The “Not-Tiki” Tropical! | The Pineapple Express Bourbon Cocktail
Is it possible to have a tropical drink that still feels like a heavy-hitting bourbon classic? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Rebecca is hopping on The Pineapple Express—a “Not-Tiki” cocktail that brings the heat in more ways than one!
She’s taking a bold Knob Creek Single Barrel (120 Proof) and pairing it with a Toasted Pineapple Jalapeno Syrup for a flavor profile that is sweet, smoky, and seriously spicy. With double-bitter action from Hella Ginger and Fee Brothers Habanero, this isn’t a beach drink—it’s a spirit-forward powerhouse.
In this episode, we explore:
- The “Not-Tiki” concept: Keeping it tropical but bourbon-focused.
- The 120-proof punch of Knob Creek Single Barrel.
- How to balance intense habanero heat with toasted pineapple sweetness.
- The slow-melting magic of large clear ice for high-proof builds.
🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools
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- MOFADO. Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass: https://amzn.to/4jiZ0nl
- A Bar Above Bar Spoon Set: https://amzn.to/4rRpnnx
- A Bar Above Premium Bell Jigger: https://amzn.to/40Uy3Pe
- A Bar Above Antique Copper Hawthorne Strainer: https://amzn.to/41e368x
- BARsics PVC Bar Service Mat: https://amzn.to/4bAeeCV
- Ginger Bitters: https://amzn.to/4u51udM
- Habanero Cocktail Bitters: https://amzn.to/4hrCQ0d
Direct from the vendor: TOASTED PINEAPPLE JALAPENO SIMPLE SYRUP 375ML – SMALL BATCH: https://www.toastedsimple.com/product/toasted-pineapple-jalapeno-small-batch-simple-syrup-375ml/
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The Build:
- 2 oz High-Proof Bourbon (Knob Creek Single Barrel, 120 Proof)
- .75 oz Toasted Pineapple Jalapeno Syrup
- 2 dashes Hella Ginger Bitters
- 1 dash Fee Brothers Habanero Bitters (for extra “express” heat)
Method: Stirred in a mixing glass and served over a large clear ice cube to keep it spirit-forward and slow-melting.
Garnish: A skewered pineapple wedge and/or a fresh jalapeño slice.
🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨
NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.
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