Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini is a sweet, tropical-inspired cocktail that tastes like dessert in a glass. Quick to mix up in just minutes, this Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini is perfect for celebrations, girls’ nights, or a cozy evening treat.
I still remember making my first tropical dessert drink for family gatherings, and it quickly became a favorite alongside my classic cheesecake recipes. This Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini recipe reminds me of those joyful moments, blending indulgence with fun—just like sharing a homemade cocktail at the table. Would you like me to also write a short meta description for this recipe?
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini
The Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini is more than just a cocktail—it’s dessert and happy hour rolled into one! You’ll love it because it’s quick to make, bursting with tropical pineapple flavor, and layered with the sweet richness of vanilla and cherry. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a date night at home, or craving a fun twist on a classic drink, this martini delivers the perfect balance of fruity freshness and indulgent sweetness.
PrintPineapple Upside-down Cake Martini
All the flavors of pineapple upside down cake… in a delicious cocktail! This Pineapple Upside Down Martini is made with just 3 ingredients and is sure to be a favorite!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 1
Ingredients
2 ounces pineapple juice
2 ounces cake flavored vodka
1 teaspoons grenadine
1 pineapple chunk
2 maraschino cherries
Instructions
Fill a cocktail shaker 2/3 full with ice.
Add the pineapple juice and vodka; shake well.
Strain into a martini glass, then slowly pour the grenadine along the edge of the glass. It will settle at the bottom.
Garnish with pineapple and cherries.
Enjoy!
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Use a pineapple juice blend in place of 100% pineapple juice
- Substitute vanilla or whipped cream vodka for cake vodka
- Add seltzer for a lighter cocktail
- Omit the grenadine for less sweetness
- Use a fresh pineapple wedge for the garnish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: servings 1
- Calories: 279kcal
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 6mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients — Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini
- 2 oz (≈60 ml) pineapple juice (preferably 100% natural, strained if pulpy)
- 2 oz (≈60 ml) cake-flavored vodka (if unavailable, use plain vodka + ¼ tsp vanilla extract)
- 1 tsp (≈5 ml) grenadine (creates the signature “upside-down” effect)
- Ice: enough to fill your shaker ⅔ full (about 1–1½ cups)
- 1 pineapple chunk (about 1 inch / 2.5 cm for garnish)
- 2 maraschino cherries (for garnish)
- Optional: crushed vanilla cookies or brown sugar for rimming the glass; a tiny splash of extra vanilla extract for a richer “cake” flavor
The smooth, balanced flavors in this Halloween Poison Apple Punch remind me of the careful attention to detail we put into our Oprah Pink Salt Sourdough both recipes prove that the right combination of simple ingredients can create something truly special and memorable.
Instructions — Step by Step
Step 1 — Chill your glass
Place a martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before making your cocktail. If short on time, fill it with ice water while you mix the drink, then discard just before serving.
Step 2 — Add ice to the shaker
Fill your cocktail shaker about ⅔ full with ice (roughly 1–1½ cups). This chills the drink and dilutes it just enough for a smooth sip.
Step 3 — Pour in the liquids
Add 2 oz pineapple juice and 2 oz cake-flavored vodka into the shaker. If using plain vodka, stir in ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to achieve that dessert-like flavor.
Step 4 — Shake well
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, until the shaker feels icy cold and frosted on the outside. This ensures your martini is perfectly chilled.
Step 5 — Strain into the glass
Empty your martini glass of any ice water, then strain the mixture into it using a cocktail strainer. For an ultra-smooth finish, double strain through a fine mesh sieve.
Step 6 — Add the grenadine
Slowly drizzle 1 tsp grenadine down the inside edge of the glass. Because it’s denser, it will sink to the bottom, creating the beautiful layered “upside-down cake” effect.
Step 7 — Garnish and serve
Skewer the pineapple chunk and two maraschino cherries onto a cocktail pick and rest it across the rim of the glass. For a sweeter finish, rim the glass beforehand with crushed vanilla cookies or sugar.
Creative Twists for Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini
The Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini is already a show-stopping cocktail, but with a few creative tweaks, you can customize it for different occasions or flavor preferences. Try these playful twists to make this dessert-inspired martini even more exciting:
Caramel Cake: Add a drizzle of caramel syrup around the rim or into the glass for a rich, dessert-like finish.
Coconut Dream: Swap the cake-flavored vodka for coconut vodka or add a splash of coconut cream for a tropical, creamy version.
Chocolate Drizzle: Rim the glass with cocoa powder or drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring for a chocolate-pineapple cake vibe.
Sparkling Celebration: Top with a splash of champagne or prosecco for a bubbly, party-ready twist.
Vanilla Bean Upgrade: Stir in a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to highlight the “cake” flavor even more.
Frozen Version: Blend pineapple juice, vodka, grenadine, and ice for a slushy-style martini that feels like a tropical dessert smoothie.
Berry Kiss: Replace grenadine with raspberry liqueur (like Chambord) for a fruity, berry-pineapple fusion.
Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini
The Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini is best enjoyed as a sweet, eye-catching cocktail that doubles as dessert in a glass. Serve it in a chilled martini glass to keep the drink crisp and refreshing, and always add the grenadine just before serving to preserve the dramatic layered effect. For a party-ready presentation, line up several glasses and pour the grenadine slowly so each one shows off that stunning “upside-down” look.
This martini pairs beautifully with light appetizers like coconut shrimp, cheese platters, or fruit skewers. For a dessert-inspired spread, serve it alongside mini cheesecakes, pound cake bites, or chocolate-covered strawberries to match the cocktail’s indulgent, cake-like flavor. If you’re hosting a themed celebration, try garnishing each glass with a pineapple wedge dipped in sugar or rim the glass with crushed vanilla cookies for extra flair.
Conclusion
The Pineapple Upside-down Cake Martini is the perfect blend of tropical sweetness, dessert-like richness, and eye-catching presentation. Quick and simple to prepare, this cocktail brings a playful twist to classic martinis while capturing all the nostalgic flavors of the beloved pineapple upside-down cake. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a girls’ night, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this drink delivers indulgence in every sip.
With its stunning layered look, versatile flavor variations, and endless serving possibilities, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cocktail collection. So grab your shaker, garnish with pineapple and cherries, and enjoy a cocktail that tastes just as good as it looks!