Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot

First of all—thank you so much for stopping by! Whether you’re planning a party, prepping for girls’ night, or just want something fun and festive, this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot is about to become your go-to favorite. It’s sweet, smooth, and tastes just like dessert—without ever turning on the oven.

I first tried this at a friend’s birthday bash and it was love at first sip. Since then, I’ve made them for every occasion from bridal showers to backyard BBQs—and they’re always a hit!

The Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot is a playful, layered shooter that mimics the flavors of its classic dessert namesake. It’s made with tropical pineapple juice, smooth vanilla vodka, and a splash of grenadine for that signature cherry swirl at the bottom. Sweet, fruity, and almost too pretty to drink!

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Vanilla Vodka
• Splash of Grenadine
• 1 Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass:
   Use a standard shot glass. Chill it ahead of time if desired for a frosty touch.
2. Mix the Base:
   In a shaker (or directly into the shot glass), combine pineapple juice and vanilla vodka.
3. Add the Grenadine:
   Slowly pour a splash of grenadine down the side of the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful layered effect.
4. Garnish:
   Drop a maraschino cherry on top (or on the side if serving in mini martini glasses).
5. Serve & Sip:
   Cheers! Enjoy this sweet, dessert-inspired indulgence in a single sip.

Notes

• For the best look, don’t stir after adding the grenadine—it’s all about that layered sunset effect.
• Want to get fancy? Serve in mini dessert shot glasses and add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
• You can batch these in a pitcher (minus the grenadine), then pour and layer before serving.

Helpful Tips

1. Go for Vanilla Vodka for the Cake-Like Flavor

Vanilla vodka is key to mimicking that classic pineapple upside-down cake taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try cake-flavored vodka or whipped cream vodka—both give it a decadent dessert vibe.

2. Use Chilled Ingredients

Keep your pineapple juice and vodka chilled in advance. This not only helps the shot stay refreshingly cold but also improves layering, especially when adding grenadine.

3. Pour Grenadine Slowly for That Signature Layer

To achieve that beautiful layered “upside-down cake” look, slowly drizzle grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon. Let it settle naturally to the bottom.

4. Make It a Party Prep Hero

Hosting a crowd? You can pre-mix the vodka and juice in a pitcher and store it in the fridge. Then just pour, layer with grenadine, and garnish with cherries when guests arrive.

5. Chill or Freeze Your Glasses

For an extra touch of elegance and chill, pop your shot glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. It’ll keep the drink colder longer and elevate the experience.

6. Try a Whipped Cream Topper

Want a mini-dessert effect? Add a tiny swirl of whipped cream on top and serve with a small spoon or tasting stick for an over-the-top treat.

7. Turn It Into a Signature Drink

If you’re planning a party, this shot makes a perfect signature shooter—just rename it something fun like “The Sweetheart Shot” or “Mini Pineapple Bliss” for a custom touch!

8. Add a Sugared Rim

For bonus sweetness and a pop of texture, rim the shot glass with fine sugar before pouring the drink. You can even color the sugar for themed events

Conservation and Storage

This shot is best made and served fresh, but you can mix the pineapple juice and vodka ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add grenadine and garnish just before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Cherry Cake Shot: Use cherry vodka instead of vanilla and skip the grenadine.
Tropical Twist: Add a splash of coconut rum for a piña colada flavor vibe.
Creamy Version: Add a few drops of Irish cream for a richer, dessert-like shot.

Storage Instructions

• Mix pineapple juice and vodka in advance and store in the fridge.
• Do not add grenadine or cherries until you’re ready to serve for the best look and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this shot ahead of time?
Yes, you can pre-mix the pineapple juice and vanilla vodka up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. However, wait to add the grenadine and garnish until just before serving to keep the layered effect fresh and visually stunning.

Do I need to use vanilla vodka, or can I substitute it?
Vanilla vodka gives the shot its signature cake-like flavor, but you can substitute it with cake-flavored vodka, whipped cream vodka, or even regular vodka + a drop of vanilla extract if that’s what you have on hand.

What kind of grenadine should I use?
Any store-bought grenadine works well, but if you want to elevate the flavor, use a pomegranate-based grenadine or even make your own at home. Just be sure to pour it slowly down the side of the glass to get that perfect red layer.

Can I make this into a full-size cocktail?
Absolutely! To enjoy this as a drink instead of a shot, just double or triple the ingredients, serve over ice in a rocks glass, and garnish with a cherry and pineapple wedge. It makes a delicious sipper for brunches and dessert hours!

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Mix pineapple juice with a dash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup, then add a splash of grenadine. It’s a super fun, kid-friendly alternative that still captures those dessert-y vibes.

Can I batch these shots for a party?
Definitely! You can pre-mix a pitcher of the vodka and pineapple juice combo and keep it chilled. When ready to serve, pour into individual shot glasses, add grenadine to each, and top with a cherry.

How do I make the layers look more defined?
To get that classic “upside-down cake” effect:

• Pour grenadine very slowly down the inside of the shot glass (over the back of a spoon works too).
• Let the drink settle for a few seconds before serving.

Can I use fresh pineapple juice?
Yes! Fresh pineapple juice adds a brighter, more tropical flavor. Just make sure it’s strained if you want that clean layer effect with the grenadine.

Conclusion

The Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot is everything you want in a party drink—easy, sweet, eye-catching, and downright delicious. Whether you’re kicking off a celebration or just adding a little fun to the night, this shot is your golden ticket to dessert-inspired bliss.

💬 Tried it? Leave a comment below or tag your gorgeous shots on Pinterest or Instagram with #UpsideDownShot—I love seeing your party magic!

Details

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Yield: 1 shot
Category: Drinks / Shots
Method: Layered
Cuisine: American / Dessert-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: pineapple upside down cake shot, dessert shot, sweet shooter, party shot, pineapple cherry shot
Video URL: Coming soon!

Equipment

• Shot glass
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Bar spoon (optional, for layering)
• Small shaker (optional, for chilling)

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 shot

• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

More Sweet Shots You’ll Love:

• 🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Shooters
• 🍰 Birthday Cake Vodka Shots
• 🍌 Banana Cream Pie Shot
• 🥥 Coconut Cream Dream Shot

Need a printable recipe card, cocktail bar sign, or custom menu layout for your event? I’ve got you covered—just ask!

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