There's something undeniably fun about flipping a classic recipe on its head—literally. Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas capture the sweet, sunny flavors of the beloved cake and turn them into a sparkling brunch cocktail that’s just as pretty as it is delicious.

I first made this drink for a summer bridal shower, and it was an instant hit. The layered colors mimicking the famous dessert, the tropical notes of pineapple, and the hint of cherry sweetness made it feel festive, refreshing, and a little nostalgic all at once. It’s now my go-to drink for brunches, holidays, and anytime I want to wow guests with minimal effort.

Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or just want to add a splash of sunshine to your day, this mimosa will do the trick. Let's dive into what makes it so special.

Why You'll Love This Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas

Get ready to meet your new signature brunch cocktail. This Pineapple Upside Down Mimosa brings together the fun of a tropical vacation with the charm of a classic dessert—in one bubbly glass.

First off, it’s visually stunning. The cocktail layers golden pineapple juice over a vibrant splash of grenadine, giving it the same gorgeous, sunset-like effect as a traditional pineapple upside down cake.

It’s incredibly easy to make. With just four ingredients and no complicated mixing required, you can whip up a round of these mimosas in less than five minutes. Perfect for last-minute guests or lazy weekend mornings.

This recipe is budget-friendly too. No fancy liqueurs or mixers—just simple, accessible ingredients that come together in a high-impact way.

And if you're looking for something a bit different than the usual OJ mimosa, this is a refreshing twist. It pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory brunch dishes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

The best part? You can easily make it a mocktail version for non-drinkers or younger guests—just swap the bubbly for sparkling water or ginger ale.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this mimosa lies in its simplicity. A few key ingredients come together to recreate the tropical, fruity flavors of the beloved upside-down cake, all while staying light and bubbly.

Pineapple juice is the heart of this cocktail. It brings that sweet-tart tropical flavor that mimics the flavor profile of the cake. Make sure you use 100% pineapple juice for the best results—fresh if possible, but canned or bottled works just fine.

Grenadine is what gives this mimosa its signature layered look and the cherry sweetness reminiscent of the maraschino topping on the cake. Pour it gently to let it settle at the bottom and create that beautiful “upside down” effect.

Sparkling wine adds the celebratory fizz. A dry Brut Champagne or Prosecco works beautifully to balance the sweetness of the juice and grenadine. If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, opt for a semi-dry (Demi-Sec) bubbly.

Maraschino cherries aren’t just a garnish—they complete the look and flavor experience. Drop one into each glass for a fun, nostalgic nod to the cake’s signature cherry top.

You won’t need much equipment—just champagne flutes, a spoon for layering the grenadine, and maybe a small pitcher if you're making these in batches.

How To Make This Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas

Creating this festive cocktail is as easy as it is satisfying. The key to its wow-factor lies in how you build the layers.

Start by adding a spoonful of grenadine to the bottom of each champagne flute. Pour it slowly—it’s heavier than the juice and wine, which helps it settle at the bottom and form that striking red layer.

Next, gently pour pineapple juice into the glass. To avoid disturbing the grenadine too much, tilt the glass slightly or pour the juice over the back of a spoon to keep the layers separate.

Once the juice is in, top off the drink with your favorite sparkling wine. Again, pour gently to preserve the layered effect and to prevent foaming over. You want the bubbles to rise gently and sparkle at the top.

Finally, drop a maraschino cherry into each glass. It’ll nestle beautifully at the bottom, echoing the look of an upside-down cake and adding just a touch of extra sweetness.

From start to finish, you’ll need less than 10 minutes—and the end result is an eye-catching drink that tastes like summer in a glass.

Storage Options

These mimosas are best enjoyed fresh, but there are a couple of prep-ahead tricks to make party planning easier.

If you’re making a batch for a crowd, you can mix the pineapple juice in a pitcher and keep it chilled ahead of time. Just add the sparkling wine and grenadine right before serving to maintain the bubbles and layers.

Avoid storing assembled mimosas, as the bubbles will fade and the beautiful layering effect will be lost over time.

If you have leftover juice or grenadine, keep them in the fridge in sealed containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week and can be used to make more drinks—or even drizzled over desserts.

To re-create the look after a little time has passed, give the drink a gentle swirl to mix the flavors evenly, even if the gradient has disappeared.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative based on what you have or who you’re serving.

For a mocktail version, substitute the sparkling wine with sparkling water, ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda. It keeps the drink bubbly and beautiful without the alcohol.

Want a boozier option? Add a splash of coconut rum or vanilla vodka to mimic the dessert’s richness. It’ll bring in even more depth and dessert-like flavor.

If you don’t have grenadine, try using cherry juice or a raspberry syrup as an alternative. The color and flavor won’t be exactly the same, but they’ll still give you that fruity, layered look.

For a tropical twist, mix in a splash of coconut water or mango nectar with the pineapple juice. It adds an island vibe that pairs beautifully with brunch spreads.

Don’t like maraschino cherries? Garnish with a pineapple wedge or orange twist instead for a citrusy finish that’s still festive and bright.