The Bourbon Pineapple Slush is a rich and frosty cocktail that blends tropical fruit and warm spices with the bold character of bourbon. Creamy, refreshing, and full of flavor, it’s a perfect warm-weather sipper with a cozy twist.
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Tasting Notes
This Bourbon Pineapple Slush leads with sweet pineapple and a rich coconut backdrop, layered with mellow bourbon warmth. The orgeat adds a hint of almond, which plays nicely with the honey’s soft sweetness and citrus brightness from the orange juice. Ground cinnamon adds a subtle spice that rounds out the tropical notes, while grated nutmeg on top gives the final touch of aromatic warmth. The texture is creamy and slushy, perfect for sipping slowly. Garnishes of pineapple wedge and leaf not only add flair but reinforce the tropical tone. It’s a refreshing, smooth, and slightly indulgent drink with a balanced finish.
Equipment and Glassware
A high-powered blender is essential to achieve a smooth slushy texture that fully integrates the ice with the cocktail ingredients. A jigger will help measure out the bourbon, juices, and syrups precisely. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the blender sides if needed. Serve the slush in a chilled hurricane glass or a stemless wine glass to keep the drink colder for longer. A fine grater or microplane is perfect for freshly grating nutmeg over the top. Bar tongs will help place the pineapple wedge and leaf cleanly as garnishes without disrupting the frozen surface.
Ingredients
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz bourbon
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- 0.5 oz orange juice
- 0.25 oz orgeat syrup
- 0.25 oz honey
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 cup ice
- Garnishes: Grated nutmeg, pineapple wedge, pineapple leaf
Instructions
- Add pineapple juice, bourbon, cream of coconut, orange juice, orgeat, honey, cinnamon, and ice to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Pour into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg, a pineapple wedge, and a pineapple leaf.
Pro Tips
- Use crushed ice for quicker blending and a smoother texture.
- For a stronger bourbon flavor, reduce the cream of coconut slightly.
- Pre-chill your serving glasses to keep the slush colder longer.
- Fresh pineapple juice adds brightness but bottled works well too.
- Garnish with toasted coconut for added texture and flavor.
- A dash of Angostura bitters can enhance the spice complexity if desired.
- Serve with a wide straw or cocktail spoon for easy sipping.
When to Serve
The Bourbon Pineapple Slush is perfect for warm-weather gatherings, backyard barbecues, summer cocktail parties, or any time you want a tropical drink with a richer twist. It’s great as a welcome drink or frozen dessert-style cocktail after dinner. The blend of bourbon and coconut also works well in early autumn, especially during those lingering warm afternoons. Serve it when you want a drink that’s cooling, flavorful, and a little unexpected especially for bourbon fans looking for something outside the usual neat pour or Old Fashioned.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Bourbon: Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey 101 (for a stronger kick)
- Cream of Coconut: Coco López or Real Gourmet
- Orgeat Syrup: Small Hand Foods, Liber & Co., or Giffard
- Honey: Use raw or clover honey for best flavor
- Pineapple Juice: Fresh-pressed or Dole 100% pineapple juice
- Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed for acidity and balance
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
- Grater
Ingredients
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz bourbon
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- 0.5 oz orange juice
- 0.25 oz orgeat syrup
- 0.25 oz honey
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 cup ice
- Garnishes: Grated nutmeg pineapple wedge, pineapple leaf
Instructions
- Add pineapple juice, bourbon, cream of coconut, orange juice, orgeat, honey, cinnamon, and ice to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Pour into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg, a pineapple wedge, and a pineapple leaf.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality bourbon to complement the sweetness without overpowering it.
- Blend longer for a smoother, creamier texture.
- Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter profile, or more orange juice for brightness.