Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot is a popular party starter designed to replicate the flavors of the classic dessert. It combines the sweetness of vanilla vodka with the tartness of pineapple juice. A drop of grenadine creates a beautiful layered effect, mimicking the cherry at the bottom of the cake, which is then reinforced by the maraschino cherry garnish. It's a fun, easy-to-drink shot that's more about flavor than high alcohol content.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a shot, also known as a shooter. It belongs to the party drink category due to its fun nature and typical consumption method. It's a sweet, dessert-like shot often enjoyed in festive social settings.

Serving

Serve this small, cold shot in a standard shot glass. Its alcohol content is relatively moderate for a shot, making it more approachable.
Serving size
Approximately 60-75 ml / 2-2.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Shot glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The exact origin of the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot is unknown, but it likely emerged in the United States during the 1990s or early 2000s. This period saw a surge in popularity for flavored vodkas and sweet, novelty "shooter" recipes. The drink was created to be a liquid dessert, prioritizing taste and fun over the complexity of classic cocktails.
Origin
United States, likely originating in the 1990s or 2000s.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot

The drink is universally known as the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot. Occasionally, it might be shortened to Pineapple Cake Shot for brevity. There are no other widely recognized alternative names for this specific recipe.
Original name
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot
Alternative name
Pineapple Cake Shot

Characteristics overview

This shot has a pronounced sweet and fruity flavor profile dominated by pineapple and vanilla, with a candy-like finish. Its appearance is a key feature, with a golden-yellow color layered over a red base from the grenadine.
Flavor
Sweet, pineapple, vanilla, fruity, cherry, candy-like
Aroma
Pineapple, vanilla, sweet
Taste balance
Sweet, slightly sour
Aftertaste
Sweet, short, fruity
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Layered, golden-yellow top, red bottom
Texture
Smooth, thin, liquid
Seasonality
Festive, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a very fruity and sweet shot with a slight tartness and a moderate alcohol presence. It is completely still and contains no bitter, salty, or spicy notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are vanilla vodka and pineapple juice, which create the cake flavor. Grenadine is essential for the color and name, and a maraschino cherry serves as the garnish.
  • Vanilla Vodka45 ml / 1.5 oz
    Whipped cream or cake-flavored vodka can also be used as a substitute.
  • Pineapple Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Fresh or canned pineapple juice both work well.
  • GrenadineA few drops
    Used for color and a hint of pomegranate sweetness. Pour it in last to create the layered effect.
  • Maraschino Cherry1
    For garnish, dropped into the glass at the end.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a shaker tin, jigger, and strainer. These tools are for properly mixing and chilling the vodka and juice before serving.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring
  • Strainer to pour without ice

Instructions

The preparation involves shaking the vodka and pineapple juice with ice, straining it into a shot glass, and then adding grenadine and a cherry. The key is to add the grenadine slowly to achieve the layered look.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
2. Add the vanilla vodka and pineapple juice to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
5. Slowly pour a few drops of grenadine into the center of the shot; it will sink to the bottom creating a layered effect.
6. Garnish by dropping a maraschino cherry into the glass. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

The signature garnish is a single maraschino cherry dropped into the shot. This visually represents the cherry in a classic pineapple upside-down cake.
  • Maraschino Cherry: Drop one stemmed or stemless cherry into the shot glass after pouring.

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. It is also caffeine-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This shot is moderately caloric, with most calories coming from the alcohol and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content are relatively high for its size, due to the juice and grenadine.
Calories
Averagely 100-120 kcal / 418-502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 8-10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This shot is perfect for lively social gatherings like parties, birthdays, and celebrations. It can also be served as a fun, liquid dessert after a meal. It's a staple for a night out with friends who enjoy sweet, novelty drinks.
  • Party
  • Celebration
  • Dessert Drink
  • Night Out

Pairing suggestions

This shot is best enjoyed on its own as a party starter or a liquid dessert. It doesn't typically pair with savory foods, but it can complement light, fruity desserts or be enjoyed alongside general party snacks.
  • As a dessert substitute
  • Light fruit tarts
  • Party snacks

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot: A Dessert in a Glass

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot is a fun, sweet, and visually appealing party drink that gained popularity for its dessert-like flavor. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just vanilla vodka, pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine. The signature layered look and cherry garnish make it instantly recognizable. While not a complex craft cocktail, it's a crowd-pleaser that delivers on its promise of tasting just like the cake it's named after.