This Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade brings together sun-kissed pineapple, smooth bourbon, and zesty lemon into one refreshing, easy-to-make cocktail.
With just a few ingredients and a quick shake, you’ll transport yourself to island vibes—perfect for sipping poolside, firing up the grill, or unwinding on a warm evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Prep: Four ingredients, a shaker, and under 5 minutes.
Balanced Flavor: Sweet pineapple meets tangy lemon and oaky bourbon.
Adjustable Sweetness: Control the simple syrup for your perfect sip.
Crowd-Pleasing: Both cocktail lovers and pineapple fans will cheer.
Versatile Occasion: Ideal for backyard barbecues, brunch, or happy hour.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Pineapple Juice: Fresh-pressed or high-quality bottled
Bourbon: Your favorite brand, 2 oz for a boozy backbone
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright acidity
Simple Syrup: Homemade or store-bought
Garnish: Pineapple wedge and lemon slice to dress it up
Pro Tips Before You Start
Chill Everything: Keep your pineapple juice and bourbon in the fridge so the drink stays icy cold longer.
Quality Matters: Fresh-squeezed lemon juice elevates the tartness—bottled can taste flat.
Pre-sweeten Tester: Mix pineapple and lemon juice first, taste, then add syrup little by little.
Shake Vigorously: A good 15-second shake with ice ensures proper dilution and chill.
Glass Prep: Rim your glass with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle.
How to Make Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade
Step 1: Combine & Shake
In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz pineapple juice, 2 oz bourbon, 2 oz lemon juice, and ½ oz simple syrup.
Step 2: Add Ice & Agitate
Fill the shaker almost to the top with ice.
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Step 3: Strain & Garnish
Strain into an ice-filled glass.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a lemon slice. Serve immediately.
What to Serve With Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky prawns pair beautifully with tropical sweetness.
Pulled Pork Sliders: The tangy lemonade cuts through the rich meat.
Tropical Fruit Salsa: Mango, papaya, and cilantro mirror the pineapple notes.
Light Cheese Board: Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert with crackers.
Variations & Substitutions
Boozy Boost: Swap bourbon for aged rum or tequila reposado.
Herbal Twist: Muddle fresh mint or basil leaves in the shaker.
Citrus Swap: Replace half the lemon juice with lime juice for a sharper zing.
Zero-Proof: Omit bourbon and top with soda water for a mocktail.
Spicy Edge: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker for heat.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Batch Prep: Multiply ingredients, shake without ice, and store in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 4 hours.
Add ice and stir before serving.
Freeze Cubes: Pour leftover mix into ice cube trays and freeze.
Pop cubes into glasses for a slowly diluting sip.
Syrup Swap: Keep extra simple syrup on hand to stir into glasses if sweetness mellows over time.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, but choose one labeled “100% juice” without added sugars for best flavor.
How do I make simple syrup?
Combine equal parts sugar and water, heat until sugar dissolves, then cool.
What glassware is best?
A highball or Collins glass shows off the color and holds plenty of ice.
Can I stir instead of shake?
Shaking is preferred to chill and dilute properly, but stirring yields a smoother texture.
Is this drink strong?
With 2 oz bourbon, it’s medium-strength—reduce bourbon to 1½ oz for a lighter option.
How to prevent watering down?
Use large ice cubes or chill your glass to slow dilution.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade is your ticket to an instant tropical getaway—sweet, tangy, and boozy in perfect harmony.
Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a solo sunset moment, this cocktail is irresistibly simple and endlessly adaptable.
