There's something about the sweet scent of pineapple and the festive pop of champagne that instantly makes any day feel like a celebration. These Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas are a playful, tropical twist on the classic brunch cocktail – with a beautiful layered look that’s just as delightful to drink as it is to serve.
The first time I made these, it was for a backyard brunch with friends, and they’ve been a go-to ever since. Everyone loved the bright, fruity flavor and that hint of maraschino cherry at the bottom – like sipping on sunshine in a glass. Best of all, they come together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients!
Whether you're hosting brunch, planning a bridal shower, or just want something special to sip on a lazy weekend morning, these mimosas are sure to impress.
Why You'll Love These Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas
If you're a fan of easy entertaining, beautiful drinks, and big flavor, this cocktail is about to become your new favorite.
They’re ridiculously easy to make. You only need four ingredients, and there’s no shaking, stirring, or fancy tools required. Just pour and enjoy!
The flavor is next-level delicious. Sweet pineapple juice, a splash of cherry liqueur, and crisp bubbly combine to mimic the nostalgic taste of pineapple upside-down cake – only lighter and more refreshing.
They look absolutely stunning. With their layered ombré effect and cherry garnish, these mimosas are practically begging to be Instagrammed. They’re the kind of drink that makes people say, “Ooh, what’s that?!”
Perfect for any occasion. From brunch tables to bridal showers, these festive cocktails fit right in. You can even batch them for a crowd or serve as a fun welcome drink for a summer party.
Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re such a hit – and why I always keep a can of pineapple juice on hand just in case.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of these Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas comes from a few key ingredients that work together to create that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bubbly.
Pineapple juice is the heart of this drink. Its tropical sweetness pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cherry and the effervescence of the champagne. I prefer using 100% pineapple juice without added sugar, but any kind will work in a pinch.
Champagne or sparkling wine gives the mimosa its signature fizz. A dry brut champagne works best here to balance the sweetness of the juice and liqueur. Prosecco is also a great, affordable alternative if you're serving a crowd.
Grenadine or maraschino cherry juice adds that iconic “upside-down” flavor and beautiful red hue. Just a small splash creates that layered look, sinking to the bottom of the glass for a gorgeous presentation.
Maraschino cherries are the perfect finishing touch. Drop one into each glass, and it not only looks pretty, but also gives a little extra sweetness at the end of each sip.
As for tools, you really don’t need much – just a champagne flute, a small spoon if you want precise layering, and a chilled bottle of bubbly. That’s it!
How To Make These Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas
Creating these show-stopping mimosas is as easy as it gets, but there’s a simple trick to nailing the layered effect every time.
Start by chilling all of your ingredients. Cold pineapple juice and champagne help maintain the bubbles and give the best flavor. I like to pop everything in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Pour about 3 ounces of pineapple juice into each champagne flute. This forms the base of your mimosa and gives it that sunny golden color.
Next, carefully top with about 3 ounces of champagne or sparkling wine. Pour slowly to avoid too much foam – you want a nice, even pour that preserves the layered look.
Now for the magic: using the back of a spoon, gently drizzle about ½ to 1 teaspoon of grenadine down the inside of the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful red layer and that signature upside-down cake appearance.
Finish by dropping in a maraschino cherry. Not only does it echo the flavors of the classic dessert, but it also makes each glass feel a little more festive and fun.
The whole process takes less than 5 minutes, and you can easily scale up for a group. Just line up your flutes, and go assembly-line style!
Storage Options
Since these mimosas are best enjoyed fresh, I don’t recommend making them too far in advance. The bubbles will fade, and the layers may mix over time.
However, you can prep a few parts ahead. Keep the pineapple juice and champagne chilled separately, and portion out your maraschino cherries into a small bowl for easy access.
If you’re serving a crowd, you can pre-fill the glasses with juice and cherries, then top with champagne and grenadine just before guests arrive. This keeps the drinks looking and tasting their best.
Leftover champagne? Store it in the fridge with a wine stopper to keep it bubbly for a day or two. And any extra pineapple juice can be used for smoothies or marinades!
To re-create the drink later, simply repeat the layering steps – but remember, the fresher the bubbles, the better the mimosa.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the things I love most about these Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas is how easy they are to customize. You can tweak the flavor, the look, or even make a non-alcoholic version depending on your guests.
For a mocktail version, use sparkling water or lemon-lime soda in place of the champagne. The bubbles still give that festive feel, and the cherry-pineapple combo shines just as bright.
Try flavored sparkling wines like a rosé or pineapple-flavored Prosecco for a fun twist. Just be mindful of the added sweetness so your drink doesn’t get too sugary.
Don’t have grenadine? Maraschino cherry juice (from the jar) works perfectly and still gives you that pretty red hue.
Want something stronger? Add a splash of coconut rum or vanilla vodka for a boozy brunch twist. It brings even more of that “cake” flavor and gives the drink extra kick.
PrintPineapple Upside Down Mimosas Recipe
Celebrate brunch with these vibrant Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas—a tropical twist on a classic, with pineapple juice, grenadine, and champagne. Perfect for parties and holiday mornings. 🍍🥂
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage, Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook / Assembled
- Cuisine: American, Tropical
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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2 oz pineapple juice
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1 tsp grenadine
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4 oz champagne or sparkling wine
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Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
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Pineapple wedge (for garnish)
Instructions
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Pour pineapple juice into a champagne flute.
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Slowly add grenadine, allowing it to settle at the bottom.
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Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
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Garnish with a cherry and a pineapple wedge.
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Serve immediately.
Notes
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For a stronger drink, use prosecco or cava instead of standard champagne.
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Chill all ingredients beforehand to ensure a refreshing result.
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Adjust grenadine for sweetness preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 10 mg
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