Smooth Bourbon Pineapple Smash Recipe

Sweet & Zesty Smooth Bourbon Pineapple Smash Recipe

Cocktail enthusiasts adore this smooth bourbon pineapple smash that blends tropical sweetness with rich whiskey notes.

Summer gatherings call for refreshing drinks that spark conversation and delight taste buds.

Ripe pineapples offer a vibrant foundation for this delectable libation.

The balanced combination of smoky bourbon and bright fruit creates a harmonious sip that dances across the palate.

Fresh mint adds an aromatic layer of complexity to each glass.

Chilled and perfectly mixed, this cocktail promises to elevate any social occasion.

You’ll want to master this recipe and become the star mixologist among friends.

Ingredients for Bourbon Pineapple Smash

For Cocktail Base:
  • Pineapple Chunks: Sweet, juicy tropical fruit that adds natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to the cocktail.
  • Mint Leaves: Fresh herb that provides a cooling, aromatic twist and enhances the overall drink's complexity.
  • Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that balances sweetness and adds a zesty, refreshing tang.
For Alcoholic Component:
  • Bourbon: Rich, smooth American whiskey that brings depth, warmth, and caramel-like undertones to the cocktail.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Ice: Chills the drink and helps blend the ingredients smoothly while creating a crisp, refreshing texture.

Tools to Shake Up This Tropical Cocktail

  • Cocktail Shaker: Essential for mixing and muddling ingredients together smoothly.
  • Muddler: Perfect for gently crushing pineapple chunks and releasing their sweet juices.
  • Jigger: Helps measure bourbon and lime juice precisely for a balanced drink.
  • Rocks Glass: Serves as the final serving vessel for the refreshing cocktail.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing fresh pineapple chunks.
  • Sharp Knife: Used to slice and cut pineapple into bite-sized pieces.

How to Mix a Smoky, Sweet Bourbon Smash

  • Crush Tropical Fruits

Grab your cocktail shaker and toss in fresh pineapple chunks with bright mint leaves. Press and twist the ingredients gently to release their vibrant flavors and natural sweetness.

  • Splash and Shake

Pour smooth bourbon into the shaker, adding a zesty squeeze of lime juice. Fill the container with ice cubes and give it a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds to chill and blend the drink’s exciting components.

  • Strain and Garnish

Position a fine strainer over a cool glass filled with fresh ice. Pour the shimmering mixture through, catching any fruit pulp and creating a silky smooth cocktail. Decorate the rim with a mint sprig and a small pineapple wedge to make your drink look as incredible as it tastes.

  • Sip and Enjoy

Hold your beautifully crafted Bourbon Pineapple Smash, take a moment to appreciate its golden hue and tropical aroma, then savor the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spirited flavors dancing across your palate.

Twists with Citrus, Mint, or Ginger

  • Muddling Magic: Press pineapple chunks softly with mint to release natural sweetness without turning into a pulp, preserving fruity texture and vibrant flavors.
  • Bourbon Selection: Choose a smooth, medium-bodied bourbon like Maker's Mark or Buffalo Trace for balanced sweetness that complements the pineapple's brightness.
  • Tropical Twist: Swap fresh pineapple with grilled pineapple chunks for a smoky depth, adding caramelized notes that enhance the cocktail's complexity.
  • Low-Alcohol Option: Create a mocktail version by replacing bourbon with sparkling water or ginger ale, maintaining the refreshing mint and pineapple profile for non-drinkers.
  • Garnish Game: Elevate presentation by rimming glass with tajín or adding a grilled pineapple wedge and fresh mint sprig for Instagram-worthy visual appeal.

How to Serve in Style for Summer Sips

  • Tropical Brunch Companion: Serve alongside coconut French toast or banana pancakes for a delightful weekend morning treat that complements the cocktail's sweet and tangy profile.
  • Sunset Poolside Sip: Pair with light appetizers like shrimp skewers or tropical fruit salsa to create a refreshing summer drinking experience that enhances the bourbon's warmth.
  • Dessert Bar Accent: Offer as a vibrant cocktail option with grilled pineapple upside-down cake or coconut sorbet, allowing guests to enjoy a cohesive flavor journey that highlights the drink's fruity essence.
  • Tapas Night Showstopper: Match with Caribbean-inspired small plates like jerk chicken bites or mango salsa to create a dynamic flavor combination that celebrates the cocktail's bold ingredients.

Chilling and Saving for Round Two

  • Chilled Cocktail Companion: Store prepared cocktail mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping ingredients fresh and flavors intact.
  • Advance Prep Magic: Mix pineapple chunks and mint leaves ahead of time, storing separately to maintain maximum freshness and prevent wilting.
  • Freezer Flavor Boost: Create pineapple ice cubes by blending chunks and freezing in an ice tray for an extra burst of fruity intensity in future cocktails.
  • Ingredient Rotation Strategy: Keep fresh mint and pineapple on hand, purchasing small quantities weekly to ensure peak flavor and quality for spontaneous cocktail moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 192 kcal

Servings: 1

Print
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Smooth Bourbon Pineapple Smash Recipe

Smooth Bourbon Pineapple Smash Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Bourbon pineapple smash delivers a tropical cocktail explosion of Caribbean flavors with fresh pineapple and smooth Kentucky bourbon. Spirited mixologists craft this refreshing drink as a perfect summer sipper for relaxed gatherings and sunset cocktail hours.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
  • 34 fresh pineapple chunks
  • 45 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice
  • ¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup
  • Ice (for shaking & serving)
  • Club soda or ginger beer (optional, for topping)
  • 1 pineapple slice (for garnish)
  • 1 mint sprig (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Muddling Preparation: Combine fresh pineapple chunks, mint leaves, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker, pressing and twisting with a muddler to release pineapple’s sweet essence and mint’s aromatic oils.
  2. Spirited Fusion: Pour bourbon into the muddled mixture, creating a complex tropical and whiskey-forward profile, then add ice cubes to chill and slightly dilute the cocktail.
  3. Shake and Blend: Seal the shaker and energetically shake for 10-15 seconds, ensuring thorough ingredient integration and optimal temperature reduction.
  4. Elegant Presentation: Strain the vibrant cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, allowing a smooth liquid cascade that highlights the drink’s golden hue.
  5. Finishing Flourish: Artfully garnish with a delicate mint sprig and a petite pineapple wedge, enhancing both visual appeal and aromatic complexity, then serve immediately to capture the cocktail’s peak flavor and temperature.

Notes

  • Maximize Mint Flavor: Gently muddle mint leaves to release essential oils without tearing, which can create a bitter taste and affect the cocktail’s smoothness.
  • Choose Quality Bourbon: Select a bourbon with complementary flavor notes like caramel or vanilla to enhance the pineapple’s natural sweetness and create a more balanced drink.
  • Chill Ingredients Beforehand: Pre-chill the cocktail shaker and glass to maintain optimal temperature and prevent rapid ice dilution, preserving the drink’s robust flavor profile.
  • Adjust Sweetness Smartly: For those preferring less sugar, swap fresh pineapple with less sweet canned pineapple or add a splash of simple syrup to customize the cocktail’s sweetness level.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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