What’s better than a pineapple upside down cake? One you can drink! Cake Vodka mixes with delicious pineapple juice and sweet brown sugar celebrating the caramelized upside down cake flavors you know and love. This pitcher cocktail is a cinch to make and a hit at any get-together, year-round.
Mixing it up is always fun, but there are times when you want the comforting flavors of your favorite childhood cake. And this Pineapple Upside-Down Cake cocktail recipe will satisfy that nostalgic craving!
The pineapple upside-down cake cocktail is a simple recipe to make and because you can make a whole pitcher of the delicious drink, there’s plenty to share with friends! What’s more refreshing this summer than a pineapple juice cocktail with a gorgeous brown sugar rim, pineapple slices, and maraschino cherry on top? It’s poolside goals!
How to make a pineapple upside down cake cocktail
- Pineapple juice: I prefer Dole’s 100% pineapple juice. Avoid getting a pineapple “drink” or juice combos to make sure your cocktail stays true to the pineapple upside down cake flavors.
- Cake-flavored vodka: Pinnacle cake vodka is my brand of choice, but any version will work. If you can’t find a cake-flavored vodka, vanilla vodka works in a pinch.
- Light brown sugar: Not only does the brown sugar add to the flavor, but it’s fun for rimming your glass.
- Maraschino cherries: for garnish
- Pineapple slices: for garnish
Can I leave out the brown sugar?
You can most definitely leave out the brown sugar but it will change the flavor. The brown sugar gives this cocktail the rich, caramelized flavor you find in Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Leaving it out will still taste good but it tastes more like a tropical cocktail and less like the cake.
Can I just chill the pineapple juice and the vodka beforehand to save some time?
Unfortunately, no. The brown sugar will not dissolve properly if it is added straight to cold liquid. I recommend mixing it up and using the freezer chilling method if you are short on time.
Where can I find cake-flavored vodka?
Pinnacle and UV are well-known brands that make cake-flavored vodka, though Pinnacle’s seems to be more readily available. You can find the Pinnacle Cake vodka at all of my local grocery chains (if your grocery store sells hard alcohol) as well as at liquor superstores like Total Wine.
Can I make the drink with rum?
You can make the drink with rum, but I would recommend against it unless you are looking for a very different flavor. Pineapple Upside Down Cake is traditionally made with vanilla or cake vodka and pineapple juice.
How do I make pineapple upside down cake cocktail recipe non-alcoholic?
Yes! Simply omit the vodka and replace it with ginger ale and a teaspoon of caramel sauce for a refreshing mocktail drink that even the kids can enjoy.
We hope you enjoyed this pineapple upside down cake cocktail recipe. It’s a fun take on your classic cocktails and is perfect for any occasion or get together! If you want to save the recipe, just click below to pin it so that you can find it anytime. Happy drinking!
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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Pitcher Cocktails
Ingredients:
For a pitcher:
- 46 oz. can pineapple juice
- 2 ½ cups cake-flavored vodka
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed (plus more for rimming, if desired)
- 10 maraschino cherries for garnish optional
- 10 pineapple slices for garnish optional
For a single mixed drink:
- 4.5 oz. pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup cake-flavored vodka
- 1 tsp. light brown sugar packed (plus more for rimming, if desired)
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish optional
- 1 pineapple slice for garnish optional
Instructions:
For a pitcher:
- In a large pitcher, add pineapple juice, cake-flavored vodka, and light brown sugar. Stir. Place in refrigerator to chill, stirring every so often to assure that brown sugar is dissolved. You can speed up the chilling process by putting the mixture in the freezer for about an hour.
- To serve, swipe a slice of pineapple around the edge of a 9-ounce glass. (You can also just dip the rim in pineapple juice or water, but make sure to shake off the excess.) Dip the damp rim into a shallow plate of light brown sugar. Allow brown sugar to set-up for a minute or so. If you wish, add a pineapple slice and/or a maraschino cherry for a garnish.
- Fill glass halfway with ice. Pour cocktail from pitcher overtop.
For a single mixed drink:
- Swipe a slice of pineapple around the edge of a 9-ounce glass. (You can also just dip the rim in pineapple juice or water, but make sure to shake off the excess.) Dip the damp rim into a shallow plate of light brown sugar. Allow brown sugar to set-up for a minute or so. If you wish, add a pineapple slice and/or a maraschino cherry for a garnish. Fill glass halfway with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, add pineapple juice, cake-flavored vodka, and light brown sugar. Do not add ice to the shaker. The sugar dissolves more easily at room temperature. Shake for 10-15 seconds, or until sugar is dissolved. Pour over ice in prepared glass.
Recipe Notes:
The listed time difference of 1 hour to 5 hours is the time spent chilling in the freezer versus the refrigerator. Can I make this non-alcoholic? Yes! Simply omit the vodka and replace it with ginger ale and a teaspoon of caramel sauce for a refreshing mocktail drink that even the kids can enjoy. Can I make this with rum? You can make the drink with rum, but I would recommend against it unless you are looking for a very different flavor. Pineapple Upside Down Cake is traditionally made with vanilla or cake vodka and pineapple juice.
Nutrition:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
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