Introduction:
Brunch just got a bold new upgrade. Introducing the Pineapple Upside Down Mimosa, a cocktail that brings the spirit of the classic pineapple upside-down cake into your champagne flute. Imagine the caramelized sweetness of pineapple, the bright effervescence of sparkling wine, and the deep cherry-red hues swirling at the base. It’s dessert and cocktail bliss in one unforgettable sip. This drink doesn’t just taste amazing, it looks like a showpiece. The layers of golden pineapple and ruby grenadine give it that visual “wow” factor, making it perfect for special brunches, holidays, bridal showers, and summer parties. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make. Just a few ingredients, one easy pour, and you’re holding a slice of sunshine. Whether you’re a fan of traditional mimosas or looking for something with a sweeter, more playful vibe, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests and leave you craving another round.
Why Is This Recipe So Popular?
Mimosas are already a brunch staple—but when you give them a dessert-inspired makeover, magic happens. Here’s why the Pineapple Upside Down Mimosa is stealing the spotlight:
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🍰 Inspired by a beloved dessert: Everyone loves pineapple upside-down cake—this drink captures those flavors in bubbly form.
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🍍 Tropical & fruity: Pineapple juice and grenadine deliver juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
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🥂 Bubbly delight: Champagne or prosecco adds sparkle and sophistication.
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🎉 Perfect for parties: Stunning to look at and even more delightful to sip.
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💫 Super easy to make: No special equipment, just a gentle pour and a bit of layering magic.
This mimosa is perfect for making any brunch moment feel like a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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🍒 Dessert in a glass: Tastes like the classic pineapple upside-down cake—without turning on the oven.
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🌞 Bright and refreshing: Pineapple juice adds a tropical zing that’s balanced by bubbly.
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💐 Gorgeous presentation: The layers of color make this mimosa totally Instagram-worthy.
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🧊 Effortless elegance: So easy to assemble, yet it feels fancy and indulgent.
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🍹 Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the juices ahead of time and pour when ready.
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🥂 Customizable strength: Want it boozier? Add vodka. Want it lighter? Use sparkling water.
Whether you’re planning brunch with friends, hosting Mother’s Day, or toasting to the weekend, this drink checks every box.
Ingredients:
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
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🍍 3 oz pineapple juice – Preferably cold and fresh for vibrant flavor
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🥂 3 oz prosecco or champagne – Use dry or semi-dry sparkling wine for balance
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🍒 ½ oz grenadine syrup – Adds sweetness, depth, and that iconic red hue
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🍰 1 maraschino cherry – For garnish and a pop of nostalgia
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🍍 1 small pineapple wedge or ring – Optional garnish for tropical flair
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🧊 Optional: crushed ice – If serving in a stemless glass
Preparation:
Step 1: Chill Your Ingredients
Make sure your pineapple juice and sparkling wine are well chilled. This enhances the flavor and keeps your drink crisp.
Step 2: Pour the Pineapple Juice
Add about 3 oz of pineapple juice into a champagne flute or stemless wine glass. If you’re using crushed ice, add it now.
Step 3: Add the Sparkling Wine
Slowly pour 3 oz of prosecco or champagne over the pineapple juice. Tilt the glass slightly to preserve the bubbles and avoid overflow.
Step 4: Layer the Grenadine
Very gently pour ½ oz grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon. It will slowly sink, creating a beautiful layered effect reminiscent of the upside-down cake.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Drop in a maraschino cherry and add a pineapple wedge to the rim. Serve immediately and enjoy the visual and flavorful delight!
Variations:
This cocktail is delicious as-is, but it’s also a great canvas for customization.
🍹 Pineapple Upside Down Mimosa with Rum
Add ½ oz of coconut rum or spiced rum before the sparkling wine for a tropical twist.
🍊 Citrus Mimosa
Replace part of the pineapple juice with orange juice for a blend of tropical and classic brunch flavors.
🥥 Coconut Cream Mimosa
Add a splash of coconut cream or coconut milk for a creamy, dreamy island vibe.
🍾 Mocktail Version
Use sparkling apple cider or lemon-lime soda in place of prosecco for a booze-free option.
🍓 Berry Infused Twist
Muddle a few raspberries or strawberries at the bottom of the glass before adding the juice for berry brightness.
🍸 Frozen Pineapple Mimosa
Blend pineapple juice and frozen pineapple chunks into a slush, then top with bubbly for a frozen treat.
Cooking Note:
These mimosas are extremely forgiving and flexible. For best results:
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Use cold ingredients – Warm juice will flatten the bubbles.
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Avoid stirring after adding grenadine—it ruins the layered look.
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Choose dry prosecco if you don’t want the drink overly sweet.
If you’re making a large batch, pre-mix the pineapple juice and grenadine in a pitcher, then top with bubbly per glass to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
These mimosa cocktails pair beautifully with sweet and savory brunch dishes:
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🥞 Buttermilk pancakes or waffles – Let the cherry-pineapple flavors complement your syrup.
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🧀 Baked brie with fruit preserves – A luxurious match for the elegant drink.
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🍳 Egg frittatas or quiches – The bright bubbles cut through the richness.
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🧁 Mini cupcakes or pineapple upside-down cake bites – Match the drink’s dessert DNA!
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🥓 Candied bacon – Sweet and salty magic.
Perfect for:
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Mother’s Day brunch
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Easter gatherings
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Bridal showers
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Beach brunches
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Girls’ night in
Tips:
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For better presentation, add grenadine last to maintain beautiful layers.
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Don’t overpour the grenadine—½ oz is enough for flavor and color.
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Use quality sparkling wine, even if it’s not expensive. Look for dry (brut) labels.
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If you’re hosting, prep pineapple juice and garnishes ahead and assemble mimosas right before serving.
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For an extra-luxurious feel, rim the glass with fine sugar and a hint of cinnamon (like the topping of the original cake).
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cooking Time:
None
Total Time:
5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
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Calories: 160
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Sugar: 18g
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Sodium: 5mg
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Alcohol Content: ~12% ABV
FAQs:
Can I make Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas in advance?
Yes and no. You can pre-mix the juices and chill them, but only add the sparkling wine right before serving to preserve the fizz.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Absolutely. Just be sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar if you want to control sweetness.
What’s the best sparkling wine to use?
Go for a dry prosecco or brut champagne. Avoid overly sweet sparkling wines—they’ll overpower the grenadine.
Can I make a pitcher version?
Yes! Mix pineapple juice and grenadine, chill, then add prosecco in each glass to maintain bubbles.
How do I keep the layers separate?
Pour grenadine slowly, either directly down the inside of the glass or over the back of a spoon.
Conclusion:
The Pineapple Upside Down Mimosa isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a celebration in a glass. From its stunning color layers to its nostalgic dessert-inspired flavor, this drink adds tropical charm and playful sweetness to any gathering. Whether you’re planning an elegant brunch, surprising your guests with something new, or simply treating yourself to something special, this mimosa is a surefire hit. It’s the kind of drink that makes you smile before the first sip—and keeps you coming back for more. So grab your favorite champagne flute, a splash of pineapple juice, and a maraschino cherry, and toast to sunshine and sweetness.
Because dessert for brunch just became a bubbly reality.
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
-
🍍 3 oz pineapple juice – Preferably cold and fresh for vibrant flavor
-
🥂 3 oz prosecco or champagne – Use dry or semi-dry sparkling wine for balance
-
🍒 ½ oz grenadine syrup – Adds sweetness, depth, and that iconic red hue
-
🍰 1 maraschino cherry – For garnish and a pop of nostalgia
-
🍍 1 small pineapple wedge or ring – Optional garnish for tropical flair
-
🧊 Optional: crushed ice – If serving in a stemless glass
Instructions
Make sure your pineapple juice and sparkling wine are well chilled. This enhances the flavor and keeps your drink crisp.
Add about 3 oz of pineapple juice into a champagne flute or stemless wine glass. If you’re using crushed ice, add it now.
Slowly pour 3 oz of prosecco or champagne over the pineapple juice. Tilt the glass slightly to preserve the bubbles and avoid overflow.
Very gently pour ½ oz grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon. It will slowly sink, creating a beautiful layered effect reminiscent of the upside-down cake.
Drop in a maraschino cherry and add a pineapple wedge to the rim. Serve immediately and enjoy the visual and flavorful delight!
Notes
These mimosas are extremely forgiving and flexible. For best results:
-
Use cold ingredients – Warm juice will flatten the bubbles.
-
Avoid stirring after adding grenadine—it ruins the layered look.
-
Choose dry prosecco if you don’t want the drink overly sweet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 0g