Pineapple Upside Down Cake Daiquiri – A Frozen Cocktail That Tastes Like Summer Sunshine

Thank you so much for stopping by today. If you’re here, I know you appreciate recipes that bring a bit of joy and indulgence to the everyday—and that’s exactly what this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Daiquiri delivers. This luscious frozen cocktail is a playful, refreshing, and indulgent twist on a classic dessert, blending pineapple, strawberry, and cake-flavored spirits into a summer-worthy daiquiri. It’s the kind of drink that instantly lifts your mood and transports you to a sun-soaked patio, poolside or beach chair in hand.

I’m so excited to walk you through this vibrant and creamy frozen cocktail. It’s one of those drinks you make once and then crave every weekend afterward. Whether you’re planning a summer get-together or just want a little tropical escape in a glass, this cocktail is going to be your new favorite.

What Is a Pineapple Upside Down Cake Daiquiri?

The Pineapple Upside Down Cake Daiquiri is a deliciously layered frozen cocktail inspired by the nostalgic flavors of the beloved retro cake. Just like the dessert, this cocktail is made with a fruity base and a creamy, cake-sweetened top. The bottom layer is a bright and tangy strawberry puree, while the top is a frozen blend of pineapple, whipped cream vodka, and pineapple rum. Each sip delivers creamy tropical notes followed by a juicy berry finish.

This cocktail is as visually stunning as it is flavorful. When layered correctly, you’ll get two distinct hues—rosy red from the strawberries on the bottom, and golden sunshine from the pineapple-cake layer on top. It’s a showstopper for any gathering and a surefire way to impress guests without a ton of effort.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

This cocktail is pure joy. It’s got the playful spirit of a beach drink with the elegance of a handcrafted dessert. Here are some of the reasons I keep coming back to it, and why I know you will, too.

• Tropical flavor fusion: Pineapple, strawberry, whipped cream vodka, and pineapple rum create a dessert-in-a-glass effect that tastes just like a pineapple upside down cake with a twist of sunshine.
• Perfect texture: Thanks to frozen fruit and crushed ice, the consistency is creamy, thick, and icy-cold—ideal for hot weather or afternoon lounging.
• Easy to make: All you need is a blender, some fresh and frozen fruit, and a few spirits. No fancy bar equipment required.
• Customizable: Easily make it non-alcoholic, scale it up for a party, or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Impressive presentation: The layered effect makes this cocktail look like something you’d get at a high-end beach resort.

What Does It Taste Like?

This daiquiri is an experience. The top layer is lush and silky, with creamy vanilla and tropical pineapple notes thanks to the combination of whipped cream vodka and pineapple rum. The sparkling water adds just enough effervescence to keep it light and not overly thick. The bottom layer—fresh strawberries blended with sparkling water and ice—adds a tart, fruity brightness that balances the richness above.

The flavor really evolves as you sip. Your first taste might be all pineapple and cake, and the next one bursts with strawberry zing. It’s fun, dynamic, and perfect for slow sipping. It genuinely tastes like sunshine in a glass.

The Healthier Side of Indulgence

While it certainly tastes like dessert, this cocktail is surprisingly light compared to traditional creamy drinks. There’s no heavy cream or added sugar, and the natural sweetness of the fruit does most of the work. Using sparkling water instead of soda or juice keeps things crisp and refreshing without unnecessary calories.

The drink is naturally gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free depending on your choice of vodka. If you’re watching sugar intake, you can also opt for unsweetened frozen pineapple or reduce the quantity slightly.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make two servings of this incredible frozen cocktail:

• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 2 large fresh strawberries
• 2 splashes of pineapple-coconut sparkling water (La Croix or similar brand)
• 2 generous handfuls of crushed ice
• 1 ounce whipped cream vodka
• ½ ounce pineapple rum

Tools You’ll Need

• High-powered blender
• Jigger or shot glass for measuring spirits
• Two clear glasses for serving (stemless wine or cocktail glasses work beautifully)
• Knife and cutting board for garnishes
• Straw or cocktail spoon for mixing

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

This drink is endlessly versatile. Here are some ways you can make it your own:

If you don’t have whipped cream vodka: Substitute with vanilla vodka or cake-flavored vodka. These will still give you that dessert-forward flavor.

If pineapple-coconut sparkling water isn’t available: Use plain sparkling water with a small splash of pineapple juice or a drop of coconut extract.

No frozen pineapple? Use canned pineapple in juice, then add extra ice to keep the consistency thick and frosty.

Want it non-alcoholic? Swap vodka for vanilla extract (a tiny dash) and replace the rum with pineapple juice.

Make it creamier: Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of coconut milk to the pineapple layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Layer
In your blender, combine the two large fresh strawberries, a splash of pineapple-coconut sparkling water, and a few ice cubes. Blend until smooth and pour evenly into the bottom of two glasses.

Step 2: Rinse and Blend the Pineapple Layer
Rinse the blender jar quickly, then add the frozen pineapple chunks, whipped cream vodka, pineapple rum, remaining crushed ice, and another splash of sparkling water. Blend until smooth, thick, and creamy.

Step 3: Layer with Care
Slowly and gently pour the pineapple mixture over the back of a spoon onto the strawberry layer in each glass. If both layers are thick enough, they should remain distinct and beautiful.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top with a fresh strawberry slice, a pineapple wedge, or even a cherry if you want to echo the traditional cake. Serve with a straw and enjoy immediately.

What to Serve with This Daiquiri

This cocktail is a standout on its own, but if you’re looking to pair it with food for a complete tropical moment, here are some options:

• Grilled shrimp skewers with mango salsa
• Coconut chicken bites
• Crispy fish tacos with pineapple slaw
• Spicy crab cakes
• Tropical fruit salad
• Vanilla bean shortbread cookies

All these pair beautifully with the fruity, slightly sweet, and creamy notes of the daiquiri, creating a balanced and vibrant spread.

Tips for a Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Daiquiri

• Use very cold, frozen fruit for best texture. If the mixture is too thin, just add more ice or frozen pineapple.
• Pour the pineapple layer slowly to preserve the visual layering effect.
• Chill your glasses before serving. This not only keeps your cocktail colder but also helps with the separation of layers.
• Always blend the strawberry layer first—it’s thinner and will sit nicely on the bottom.
• If making for a crowd, prep each layer separately and store them in the freezer until ready to serve.

Storage Instructions

This drink is best served fresh, but you can prepare the layers ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, just blend again briefly to restore the slushiness. Alternatively, freeze any leftovers into popsicle molds for a fun boozy frozen treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can blend each layer separately and keep them in the freezer. Just give each a quick re-blend to revive the smooth texture before serving.

Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely. This recipe works wonderfully as a mocktail. Replace the vodka with a splash of vanilla extract or cream soda, and use pineapple juice in place of rum.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes. Frozen strawberries will give you an even thicker base layer. You might want to reduce the ice a bit to compensate.

Can I batch this for a party?
Definitely. Multiply the ingredients as needed and keep each layer in a blender or pitcher on ice. Assemble just before serving for the best presentation.

What kind of rum should I use?
Pineapple rum is ideal for this recipe, but coconut rum also works beautifully for an extra tropical kick.

Conclusion

The Pineapple Upside Down Cake Daiquiri is more than just a cocktail—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and fun. With its colorful layers, bright fruitiness, and creamy cake notes, this frozen daiquiri is sure to become a staple in your warm-weather entertaining. It’s nostalgic, fresh, and modern all at once—a drink that tastes like dessert, looks like art, and drinks like vacation.

Looking for more vibrant and creative cocktail ideas? Don’t miss these flavor-packed recipes that will elevate your drink game:

• Northern Lights Cocktail Recipe – a striking drink with luminous color and herbal notes
• Angry Cuban Cocktail Recipe – a bold, spiced rum cocktail with tropical fire
• Hennessy Peach Patches Cocktail – a luxurious peach-forward cocktail perfect for special occasions

These cocktails share the same spirit of bold flavor, beautiful presentation, and easy elegance. Be sure to check them out and keep your home bar as exciting as your kitchen.

Let’s Connect

If you try this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Daiquiri, I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram and tag me, or leave a review on the blog. I read every single one and love hearing how these recipes find their way into your homes and hearts.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Alcohol content: ~0.75 standard drinks

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