Thank you so much for stopping by to explore this fun, flavorful little gem of a recipe. Whether you’re here because you love pineapple upside-down cake, are in the mood for a new party drink, or you’re just curious about the layered beauty of a dessert cocktail, you’re in the right place. This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot recipe is one of those perfect blends of simplicity and charm. It’s festive, incredibly tasty, and has that irresistible “wow” factor when served at gatherings.
What is a Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot?
The Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot is a dessert-inspired cocktail designed to mimic the flavors and presentation of the classic pineapple upside-down cake. This shooter combines chilled pineapple juice and vanilla vodka shaken over ice, with a slow drizzle of grenadine that sinks to the bottom, forming a striking red layer. Topped with a maraschino cherry, it’s a stunning and delicious tribute to the original dessert.
Served in a tall, clear shot glass, it offers a tropical escape in every sip. The combination of fruity sweetness, soft vanilla warmth, and the bold cherry note creates a delightful mini cocktail that looks just as good as it tastes. Think pineapple juice meets vanilla sponge cake, all finished with a caramelized cherry drizzle—that’s the essence of this shot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another party drink. It’s layered, nostalgic, and fun to make and serve. Here are some reasons it deserves a spot at your next celebration:
- Visually Stunning – The layered look with the grenadine at the bottom and the cherry on top makes this drink an eye-catcher on any tray or bar cart.
- Quick and Easy to Make – You’ll only need a few ingredients and less than five minutes from start to finish.
- Dessert Meets Cocktail – If you love sweet treats, this is essentially cake in cocktail form.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – From birthdays to bridal showers to holiday parties, this shot feels celebratory and fun.
- Customizable and Versatile – Easy to make non-alcoholic, simple to batch, and open to flavor tweaks and substitutions.
What Does a Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot Taste Like?
This shot captures all the nostalgia of the cake version in a small but mighty pour. The chilled pineapple juice brings tart, fruity brightness. The vanilla vodka mimics that soft, sponge-like cake taste, adding creamy smoothness. Then the grenadine sneaks in at the bottom with its syrupy sweetness and deep cherry flavor. Altogether, it’s a delicious balance of sweet and tangy, fruity and smooth, topped with a maraschino cherry for an authentic finish. The experience is like sipping a mini dessert that’s tropical, creamy, and irresistibly indulgent.
Benefits of This Recipe
Besides being a visual and flavor showstopper, the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot also offers a few practical perks:
- Minimal Ingredients – You won’t need to shop for obscure liqueurs or mixers.
- No Blender Required – Just a shaker or even a mason jar with ice will do.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Appeals to both cocktail lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
- Easy to Scale – Whether it’s a party of two or twenty, this recipe scales up seamlessly.
Ingredients
To make one shot, you’ll need:
- 1 oz chilled pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- A splash of grenadine
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Each ingredient plays a crucial role. The pineapple juice brings in fruitiness, the vanilla vodka provides that cake essence, the grenadine enhances sweetness and color, and the cherry gives the finishing visual and flavor cue that ties it back to the dessert that inspired it.
Tools You’ll Need
Making this layered shot requires just a few basic tools:
- Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with lid)
- Ice cubes (for shaking)
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Tall shot glass or small cocktail glass (preferably clear to highlight the layers)
- Bar spoon or small spoon (for controlled grenadine layering)
Possible Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
I always say the best recipes are the ones you can make your own, and this shot gives you room to play.
Vanilla Vodka Substitutions
If you don’t have vanilla vodka, use plain vodka and add a small splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup. Alternatively, try whipped cream vodka or cake-flavored vodka for a richer dessert vibe.
Flavor Boosters
Add a single drop of almond extract to the mix for a deeper, almost bakery-style undertone. It’s subtle but impactful and brings out more of that authentic cake flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Version
This shot is just as fun without the booze. Combine pineapple juice with a little vanilla syrup or cream soda. Then layer with grenadine as usual and garnish with a cherry. It’s a hit for baby showers, mocktail bars, or anyone skipping alcohol.
Batching for a Crowd
If you’re hosting, multiply the vodka and pineapple juice by the number of servings and shake in batches. Pour the mixture into individual shot glasses and add grenadine individually for that fresh layered look.
How to Make the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot
Step 1: Shake the Base
Add ice to a cocktail shaker and pour in 1 oz of vanilla vodka and 1 oz of pineapple juice. Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled—about 10-15 seconds.
Step 2: Pour into Shot Glass
Strain the mixture into a tall shot glass or a small clear cocktail glass. The clearer the glass, the better the layering will show.
Step 3: Add Grenadine
Now comes the magic. Using a spoon or simply tilting the glass slightly, slowly pour a splash of grenadine down the inside edge. The grenadine is heavier than the juice mixture and will naturally sink to the bottom, creating that red layer.
Step 4: Garnish with a Cherry
Top it off with a maraschino cherry. It’s not just cute—it enhances the cherry note introduced by the grenadine and echoes the topping of the traditional cake.
What to Serve with This Shot
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot fits beautifully into any party menu and pairs especially well with light bites and sweet treats. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve alongside mini cheesecakes or pineapple coconut tarts for a coordinated dessert theme.
- Complement with tropical appetizers like grilled shrimp skewers, mango salsa, or coconut chicken bites.
- Include it in a dessert cocktail flight with other layered shooters like the Sugar Lips Shot or Peachy Quickie Shot.
- For a fun twist, try serving it as part of a tropical-themed cocktail table alongside the Miami Vice Jello Shots, which offer fruity layers with a different texture.
Tips for Success
- Always use chilled pineapple juice to keep the drink refreshing.
- Shake thoroughly to ensure the vodka and juice are well mixed and cold.
- To avoid muddling the layers, pour grenadine very slowly. A spoon helps control the flow and guides the syrup to sink properly.
- Use clear shot glasses or tasting glasses for full visual impact.
- Want to prep ahead? Mix the juice and vodka ahead of time and refrigerate. Add grenadine and garnish when ready to serve.
Storage Instructions
This recipe is designed to be served fresh, but if you need to prep ahead:
- Combine the vodka and pineapple juice and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to two days.
- Don’t add grenadine or garnish until right before serving to preserve the layered effect.
- Store cherries in their original syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for weeks.
General Information
- Yield: 1 shot
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Category: Dessert Cocktail
- Occasions: Parties, Birthdays, Summer Nights, Bridal Showers
- Best Served: Immediately
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Use pineapple juice with a splash of vanilla syrup and layer with grenadine. You still get all the flavor and visual fun without the alcohol.
What’s the best vodka to use?
Any brand of vanilla vodka works well. Try Smirnoff Vanilla, Absolut Vanilla, or Pinnacle Whipped for slightly different flavor profiles.
How can I serve this as a full-size drink?
To make a cocktail version, use 3 oz pineapple juice, 2 oz vanilla vodka, and 1/2 oz grenadine. Serve in a rocks or highball glass over ice. Still garnish with a cherry.
Is it possible to prepare a batch for a party?
Absolutely. Mix vodka and juice in a pitcher. When serving, pour into individual glasses and finish each one with grenadine and a cherry.
What other layered shots can I try?
If you enjoyed this, you’ll love the creamy and indulgent Sugar Lips Shot, the juicy and flirty Peachy Quickie Shot, or the tropical-meets-frozen-party fun of Miami Vice Jello Shots.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a shot that’s easy, eye-catching, and absolutely delicious, the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot checks all the boxes. It’s fruity, festive, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a themed cocktail night or simply want to impress guests with a fun layered drink, this shot brings sweetness, charm, and tropical flair to the table.
Don’t forget to explore more creative cocktail recipes like the Miami Vice Jello Shots, Sugar Lips Shot, and Peachy Quickie Shot for more layered dessert-style drink inspiration.
Share Your Shots
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to see it! Snap a photo and tag your creation on Pinterest with the hashtag #PineappleUpsideDownShot. You might be featured in our next cocktail roundup. And if you loved it, please leave a review so others can find and enjoy it too.
Nutritional Information (per shot, approximate)
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 9g
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Approximately 14%
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot – A Sweet, Tropical Dessert in a Glass
Description
A sweet, tropical layered shot that tastes just like a pineapple upside-down cake! This easy-to-make dessert drink brings vanilla, pineapple, and cherry together in one gorgeous, party-ready glass. Perfect for celebrations, girls’ night, or whenever you’re craving something fun and flavorful.
Ingredients
1 oz pineapple juice (chilled)
1 oz vanilla vodka
A splash of grenadine
1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Ice (for shaking)
Instructions
Add vanilla vodka and chilled pineapple juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well until cold and frothy.
Strain into a tall, clear shot glass.
Slowly drizzle a splash of grenadine down the inside of the glass—it’ll sink and create a red layer.
Top with a maraschino cherry for that signature upside-down cake look.
Notes
No vanilla vodka? Use plain vodka and add a drop of vanilla extract.
Mocktail version: Replace vodka with extra pineapple juice and a splash of vanilla syrup.
Serving a crowd? Batch the vodka and juice, then layer grenadine in each glass just before serving.
Want more cake flavor? Try a drop of almond extract in the mix!
Best served fresh to preserve the gorgeous layers.