Grilled Pineapple Bourbon Sour

Picture this: you’re sitting on your porch, the sun dipping below the horizon, and the air smells faintly of charred pineapple.

That’s the vibe of the Grilled Pineapple Bourbon Sour—a cocktail that brings the smoky sweetness of grilled fruit into the rich, caramel notes of bourbon.

It’s like summer met a cozy bourbon fireplace and decided to party.

Why do I love this cocktail? Because it’s the perfect blend of opposites: sweet and tangy, smoky and bright, bold and refreshing.

Plus, it’s a total showstopper for summer BBQs, cocktail parties, or any gathering where you want to casually flex your mixology skills. This is not your run-of-the-mill sour—it’s a conversation starter.

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The smokiness of the grilled pineapple gives it a BBQ vibe, while the bourbon brings that warm, cozy feeling we all crave.

It’s sweet but not too sweet, sour but not too tart—a Goldilocks cocktail that’s just right.

Serve it at your next summer party, during a cozy bonfire, or as a creative twist at a cocktail night. Whatever the occasion, this drink guarantees compliments and maybe a few requests for the recipe

(Hint: just send them this link).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list for the ultimate Grilled Pineapple Bourbon Sour:

• 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into thick rings
• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional, for a creamy foam)
• Ice
• Pineapple wedges or mint for garnish

Ingredient Breakdown

Pineapple
Grilling pineapple brings out its natural sugars, giving it a caramelized, smoky flavor that’s the star of this cocktail. Fresh is best—canned pineapple won’t cut it here. Look for one that’s golden and fragrant.

Bourbon
A bourbon with a slightly sweet profile works wonders in this recipe. Think of options like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve. The oaky, vanilla notes pair beautifully with the grilled pineapple.

Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable. It brightens the cocktail and balances the sweetness of the pineapple and bourbon. Bottle lime juice? Hard pass.

Simple Syrup
You can easily make this at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat. It’s the glue that ties the tartness and smokiness together.

Egg White (Optional)
Adding egg white creates a silky foam that takes this cocktail from “just great” to “absolutely next-level.” If raw eggs aren’t your thing, you can skip this. But trust me, it’s worth trying!

Ice
A mix of regular ice for shaking and a large cube for serving works best. Large cubes melt slower and keep your drink from watering down too quickly.

Garnishes
A pineapple wedge or a sprig of mint adds a finishing touch. If you’re feeling fancy, char the pineapple garnish for added drama.

How to Make A Grilled Pineapple Bourbon Sour

1. Grill the Pineapple

Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high.

Slice your pineapple into thick rings, about ½ inch thick. Place the rings on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the pineapple smells heavenly.

Pro tip: Brush the pineapple with a tiny bit of honey for extra caramelization.

Let the grilled pineapple cool, then cut it into chunks. Save a few wedges for garnishing.

2. Make the Simple Syrup (if you haven’t already)

Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over low until the sugar dissolves completely.

Let it cool and store any leftovers in the fridge for future cocktails.

3. Prepare the Cocktail Base

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 2–3 chunks of grilled pineapple. This releases the juices and infuses the smoky sweetness into your drink.

Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and the egg white if you’re using it.

4. Dry Shake

If you’re using egg white, start with a dry shake (shaking without ice). This helps emulsify the egg white for that dreamy foam. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.

You’ll know you’re doing it right when your arms start to feel the burn!

5. Shake with Ice

Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15–20 seconds. This chills and dilutes the cocktail, bringing all the flavors together.

6. Strain and Serve

Double strain the cocktail (using a fine mesh strainer) into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. This ensures a silky-smooth texture without any pineapple pulp.

7. Garnish

Add a charred pineapple wedge or a sprig of mint to the rim of the glass. You can even sprinkle a tiny pinch of smoked sea salt for extra flair.

Tips for Perfecting Your Grilled Pineapple Bourbon Sour

• Batch It for a Crowd: This recipe scales easily. Prep the grilled pineapple and simple syrup ahead of time, then shake up individual servings as needed.
• Experiment with Smokiness: Add a splash of mezcal for a smoky twist or rim your glass with smoked paprika or sugar.
• Serve It Right: A rocks glass or coupe works best for this cocktail. If you’re going for a more rustic vibe, try a mason jar.

Grilled Pineapple Bourbon Sour Recipe

Pin this post for later!