Zesty Bourbon Pineapple Smash Recipe: A Tropical Dream Sip

Tropical vibes meet southern charm in this refreshing bourbon pineapple smash that promises a delightful twist on classic cocktails.

Summer evenings demand something special and unexpected.

Sweet, tangy pineapple chunks dance with smooth Kentucky bourbon in a glass of pure magic.

Crushed ice adds a crisp coolness that makes every sip feel like a mini vacation.

Bar professionals adore this simple yet sophisticated blend of flavors that balance sweet and strong perfectly.

Shaking this cocktail releases incredible aromas that will instantly transport you to a beachside paradise.

Let’s unleash your inner mixologist and create a drink that sparks conversation and keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why Bourbon Pineapple Smash Hits the Spot

• Combines sweet pineapple, zesty lime, and smooth bourbon for a perfectly balanced tropical-inspired drink that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Ideal for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or a relaxing evening cocktail that impresses guests without complicated mixology skills.
• Uses vibrant fresh pineapple and mint, creating a bright, natural cocktail that feels both sophisticated and utterly delightful.

What You’ll Need for This Cocktail

• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet tropical fruit that provides natural sugars and fresh flavor, best when ripe and juicy.
• Mint Leaves: Adds a cool, refreshing herbal note that complements the pineapple's sweetness, fresh leaves work best.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that balances sweetness and adds zippy acidity, freshly squeezed preferred.

• Bourbon: Rich, warm American whiskey that brings depth and caramel-like undertones to the cocktail, choose a smooth mid-range bourbon.

• Simple Syrup: Provides balanced sweetness and helps blend flavors, easily made at home with equal parts sugar and water.

• Additional Mint Sprig: Optional fresh garnish that enhances aroma and visual appeal, choose vibrant green leaves.
• Pineapple Wedge: Optional fruit garnish that hints at the cocktail's primary flavor profile, cut from fresh pineapple.

How to Mix a Bourbon Pineapple Smash

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Base

• Pineapple chunks
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime juice

Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and press gently with a muddler to release the tropical essences. The mint will start to release its aromatic oils while the pineapple breaks down into a juicy pulp.

Step 2: Add Spirited Kick

• Bourbon whiskey

Pour the smooth bourbon into the shaker, creating a delightful fusion of sweet tropical notes and rich whiskey warmth.

Step 3: Shake With Enthusiasm

Secure the cocktail shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This helps blend the flavors and creates a perfectly chilled mixture.

Step 4: Strain Into Glamorous Glass

Use a cocktail strainer to pour the vibrant liquid into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice cubes. The liquid will have a beautiful golden-amber color with specks of mint and pineapple.

Step 5: Garnish With Flair

• Mint sprig
• Pineapple wedge

Top the drink with a fresh mint sprig and a playful pineapple wedge on the rim. This adds visual appeal and an extra burst of tropical fragrance.

Step 6: Serve And Celebrate

Present your Bourbon Pineapple Smash immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, herbal, and spirited flavors.

Tips to Get the Balance Just Right

• Maximize Flavor Extraction: Gently muddle pineapple chunks to release natural sweetness without over-crushing, which can make the drink bitter.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe, golden pineapple for the most vibrant taste and sweetest juice in your cocktail.
• Chill Your Shaker: Use a cold cocktail shaker to keep the drink refreshingly crisp and prevent dilution from warm equipment.
• Balance Bourbon Selection: Opt for a smooth, medium-bodied bourbon that complements the pineapple's tropical notes without overpowering the drink.
• Garnish with Flair: Top with a fresh mint sprig and a small pineapple wedge to enhance visual appeal and add an aromatic finish.

How to Store or Batch This Cocktail

• Store leftover cocktail in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep mint leaves separate to prevent wilting.
• Keep pineapple chunks, mint, and liquid components in different containers to maintain freshness.
• Shake or stir ingredients again when ready to enjoy, as separation may occur during storage.
• Serve chilled by adding fresh ice when reheating or reconstituting the cocktail.

Ideal Pairings with Pineapple Smash

• Pair this bourbon pineapple smash with grilled Hawaiian chicken skewers, where the cocktail's tropical notes complement the caramelized meat's smoky flavor.
• Serve alongside a creamy aged cheddar or gouda, as the bourbon's warmth and pineapple's brightness cut through the cheese's richness.
• Match with coconut panna cotta or key lime pie, creating a delightful balance between the cocktail's tangy-sweet profile and the dessert's creamy texture.
• Enjoy with Caribbean jerk shrimp or spicy fish tacos, where the drink's cool, fruity essence provides refreshing relief from the heat.

Creative Spin-Offs of This Cocktail

• Tropical Mocktail Swap: Replace bourbon with sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version that maintains the fruity, refreshing profile.
• Tropical Green Smoothie: Blend pineapple chunks, mint, and lime juice with spinach and coconut water for a nutritious morning drink.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or a sugar-free sweetener instead of traditional bourbon to reduce caloric intake while keeping the vibrant flavor.
• Spicy Pineapple Kick: Add a small slice of jalapeño during muddling to create a spicy-sweet cocktail with an unexpected heat element.

Cocktail FAQs

• What is muddling in cocktail making?

Muddling is gently crushing ingredients like fruits or herbs in the bottom of a cocktail shaker to release their essential oils, flavors, and juices, creating a more intense and fresh taste in the drink.

• Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor, but frozen pineapple can work in a pinch. Just let it thaw slightly before muddling to help release its juices more easily.

• Do I need special tools to make this cocktail?

A cocktail shaker and muddler are ideal, but you can substitute with a mason jar and the back of a wooden spoon if you don’t have professional bar tools.

• How ripe should the pineapple be for this recipe?

Choose a pineapple that’s golden yellow and slightly soft when gently squeezed. Overripe pineapples will be too mushy, while underripe ones won’t have enough sweetness or juice.

Bourbon Pineapple Smash Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Sweet bourbon meets tropical pineapple in this refreshing Bourbon Pineapple Smash cocktail, blending Caribbean spirit with Southern charm. Summer sips never tasted so good when classic mixology meets island-inspired ingredients for a delightful drink you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Spirits:

• 2 ounces (60 milliliters) bourbon

Juices and Sweeteners:

• ¾ ounce (22 milliliters) fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce (30 milliliters) pineapple juice
• ½ ounce (15 milliliters) simple syrup

Fresh Ingredients:

• 34 fresh pineapple chunks
• 45 fresh mint leaves

Additional Components:

• Ice (for shaking & serving)
• Club soda or ginger beer (optional, for topping)

Garnish:

• Pineapple slice
• Mint sprig

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Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with fresh pineapple chunks, vibrant mint leaves, and zesty lime juice.
2. Gently press and twist the ingredients using a muddler, releasing the pineapple’s sweet essence and bruising the mint to extract its aromatic oils.
3. Add bourbon to the muddled mixture, creating a harmonious blend of tropical and spirited flavors.
4. Introduce a handful of ice cubes to chill and dilute the cocktail slightly.
5. Seal the shaker and vigorously shake for 10-15 seconds, ensuring the ingredients are thoroughly combined and well-chilled.
6. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, allowing the liquid to cascade smoothly.
7. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a small pineapple wedge, adding a visual and aromatic finishing touch.
8. Serve immediately, inviting the drinker to enjoy the refreshing and complex flavors of this bourbon-infused tropical libation.

Notes

• Opt for ripe, golden pineapple chunks to ensure maximum sweetness and juiciness in your cocktail.
• Gently press mint leaves to release essential oils without bruising, which can make them bitter and affect the drink’s delicate flavor.
• Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more vibrant citrus profile that complements the bourbon and pineapple.
• For a lighter version, substitute bourbon with white rum or vodka, creating a versatile tropical cocktail that suits different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Drinks, Cocktails
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 192
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg