Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade

This pineapple bourbon lemonade is a 3-ingredient summer cocktail that comes together in under 5 minutes. Pineapple juice and lemonade balance the warmth of bourbon perfectly, making it one of my go-to drinks for cookouts, happy hours, and lazy summer evenings.

This post covers everything you need to make a pineapple bourbon lemonade at home, including the exact ratios, the bourbon I recommend, simple swaps, and how to batch it for a crowd. If you're a bourbon lover looking for a refreshing summer cocktail, this one is for you. It's easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough to serve at a party.

You’ll love this pineapple bourbon lemonade

It’s easy to make. With 3 simple ingredients, this cocktail comes together in no time! It’s so simple yet so tasty.

It’s delicious. If you are a big bourbon drinker and are looking for the perfect summer bourbon cocktail, this is it!

It’s perfect for summer. The combination of pineapple juice and lemonade just screams summer, and they work so well together with the warm flavors of bourbon.

Ingredients

Pineapple Juice. I buy the typical Dole canned pineapple juice; whatever pineapple juice you have will work!

Lemonade. I love Simply Lemonade, it’s refreshing and 

Bourbon. I love using Caskhill from Rabbit Hole. It’s made with honey malted barley, and those flavors really pair so well with the lemonade and pineapple. 

How to make pineapple bourbon lemonade

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Add 1 oz pineapple juice, 1 oz lemonade, and 2 oz bourbon.
3. Stir, garnish, and enjoy.

Substitutions and variations

Bourbon. If you don’t have bourbon, you can use whatever whiskey you may have. 

Lemonade. If you don’t have lemonade, you can always use 1 oz lemon juice and ½ oz simple syrup. 

Ginger Syrup. Ginger syrup would be such a nice addition to this cocktail! ¼ - ½ oz of ginger syrup would spice it up just a bit. 

Sparkling lemonade. Swap still lemonade for sparkling lemonade if you want some fizz.

Garnish ideas

• Pineapple Wedge
• Lemon Wheel
• Lemon Twist
• Candied Lemon Peel

How to make a big batch of this pineapple bourbon lemonade 

This summer bourbon cocktail is perfect for all your cookouts or happy hours! Here’s how to make a batched cocktail for 10 people. 

1. In a large pitcher, add 1.25 cups of pineapple juice, 1.25 cups of lemonade, and 2.5 cups of bourbon. 
2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Once you’re ready to serve, pour 4 oz into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish and enjoy!

You can make this up to a day ahead. If you're adding sparkling lemonade to the batch, wait until just before serving so it stays fizzy.

FAQs

Is pineapple good with bourbon?

Yes, pineapple and bourbon are a great match. The sweetness and acidity of pineapple cut through the warmth of bourbon, creating a balanced, refreshing cocktail.

What bourbon is best for pineapple cocktails?

A bourbon with vanilla or caramel notes works best. Rabbit Hole Caskhill, Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace are all excellent options. Avoid very high-proof or heavily spiced bourbons, which can overpower the fruit.

What juice mixes well with bourbon?

Citrus juices pair especially well with bourbon. Lemon, orange, and pineapple are all great options. Pineapple is particularly good because the tropical sweetness balances bourbon's richness without being too heavy.

Can you make pineapple bourbon lemonade ahead of time?

Yes. Mix the pineapple juice, lemonade, and bourbon together and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Pour over ice when ready to serve. If you're using sparkling lemonade, add it right before serving.

How much bourbon is in this cocktail?

This recipe uses 2 oz of bourbon per serving, which is a standard pour for a cocktail.

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Want more summer bourbon cocktails?

• Bourbon Espresso Martini
• French 95
• Blackberry Bourbon Smash