I love putting a fresh spin on classic drinks. The Pineapple Whiskey Sour really nails it for me.

This recipe mixes the tart kick of lemon, the sweetness of pineapple, and the cozy warmth of whiskey. It’s honestly pretty easy to make—just a handful of ingredients and you’re set.

The first time I tried this, I was pleasantly surprised by how the flavors came together. Pineapple brings this smooth, fruity thing that balances out the sharpness of the whiskey.

If you’re after a simple cocktail to whip up at home, this one’s a solid pick. No need for fancy gadgets or weird ingredients here.

I just use my basic bar tools and whatever’s in the kitchen. The Pineapple Whiskey Sour is perfect for small get-togethers or, honestly, just treating yourself at the end of a long day.

Pineapple Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

I usually make a Pineapple Whiskey Sour when I’m craving something sweet and tart. It’s all about fresh pineapple juice, good whiskey, and a couple of extras for that bright, lively flavor.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Fine-mesh strainer

Citrus juicer
Ice scoop or tongs
Rocks or coupe glass

Ingredients

Whiskey bourbon/rye 2 oz (60 ml)
Pineapple juice 1 oz 30 ml
Fresh lemon juice 0.75 oz 22 ml

Simple syrup 0.5 oz 15 ml
Ice As needed
Optional garnish Pineapple cherry

Instructions

I start by filling the shaker with ice. Then I measure out the whiskey, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup—everything goes in the shaker.
I seal it up tight and shake hard for about 15 seconds. That really chills things down and blends the flavors nicely.
Next, I strain it into a glass over fresh ice. If I used fresh pineapple juice, I’ll run it through a fine strainer to keep out any pulp.

Garnish goes on last—pineapple wedge, cherry, or whatever’s around. If I’m in the mood for a foamier drink, I’ll sometimes shake it with an egg white, but that’s totally optional.
I try to serve it right away so it’s still crisp and cold.

Notes

Pineapple Whiskey Sour is easy to tweak. If I want more tartness, I’ll splash in a bit more lemon juice.

For a sweeter vibe, I just up the simple syrup. Using a nicer whiskey makes it smoother, but honestly, any whiskey will do in a pinch.

If I’m feeling light, sometimes I’ll add a splash of soda water. It’s best to drink it soon after mixing—let the ice melt too much and the flavors fade.

When I’m making drinks for friends, I just multiply the recipe and mix it all in a pitcher. Fresh juice and the right balance of sweet and sour really make it shine.

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Tasting Notes

First sip? The pineapple jumps out with that fresh, tangy kick. It’s got this gentle sweetness that plays off the sharpness of the lemon.

The whiskey comes through, adding a mellow warmth and a hint of oak. It’s not too sweet, not too sour—just kind of perfectly in the middle.

I find the pineapple makes it lighter than your typical whiskey sour, which I like. Sometimes I’ll toss in a cherry or a pineapple slice for garnish—makes it look inviting and adds a bit of aroma.

The texture’s smooth, and if I shake it well, there’s a thin, creamy foam on top. That makes each sip feel pretty soft and easygoing.

There’s a pop of citrus on the nose, bright and clean, with a faint touch of whiskey’s woody edge. Not bad at all.

Substitute

When I make a Pineapple Whiskey Sour, I’ll admit, I sometimes have to get creative. If I run out of an ingredient or just want to shake things up, I’m not afraid to swap things in.

If I don’t have whiskey on hand, I’ll grab bourbon or rye instead. Both of these keep the cocktail’s main vibe intact, honestly.

When it comes to pineapple juice, I just use whatever I’ve got—fresh, canned, or even frozen in a pinch. Each one brings its own twist.

Fresh is tangier, canned tends to be sweeter, and frozen… well, it works if you’re desperate.

For the sour kick, if I’m out of lemon juice, I’ll use lime juice instead. Both do the trick, but lime has a sharper bite.

And sometimes I’ll mess with the sweetener, too. Instead of simple syrup, I’ll reach for honey, agave syrup, or even maple syrup if that’s what’s around.

They all tweak the flavor and sweetness just a bit, which can be fun.

Common substitutes:

Lime for lemon juice
Honey, agave, or maple syrup for simple syrup

If I’m making a non-alcoholic version, I just pour in more pineapple juice and top it off with a splash of ginger ale or club soda. That way, it’s still refreshing and has a bit of fizz, just minus the booze.

Pineapple Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe