Get into this spirit-forward whiskey cocktail with homemade brown sugar syrup that perfectly balances strong, sweet, and smooth with just three ingredients!
I developed this magical, tropical whiskey drink to celebrate my birthday and it's a mouthful in the very best way. But it's easy to make and even easier to drink. Let's get into the fabulous details!
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll also love my White Hennessy Pineapple Daiquiri.

What does it taste like?
If you like whiskey and pineapple juice, allow me to upgrade you with juicy, fruity pineapple flavor and the subtle warmth of ginger. And the brown sugar adds a note of sweet caramelized fruit but this ain't no pineapple upside down cake shot.
Nor is it a cloying, sugary "girly" drink (whatever that means). Just smooth, lightly sweet, and potent. The whiskey sour recipe with pineapple is also sometimes called a Hawaiian sour but tastes more like a pineapple whiskey smash, to me.
What You'll Need for this Recipe
This pineapple whiskey cocktail calls for the basic components of a flavored whiskey sour without egg white. Here's what to add to your list:
Whiskey is, of course, the main attraction here. Use your favorite whiskey that you would enjoy sipping neat because the flavor comes through. Scotch, Bourbon, Canadian--any kind of whiskey works.
Lemon Juice fresh squeezed from a lemon is best here but concentrated lemon juice will work in a pinch. Lime juice is also a good backup option.
Pineapple Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is what really turns this into a whisky drink that's strong and fruity. Don't skip it.
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, and step-by-step instructions!
Which whiskey to use for this whiskey sour?
This is a whiskey drinker's cocktail and made to be sipped and savored--hence the name. The flavor of the spirit comes through so be sure to use your favorite whiskey expression. Since developing this recipe using Uncle Nearest 1856 premium whiskey, I've tested it with several different whiskies and can tell you that quality makes all the difference.
Check out my Hibiscus Hot Toddy made with Uncle Nearest 1884!
Tips & Tools
Grab a cocktail shaker and a jigger. If you don't have a jigger, you can use a shot glass as a good substitute. And if you're using fresh lemon (highly recommended), you'll also need a cutting board and sharp knife.
Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make the cocktail ahead of time. Just reserve the ice until it's time to enjoy.
More Favorite Whiskey Cocktails
Preparing the Tropical Brown Sugar Syrup
The only cooking involved in this recipe is making the brown sugar syrup, which I recommend making in advance to have on hand for multiple rounds!
Combine equal parts brown sugar and pineapple juice, plus fresh ginger and pineapple over heat and cook down just as you would regular simple syrup.
My Brown Sugar Pineapple Simple Syrup actually works in a variety of cocktail recipes.
How to Serve
This is a simple drink so don't hesitate to be a little extra with the presentation, especially if you're serving it as a birthday cocktail. Serve over rocks ice, which is the name for a large single ice cube traditionally used in spirit forward drinks or liquor on the rocks.
These geometric rocks glasses are the perfect vessel because they not only look fun and interesting, they perch the rocks ice perfectly in the top half of the drink. Finish with a pineapple frond--that's a leaf from the crown--and sip away.
Can I batch this whiskey sour drink? Absolutely. It wouldn't be a birthday without drinks for a crowd! Combine 2 cups of whiskey, 1 ½ cup of the syrup, and ½ cup lemon juice over ice to serve up to eight people.
More Boozy Pineapple Recipes
Pineapple Upside Down Rum Cake
Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Mimosas
Let me know how you like this brown sugar whiskey cocktail in the comments below. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this recipe on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Brown Sugar Pineapple Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe
Brown Sugar Pineapple Whiskey Sour
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 jigger
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 1.5 ounce brown sugar pineapple simple syrup see notes section for preparation
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ice cubed and rocks ice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add whiskey, simple syrup, and lemon juice to cocktail shaker. Seal and shake vigorously until shaker is cold to the touch (about 15 seconds).
- Add a piece of rocks ice to a rocks glass. Strain shaken cocktail into glass and serve cold.
Notes
To prepare the brown sugar pineapple simple syrup:
- Add 1 cup each pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, and brown sugar, plus one-inch knob of fresh ginger to a small saucepan over medium flame.
- Stir until brown sugar is dissolved then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until mixture is reduced and slightly thickened (about 20 minutes).
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Chelsia says
I would to try this what would you recommend for a good whisky
Jazz says
Hi, Chelsia! I love Uncle Nearest 1856 in this cocktail.
Phoebe says
Made this tonight and it is delicious! Will definitely add this to our rotation at home!
Marta says
Our 21st anniversary is this Friday and this is THE drink to make for my whiskey-loving husband. I tested it out today and even I enjoyed it (and I hardly ever drink whiskey)!
Britney says
I can not get over how delicious this drink is - just what I needed to enjoy the evening. Thank you for this recipe!
Samantha says
I love a good grown and sexy drink! Pineapple, brown sugar and whisky is a perfect combination!
Desirée says
Seriously my new favorite drink! I'm here for all things pineapple! This was soooo good!
Nadia says
My favourite combos are in this Brown Sugar Pineapple Whiskey Sipper! Brown sugar is my sugar of choice and this will take this drink to the next level!
Renia says
This was such a delicious and crisp sipper. The pineapple and Brown sugar syrup really brought it home!!
Crystal says
This drink was delicious and so easy to garnish! Honestly you had me at the photos! I always make simple syrup with white sugar and never thought to use brown. What an upgrade! Nice job!
Adri says
Made this a few days ago and even my cousin, who is decidedly anti-brown liquor (blasphemy) took a sip and had to admit how delicious it was. This recipe is definitely going to be a staple for my home bar!