Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini is a playful and indulgent cocktail that mimics the flavors of the beloved dessert in liquid form. With its sweet, tropical pineapple base and rich, buttery vanilla finish, this martini offers a delightful combination of flavors that transport you to a sunny beach or your favorite bakery. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a fun cocktail to enjoy, the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini is the perfect drink to serve.

Inspired by the iconic cake, this martini brings together the sweetness of pineapple, the smoothness of vanilla vodka, and the buttery notes of brown sugar, offering a complex and deliciously dessert-like experience. The best part? It’s easy to make and is sure to impress your guests with its unique taste and elegant presentation.

Ingredients

To make the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini, gather the following ingredients:

  • Vanilla Vodka: 2 ounces, for the cake-like, rich flavor.
  • Pineapple Juice: 2 ounces, to bring a tropical sweetness.
  • Grenadine: 1 teaspoon, for a touch of sweetness and a hint of color.
  • Butterscotch Schnapps: 1 ounce, to add a buttery, caramel-like flavor.
  • Simple Syrup: 1/2 ounce, for added sweetness (optional).
  • Ice: Enough to fill your cocktail shaker.
  • Maraschino Cherry: 1 for garnish.
  • Pineapple Slice: 1 for garnish (optional).

Preparation

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini:

Step 1: Chill the Glass

  • Begin by chilling your martini glass. Place it in the freezer for 10–15 minutes so it’s nice and cold when you serve the drink.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

  • Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  • Add 2 ounces of vanilla vodka, 2 ounces of pineapple juice, 1 ounce of butterscotch schnapps, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. If you prefer a sweeter martini, adjust the syrup to taste.

Step 3: Shake Vigorously

  • Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake the mixture vigorously for 15–20 seconds. You want the cocktail to chill completely and to blend the flavors smoothly.

Step 4: Strain and Pour

  • Retrieve the chilled martini glass from the freezer.
  • Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass. Take care not to disturb the ice too much to ensure a smooth, clean pour.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

  • To create the signature “upside-down” look, carefully drizzle a teaspoon of grenadine into the drink. It will sink to the bottom, creating a layered effect that mimics the appearance of the cake.
  • Garnish the drink with a maraschino cherry and, optionally, a small slice of pineapple on the rim of the glass for a tropical touch.

Variation

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini can be adjusted to suit different preferences:

  • Tropical Twist: Add a splash of coconut cream or coconut rum for a piña colada-inspired variation.
  • Spicy Version: Mix in a small amount of cinnamon schnapps to add a warm, spiced kick.
  • Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the vodka and schnapps, using pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine for a refreshing, alcohol-free drink.
  • Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the shaker for a creamy, dessert-like consistency.
  • Berry Infusion: Add muddled fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries) for a fruity burst of flavor.

Cooking Note

  • Use Fresh Juice: Fresh pineapple juice provides the best flavor, but if you’re using store-bought juice, choose one without added sugar for a more natural taste.
  • Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the simple syrup and grenadine to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Keep in mind that the butterscotch schnapps already adds a rich sweetness.
  • Layering Effect: To get the perfect “upside-down” layering effect, be gentle when adding the grenadine. Pour it slowly along the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon to control the placement.

Serving Suggestions

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini is best enjoyed as a dessert drink or at a tropical-themed party. Serve it alongside sweet treats like coconut macaroons, mini cheesecakes, or tropical fruit tarts to enhance the tropical, dessert-like vibe. You can also pair it with savory appetizers like shrimp cocktails, grilled chicken skewers, or smoked salmon to create a fun balance of flavors.

For an added touch, serve the martini in stylish coupe glasses and garnish with an edible flower or a few gold flakes for a festive look.

Tips

  • If you don’t have butterscotch schnapps, you can substitute it with caramel vodka for a similar flavor.
  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to fully blend the ingredients.
  • Experiment with different types of vodka, such as coconut vodka, for an even more tropical variation.
  • For a fun twist, freeze pineapple juice in ice cube trays and use these cubes to chill the martini without diluting it.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

0 minutes

Total Time

5 minutes

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: ~250 per serving
  • Protein: ~1 gram
  • Sodium: ~20 milligrams

FAQs

1. Can I make this martini in advance?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge. Just shake with ice and strain into the glass when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I make a batch for a party?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed, mix the liquid components, and chill. Add ice and garnish right before serving.

3. What if I don’t have grenadine?
You can use cranberry juice or pomegranate juice for a similar effect. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

4. Is there a non-alcoholic version of this martini?
Yes! Simply omit the vodka and butterscotch schnapps, using pineapple juice, grenadine, and a little cream for richness.

5. Can I make this martini with rum instead of vodka?
Absolutely! Rum works wonderfully with the pineapple juice, creating a tropical twist on the classic martini.

Conclusion

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini is a refreshing, sweet, and fun cocktail that brings the delicious flavors of the classic dessert to your glass. With its tropical pineapple taste, buttery butterscotch notes, and playful presentation, it’s the perfect drink for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, this martini is sure to be a hit. With its customizable variations, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. Cheers to enjoying a tropical-inspired dessert in cocktail form!

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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

To make the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini, gather the following ingredients:

  • Vanilla Vodka: 2 ounces, for the cake-like, rich flavor.
  • Pineapple Juice: 2 ounces, to bring a tropical sweetness.
  • Grenadine: 1 teaspoon, for a touch of sweetness and a hint of color.
  • Butterscotch Schnapps: 1 ounce, to add a buttery, caramel-like flavor.
  • Simple Syrup: 1/2 ounce, for added sweetness (optional).
  • Ice: Enough to fill your cocktail shaker.
  • Maraschino Cherry: 1 for garnish.
  • Pineapple Slice: 1 for garnish (optional).

Instructions

Preparation

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini:

Step 1: Chill the Glass

  • Begin by chilling your martini glass. Place it in the freezer for 10–15 minutes so it’s nice and cold when you serve the drink.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

  • Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  • Add 2 ounces of vanilla vodka, 2 ounces of pineapple juice, 1 ounce of butterscotch schnapps, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. If you prefer a sweeter martini, adjust the syrup to taste.

Step 3: Shake Vigorously

  • Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake the mixture vigorously for 15–20 seconds. You want the cocktail to chill completely and to blend the flavors smoothly.

Step 4: Strain and Pour

  • Retrieve the chilled martini glass from the freezer.
  • Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass. Take care not to disturb the ice too much to ensure a smooth, clean pour.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

  • To create the signature “upside-down” look, carefully drizzle a teaspoon of grenadine into the drink. It will sink to the bottom, creating a layered effect that mimics the appearance of the cake.
  • Garnish the drink with a maraschino cherry and, optionally, a small slice of pineapple on the rim of the glass for a tropical touch.

Variation

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini can be adjusted to suit different preferences:

  • Tropical Twist: Add a splash of coconut cream or coconut rum for a piña colada-inspired variation.
  • Spicy Version: Mix in a small amount of cinnamon schnapps to add a warm, spiced kick.
  • Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the vodka and schnapps, using pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine for a refreshing, alcohol-free drink.
  • Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the shaker for a creamy, dessert-like consistency.
  • Berry Infusion: Add muddled fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries) for a fruity burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Juice: Fresh pineapple juice provides the best flavor, but if you’re using store-bought juice, choose one without added sugar for a more natural taste.
  • Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the simple syrup and grenadine to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Keep in mind that the butterscotch schnapps already adds a rich sweetness.
  • Layering Effect: To get the perfect “upside-down” layering effect, be gentle when adding the grenadine. Pour it slowly along the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon to control the placement.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 200
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Protein: 1g