Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned Recipe

Smoky-Sweet Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned Recipe

My bartending adventures often lead me to unexpected cocktail discoveries, and this charred cinnamon pineapple old fashioned recipe captures pure mixology magic.

Caramelized pineapple edges bring unexpected depth to a classic drink.

Smoky undertones dance with robust bourbon, creating a sophisticated sipping experience.

Professional bartenders understand the power of subtle flavor manipulation, and this cocktail proves that principle beautifully.

Charring fruit intensifies natural sugars while introducing complex caramelized notes to your glass.

Techniques like selective grilling transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary libations.

Shake up your evening with this innovative twist that promises to wow even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.

Why Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned Feels Bold And Smoky

  • Ignite Grilling Magic: Transform ordinary pineapple into a caramelized flavor bomb with simple grilling techniques, creating a stunning syrup that elevates your cocktail from basic to extraordinary.
  • Craft Effortless Complexity: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, allowing home bartenders to create a professional-level cocktail without extensive mixology training or expensive equipment.
  • Quick Weekend Luxury: Prepare the charred pineapple syrup in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect impromptu cocktail for spontaneous gatherings or relaxed weekend entertaining.
  • Sensory Flavor Adventure: Blend smoky grilled pineapple with warm cinnamon and rich bourbon, delivering a multi-layered drink that tantalizes taste buds with unexpected tropical and spiced undertones.

What Goes In Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned

Cocktail Base:
  • Bourbon: Rich and smooth base spirit that provides the cocktail's backbone, choose a high-quality, full-bodied bourbon for best results.
  • Bitters: Adds depth and complexity to the cocktail, classic Angostura bitters work perfectly.
Syrup Components:
  • Pineapple, Cinnamon Stick, Honey (or Brown Sugar): Sweet and aromatic flavoring elements that create a caramelized, spiced syrup with tropical notes, fresh pineapple chunks recommended for best flavor.
  • Water: Helps blend and dilute syrup ingredients, filtered water preferred.
Garnish:
  • Pineapple Wedge, Cinnamon Stick, Orange Peel: Decorative and aromatic finishing touches that enhance visual appeal and provide additional flavor notes, fresh ingredients create the best presentation.

Mixing Instructions For Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned

Step 1: Flame-Kiss the Pineapple

Prep your grill pan or outdoor grill with medium-high heat. Scatter fresh pineapple chunks across the hot surface, allowing each piece to develop gorgeous caramelized marks. Flip after 2-3 minutes to ensure even charring.

Ingredients for Syrup:
  • Grilled pineapple chunks
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Honey
  • Water

In a saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow the flavors to meld and steep for 10 minutes. Strain out solids, keeping the liquid gold.

Step 2: Craft the Cocktail Magic

Grab a mixing glass and pour in:
  • Bourbon
  • Charred pineapple syrup
  • Bitters

Add ice and stir smoothly for 30 seconds, creating a perfectly chilled liquid harmony.

Step 3: Final Flourish

Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass nestled with a large ice cube. Decorate with:
  • Grilled pineapple wedge
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Orange peel twist

Your smoky, tropical Old Fashioned awaits – cheers to liquid adventure!

Tips To Balance Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned

  • Grill with Precision: Ensure pineapple chunks are cut uniformly for even caramelization, preventing burnt edges and maintaining consistent flavor.
  • Syrup Steeping Strategy: Let the cinnamon stick infuse longer for deeper warmth, but remove before syrup becomes bitter or overly intense.
  • Ice Cube Selection: Use a large, clear ice cube to minimize dilution and keep the cocktail's robust bourbon character intact.
  • Bitters Balancing Act: Experiment with different bitters like chocolate or cherry to customize the drink's underlying complexity.
  • Dietary Swap Option: Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the recipe's rich, sweet profile.

How To Store Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned

  • Preserve your charred cinnamon pineapple syrup in an airtight glass container for maximum freshness.
  • Refrigerate the syrup up to 1 week, ensuring it stays sealed tightly to maintain its vibrant flavor profile.
  • Check the syrup before each use for any signs of fermentation or off-smell, discarding if it appears cloudy or develops an unusual odor.
  • Transfer the syrup to the refrigerator immediately after cooling and strain out any solid pieces to extend its shelf life.
  • Keep the container away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor contamination.
  • Pro tip: Label the container with the date of preparation to track its freshness and enjoy your homemade syrup at its peak deliciousness.

Snacks That Pair With Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned

  • Elevate with Savory Companions: Pair this charred cinnamon pineapple old fashioned with grilled barbecue chicken or spicy pulled pork, creating a delightful balance between the cocktail's sweetness and smoky meat flavors.
  • Match with Complementary Cheese: Select aged gouda or smoked cheddar to highlight the bourbon's depth and the pineapple's caramelized notes, offering a rich and complex taste experience.
  • Dessert Harmony: Serve alongside warm bread pudding with caramel sauce or grilled pound cake, letting the cocktail's cinnamon and bourbon undertones enhance the dessert's sweetness.
  • Tropical Appetizer Link: Complement the drink with coconut shrimp or pineapple salsa-topped crostini, mirroring the cocktail's tropical and grilled characteristics while providing a delicious prelude to the main course.

Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned Variations To Try

  • Tropical Rum Remix: Swap bourbon for aged rum, adding a Caribbean flair with the charred pineapple syrup while keeping the cinnamon's warm undertones.
  • Mezcal Smoke Signal: Replace bourbon with smoky mezcal, enhancing the charred elements and creating a bolder, more intense cocktail experience.
  • Spiced Whiskey Fusion: Use a spiced whiskey instead of traditional bourbon, amplifying the cinnamon notes and creating a richer flavor profile.
  • Pineapple Ginger Spark: Muddle fresh ginger in the mixing glass and add a splash of ginger liqueur to introduce a zesty, bright dimension to the drink.

Questions On Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned

  • What makes this Old Fashioned different from a classic version?

This cocktail elevates the traditional recipe by adding a charred pineapple and cinnamon syrup, which brings smoky, tropical sweetness and warm spice notes that transform the classic bourbon cocktail into a more complex drink.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this cocktail?

You’ll need a grill pan or outdoor grill to char the pineapple, and basic cocktail tools like a mixing glass, strainer, and ice cube. A muddler can help, but isn’t absolutely necessary for this recipe.

  • Can I use a different type of whiskey instead of bourbon?

While bourbon is traditional, you can experiment with rye whiskey for a spicier profile or a smoky scotch for additional depth. The key is using a quality whiskey that complements the charred pineapple and cinnamon flavors.

  • How long will the charred pineapple syrup last?

The homemade syrup will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for about 7-10 days, allowing you to prep ahead and enjoy multiple cocktails throughout the week.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned Recipe

Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Spicy-sweet “Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned” cocktails blend smoky whiskey with caramelized tropical notes. Sensational mixology crafts complex layers where fire-kissed pineapple meets classic bourbon for an unforgettable sipping experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Charred Cinnamon Pineapple Old Fashioned

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces (59 milliliters) bourbon
  • ½ ounce (15 milliliters) charred cinnamon pineapple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Fruit and Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) fresh pineapple chunks
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) honey or brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
  • 1 grilled pineapple wedge (for garnish)

Garnishes and Extras:

  • 1 large ice cube
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
  • Orange peel twist (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Transform fresh pineapple chunks into a caramelized delight by grilling over medium-high heat until golden brown edges appear, creating a smoky sweetness for the cocktail foundation.
  2. Transfer the charred pineapple pieces into a small saucepan, introducing a cinnamon stick, honey, and water to craft an aromatic infusion that will elevate the cocktail’s complexity.
  3. Allow the pineapple-cinnamon mixture to simmer gently, releasing deep, warm flavors that will permeate the syrup with a rich, spiced essence.
  4. After simmering, let the syrup steep off the heat, enabling the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective flavor profile.
  5. Strain the syrup carefully, removing the cinnamon stick and pineapple chunks, ensuring a smooth, concentrated liquid that captures the essence of the grilled fruit.
  6. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon with the freshly created pineapple-cinnamon syrup and a few dashes of aromatic bitters to balance the sweetness.
  7. Introduce ice to the mixture and stir methodically, chilling the cocktail while allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a silky texture.
  8. Select a rocks glass and place a large, crystal-clear ice cube as the foundation for serving the cocktail.
  9. Delicately strain the chilled bourbon mixture over the ice, creating a visually appealing and inviting beverage.
  10. Embellish the drink with a grilled pineapple wedge, a cinnamon stick, and an optional orange peel twist to enhance both the visual and aromatic experience.

Notes

  • Swap honey with agave nectar for a vegan-friendly syrup that maintains the same rich sweetness and smooth consistency.
  • Experiment with different wood-fired grilling techniques to enhance the pineapple’s smoky caramelization, which deepens the cocktail’s complex flavor profile.
  • Select a high-quality bourbon with robust vanilla and oak notes to complement the charred pineapple’s natural sweetness and cinnamon’s warm spice.
  • Adjust syrup consistency by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding less water for a more concentrated pineapple-cinnamon essence.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 80 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star