There's something magical about the first sip of a Pineapple Upside Down Mimosa — a swirl of sweet pineapple, a splash of bubbles, and a cherry-kissed finish that transports you straight to a sunny brunch on the beach. This dazzling cocktail is just as gorgeous as it is delicious, with layers that mimic the beloved pineapple upside-down cake.

I first whipped these up for a weekend girls’ brunch, and they were gone before the second round of waffles hit the table. Equal parts easy and eye-catching, they’ve quickly become my go-to for holiday mornings, bridal showers, and any time I want to impress with minimal effort.

Whether you're planning a festive celebration or just treating yourself to something a little extra, these mimosas are about to be your new favorite pour

Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas

If you’re a fan of pineapple upside-down cake or simply love fruity brunch drinks, this recipe was made for you. Let’s dive into what makes these mimosas truly irresistible.

First off, they’re stunning. The vibrant layers of golden pineapple, ruby red grenadine, and the gentle fizz of prosecco make these drinks as Instagram-worthy as they are flavorful. Serve them in champagne flutes and watch the compliments roll in.

Secondly, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just four ingredients and no special tools required, you can whip up a whole tray in less than five minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy without the fuss.

They're also perfect for any occasion. From Easter brunches to bridal showers, baby sprinkles to holiday breakfasts, these mimosas fit right in. They’re light, fruity, and not too strong — ideal for daytime sipping.

Lastly, they’re versatile and customizable. Want a non-alcoholic version? Swap in sparkling water or ginger ale. Prefer it more tart? Add a squeeze of lime. These drinks adapt to your taste, your guest list, and your pantry.

So whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or a brunch beginner, you’ll find this recipe approachable and impressive.

Ingredients Notes

You only need a handful of ingredients to pull together these Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas, but each one plays an essential role in creating the signature flavor and layered look of this drink.

Pineapple juice is the star of the show. It brings that tropical sweetness and body to the drink, making it taste just like the cake that inspired it. Fresh pineapple juice is always a treat, but store-bought works perfectly too. Just make sure it’s 100% juice for the best flavor.

Prosecco or Champagne gives this mimosa its signature sparkle. I recommend a dry or extra-dry variety to balance the sweetness of the pineapple and grenadine. If you prefer, a sparkling white wine or cava can also be used — just keep it bubbly and not overly sweet.

Grenadine is what gives the drink that gorgeous “upside-down” look. It sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a vibrant red base that mimics the caramelized cherry topping of a pineapple upside-down cake. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.

Maraschino cherries not only echo the flavor of the original dessert, but they also add a charming pop of color and a sweet bite at the bottom of each glass. You can add one or two per drink depending on your preference.

No special equipment is needed — just a champagne flute, a spoon for layering if desired, and a steady pour. A cocktail pick for garnishing the cherry is optional but adds a festive touch.

How To Make These Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas

Making these mimosas is a breeze, and it’s all about the order of your pour to get that gorgeous gradient effect. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by pouring the pineapple juice into the bottom of your champagne flute. You’ll want to fill the glass about halfway with juice. The thickness of the juice helps create that smooth transition of color later on.

Next, slowly top it with chilled prosecco. Pour carefully to avoid excessive foaming and to help keep the juice and bubbles separate. Holding the glass at a slight angle can help control the pour and maintain the beautiful layer.

Now comes the magic touch — add a splash of grenadine. Gently drizzle it down the inside of the glass (or over the back of a spoon) so it sinks straight to the bottom without mixing. This creates the signature “upside-down” look with that deep cherry red base.

Finally, drop in a maraschino cherry or two for garnish. They’ll settle on the bottom with the grenadine and act as a sweet, edible bonus once the drink is finished.

The whole process takes under five minutes per batch. Serve immediately while the bubbles are at their peak and the layers are still distinct. Expect to be asked for the recipe before your guests even take a second sip.

Storage Option

These mimosas are best enjoyed fresh — the bubbles, layers, and colors shine brightest when the drink is served right after pouring.

If you’re hosting a brunch and want to get a head start, you can pre-mix the pineapple juice and chill it ahead of time in a covered pitcher. Keep your prosecco or sparkling wine in the fridge until just before serving.

You can also prepare cherry-garnished glasses in advance. Drop the cherries into each flute and place them in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, all you need to do is pour in the juice, prosecco, and grenadine.

Avoid freezing or storing mixed drinks, as the bubbles will go flat and the layers will blend together over time. If you must store a finished drink, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate — but aim to drink it within a couple of hours.

To recreate the layered effect later, you’ll need to reassemble it from fresh ingredients. This drink isn’t ideal for leftovers, but trust me — that won’t be a problem.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas is how easily you can adapt them to fit your mood, your bar cart, or your dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire your own twist on this classic.

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic version, swap the prosecco for sparkling apple cider, ginger ale, or even a citrusy soda like Sprite. You’ll still get the fun fizz and beautiful layers without the alcohol.

For a more tropical flair, add a splash of coconut rum or use a pineapple-coconut juice blend. This version pairs beautifully with summer brunches and beachy backyard parties.

Want something a little more tart? A squeeze of fresh lime or a splash of orange juice can brighten the flavor and cut the sweetness. Garnish with a pineapple wedge for extra presentation points.

If you're feeling indulgent, top the drink with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of brown sugar for a truly dessert-like experience. It’s an unexpected touch that turns a brunch drink into a decadent treat.

Feel free to get creative! Whether you adjust it for the season, for your taste, or just for fun, this drink is endlessly riffable. The best recipes leave room for your own signature — and this one’s no exception.