This Tropical Pineapple Whiskey Sour is a bright, citrus-forward cocktail with a smooth whiskey base and a hint of sweetness.
Made with pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, and orange bitters, it’s an easy summer drink that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing at home.
Tropical Pineapple Whiskey Sour
A bright, citrusy whiskey cocktail with a tropical twist—perfect for summer hosting, happy hour, or an easy crowd-pleasing drink.
We made this pineapple cocktail for a happy hour gathering at The W a while ago, and it was a huge hit. It was perfectly balanced and went well with our sweet-and-salty snacks.
If you’re looking for a whiskey sour recipe without the egg white, like the traditional whiskey sour, this is the one to try!
Get the recipe for our Tropical Pineapple Whiskey Sour below. It’s an outside-the-box kind of cocktail, not your traditional whiskey sour, but even better!
What You Will Need:
Whiskey. Go with a good-quality bourbon or whiskey that you actually enjoy sipping. A bourbon will bring a little more warmth and sweetness, which plays nicely with the pineapple and citrus. We have made this recipe a few times, using Old Forester and WhistlePig.
Pineapple Juice. This is where the tropical vibe comes in. Use 100% pineapple juice for the best flavor, fresh if you have it, but bottled works just fine for an easy, no-fuss cocktail.
Fresh Lemon Juice. It adds that bright, citrusy bite that balances out the sweetness and keeps the drink from feeling too heavy.
Simple Syrup. This smooths everything out and ties the flavors together. You can use store-bought or make your own with equal parts sugar and water.
Orange Bitters. Just a dash or two adds depth and a subtle citrus complexity, making the drink feel a little more elevated.
Ice. You’ll need ice for both shaking and serving. Shaking the drink chills it and gives it a slight froth, while fresh ice keeps it crisp in the glass.
Lemon Peel. This isn’t just for looks—expressing the oils from the peel over the drink adds a fresh, aromatic finish.
Luxardo Cherry. A rich, deep cherry that adds a touch of sweetness and a polished, cocktail-bar feel to your final presentation.
How to make a Tropical Pineapple Whiskey Sour
1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces whiskey
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- 3/4 ounces fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1-2 dashes of orange bitters
- ice
- peel of a lemon for garnish
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
Directions:
- Add ice, whiskey, pineapple juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and 1-2 dashes of orange bitters to a cocktail shaker.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds—then strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon peel and a cherry on a cocktail stick.
- Serve.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Whiskey?
Yes, of course. Bourbon is a popular choice because of its natural sweetness, but rye whiskey will give you a spicier, bolder flavor.
Use what you like—this drink is flexible.
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead Of Fresh?
You can, however, use fresh lemon juice; it gives this cocktail a bright, clean finish that bottled juice just can’t match.
How Do I Make Simple Syrup At Home?
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool. That’s it. Store any extra in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Can I Make This Cocktail Ahead Of Time?
Yes—just mix everything except the ice and store it in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve, shake it with ice and pour over fresh ice for the best flavor and texture, making it easy to enjoy a well-made cocktail anytime.
What If I Want A Less Sweet Drink?
Easy fix—reduce the simple syrup slightly or add a little more fresh lemon juice.
Taste and adjust until it hits your sweet spot.
Can I Turn This Into A Batch Cocktail For A Crowd?
You sure can. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, mix everything in a pitcher (without ice), and refrigerate.
Ingredients For A Crowd (8 Servings)
- 12 ounces whiskey (1 ½ cups)
- 24 ounces pineapple juice (3 cups)
- 6 ounces fresh lemon juice (¾ cup)
- 8 ounces simple syrup (1 cup)
- 8–16 dashes orange bitters (adjust to taste)
- Ice (for shaking and serving)
- Lemon peels (for garnish)
- Luxardo cherries (for garnish)
Quick Hosting Tip:
Mix everything except the ice in a pitcher and chill it in the fridge.
When it’s go-time, either:
- Shake individual servings (best texture + slight froth), or
- Pour over ice and give it a good stir if you’re keeping things moving
If you want to make life even easier, set up a little “serve yourself” station with garnishes—people love feeling like they’re at their own cocktail bar.
Shaking vs Stirring
Shaking properly chills the drink, thoroughly mixes the citrus and pineapple juices, and creates a light, frothy top.
Stirring alone won’t achieve this same texture and flavor enhancement.
What kind of glass should I use?
A rocks glass, also called an Old Fashioned glass, is ideal for this cocktail.
It’s simple, versatile, and showcases the drink while making it easy to enjoy.
Now that you have the recipe, grab the printable recipe below.
Save this cocktail recipe for when you want something easy to serve your guests that still looks classy.
More Summer Cocktails:
Pineapple Cherry Amaretto Mocktail
Shrub Cocktail With Tequila + Pineapple
Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade Cocktail
Tropical Pineapple Whiskey Sour
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces whiskey
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- 3/4 ounces fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1-2 dashes of orange bitters
- ice
- peel of a lemon for garnish
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice, whiskey, pineapple juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and 1-2 dashes of orange bitters to a cocktail shaker.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds—then strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon peel and a cherry on a cocktail stick.
- Serve.
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