the pineapple near the outer edge and stick a cherry onto it on the other side.
2 | Mix the cocktail
Fill a cocktail shaker most of the way with ice. Using plenty of ice helps chill the drink quickly and keeps it cold longer.
Add 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce coconut rum, and 2 ounces pineapple juice.
Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the ingredients are well mixed and chilled.
3 | Serve
Pour the mixture through a strainer into a martini glass. This will remove the ice which doesn’t do well in a martini glass.
To create the layered effect, slowly pour in enough grenadine to create a red layer on the bottom of the drink.
Finish by garnishing with the pineapple wedge you made earlier.
Pouring the grenadine slowly and carefully is the key to getting layers. If you pour too fast, the layers will blend. You can also try pouring it down the side of the glass if you find that it is mixing rather than sinking to the bottom.
How to make a big batch
If I’m serving these at a party, I like to make a big batch a few hours ahead of time. That way I don’t have to keep making individual drinks all night long.
To make enough for 12 drinks, combine 1½ cups vodka, 1½ cups coconut rum and 3 cups of pineapple juice in a large pitcher.
Make 12 garnishes. Wrap in plastic wrap.
Store both the mixed drink and the garnishes in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Just before serving, give the pitcher a stir to make sure everything is still combined. Pour into the glasses, add the grenadine and the garnish.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Drink
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce coconut rum such as Malibu
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- Splash grenadine
- Fresh pineapple wedge for garnish
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Equipment
- Sharp knife for cutting the pineapple
- jigger for measuring the liquids
- cocktail shaker
- martini glass
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker most of the way up with ice.Ice
- Add vodka, coconut rum and pineapple juice.1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce coconut rum, 2 ounces pineapple juice
- Shake well until combined and chilled.
- Pour through a strainer into a martini glass.
- Slowly pour enough grenadine into the glass to form a red layer on the bottom of the glass.Splash grenadine
- Garnish with fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.Fresh pineapple wedge, Maraschino cherries
Notes
- For a sweeter drink that tastes even more like cake, substitute cake-flavored vodka for the regular kind.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Have comments or questions about our pineapple upside down cake drink? Tell us in the section below.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
I’m happy you liked it, Gina!