Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas Recipe

There's something undeniably festive about the vibrant swirl of a Pineapple Upside Down Mimosa. With its golden hue, sweet pineapple flavor, and a splash of cherry red at the bottom, this cocktail is like sunshine in a glass — perfect for brunches, bridal showers, or lazy Sundays on the patio.

I first whipped these up on a whim for a Mother's Day brunch, and they've been a go-to crowd-pleaser ever since. They taste like a tropical vacation, and best of all, they come together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

Whether you're planning a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this refreshing twist on a classic mimosa is always a hit. Let’s dive into what makes this drink so special.

Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas

If you're looking for an easy cocktail that packs a visual punch and serious flavor, this one’s for you. These Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas combine the charm of a classic dessert with the sparkle of brunch’s favorite drink.

They’re quick and easy to make. You only need 3-4 ingredients and a few minutes. There’s no shaking, muddling, or mixing — just pour, layer, and sip. It’s the ultimate no-fuss mimosa.

They look absolutely stunning. The layered effect mimics the classic pineapple upside down cake, with the cherry liqueur sinking to the bottom and creating a gorgeous red base under the bright yellow pineapple juice and bubbly champagne.

Perfect for entertaining. These mimosas are ideal for serving at gatherings because they’re simple, scalable, and guaranteed to impress. You can easily make a batch ahead of time or pour each one fresh at the table.

Deliciously fruity and bubbly. Pineapple juice offers tropical sweetness, champagne brings the fizz, and a splash of cherry liqueur adds depth and a hint of dessert-like flavor.

You won’t just be sipping a mimosa — you’ll be sipping a mini-vacation in a flute. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

These Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas come together with just a few ingredients, but each one plays a key role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, fizz, and color.

Pineapple Juice is the heart of this cocktail. It brings natural sweetness and a tropical vibe that mimics the flavor of the iconic cake. Go for 100% juice without added sugar for the best taste — either canned or from the refrigerated section.

Champagne or Sparkling Wine provides the signature fizz. You don’t need to splurge on a fancy bottle — a dry (brut) champagne, prosecco, or cava works beautifully. The dryness balances the sweet juice and cherry liqueur.

Cherry Liqueur creates the stunning “upside down” effect. Pour it in last and watch it slowly sink, forming a gorgeous red base. Grenadine also works well if you want a non-alcoholic option or a more vivid red hue.

Maraschino Cherries are optional, but add a classic garnish. Drop one into each glass for a finishing touch that echoes the dessert inspiration.

No fancy equipment needed — just a champagne flute (or wine glass), a spoon for layering if desired, and your ingredients chilled and ready to pour.

How To Make These Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas

Making these mimosas is wonderfully simple and takes just minutes, but the presentation will have everyone thinking you spent way more time.

Start by chilling your ingredients. Cold pineapple juice and bubbly make all the difference here. You can even chill your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes to keep everything extra refreshing.

Pour pineapple juice into each champagne flute, filling the glass about halfway. This forms the tropical base of your mimosa. If you prefer a slightly stronger drink, reduce the juice slightly to allow for more bubbly.

Next, slowly top off with champagne or your chosen sparkling wine. Tilt the glass slightly as you pour to preserve the bubbles and avoid foam overflow. Fill to about ¾ full to leave space for the final touch.

Now comes the fun part — the upside down swirl! Carefully drizzle cherry liqueur down the inside of the glass. It will slowly sink and settle at the bottom, creating that beautiful layered effect. If needed, pour it over the back of a spoon for more control.

Drop in a maraschino cherry if you’re using one. The red cherry against the yellow juice is not only nostalgic but gorgeous.

From start to finish, these take under 5 minutes to prepare — and they’ll disappear even faster. The first sip is sweet, fruity, and bubbly, with a hint of cherry richness at the end.

Storage Options

While these mimosas are best served fresh, you can prep parts of them ahead of time to make entertaining easier.

Pineapple juice can be chilled a day or two in advance. If you're hosting a crowd, pour it into a pitcher and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to assemble.

Cherry liqueur or grenadine doesn’t require refrigeration, but you can chill it if you prefer your drinks extra cold.

Champagne should always be opened just before serving to preserve its fizz. If you have leftover champagne, seal it with a wine stopper and store in the fridge — though it’s best consumed within a day.

To save time during events, consider setting up a DIY mimosa bar with chilled ingredients so guests can assemble their own drinks on the spot.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re skipping alcohol or looking to change things up, here are a few fun twists.

Make it non-alcoholic by swapping the champagne for sparkling white grape juice or lemon-lime soda. Use grenadine instead of cherry liqueur for the red layer. It’s just as pretty and perfect for baby showers or brunches with kids.

Try a different juice base like mango or orange-pineapple blend. These still give that tropical vibe but with a new flavor twist. Just keep the red layer to stay true to the “upside down” look.

Use flavored champagne for a little extra flair. Pineapple or raspberry sparkling wines pair wonderfully and enhance the fruity notes.

Switch the cherry liqueur for Chambord or raspberry syrup if you’re looking for a berry-flavored spin. It creates a similar visual effect and a richer fruit flavor.

Add a splash of coconut rum if you're leaning into beachy brunch vibes. It turns the drink into a tropical cocktail with a boozy kick — think piña colada meets mimosa.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s as fun to make as it is to drink — and there’s no wrong way to mix a mimosa!

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