Pacifica Cocktail Recipe

Jump to Recipe ⬇️

Pacifica Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 16, 2024

History

The Pacifica cocktail is a modern twist on classic flavors, combining the richness of bourbon with the tropical notes of pineapple and the sweetness of vermouth. It's a drink that suits a laid-back evening as much as a bustling social gathering. Originating from the creative minds of contemporary mixologists, the Pacifica has quickly found its way into the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate its balanced profile.

  • It's a favorite among those who enjoy bourbon but are looking for something a little more refreshing.
  • The cocktail's name evokes the vast and serene Pacific Ocean, hinting at its smooth and inviting taste.
  • Perfect for sipping as the sun sets, the Pacifica is both an after-work relaxant and a weekend celebratory drink.

How Pacifica Tastes?

The Pacifica offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors with a robust undercurrent of bourbon warmth. The pineapple juice adds a bright, tropical acidity that cuts through the richness, while the sweet vermouth rounds it out with a hint of herbal complexity. It's a cocktail that's bold yet balanced, with a smooth finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Interesting facts about Pacifica

  • The Pacifica is a relatively new addition to the cocktail scene, reflecting modern tastes.
  • Its ingredients are a nod to classic cocktails, but with a fresh and vibrant twist.
  • The drink is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round, though it's particularly refreshing during the warmer months.

Ingredients

Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon is the star of the show, bringing its complex notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel to the Pacifica's profile. Using a generous 1.5 oz ensures that bourbon stands out without overpowering the delicate pineapple. Skip it, and you're not at a cocktail party anymore—you're at a juice bar!

Alternatives: If you're adventurous, try a dark rum for a more pronounced molasses flavor.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice is the tropical twist; it should make you think of sunny beaches and cool breezes. The same 1.5 oz volume balances the bourbon's strength with a sweet and tangy punch. Leave it out, and your drink loses its 'Pacifica' vibe, becoming more of a 'bourbon-on-the-rocks-with-a-hint-of-something-missing'.

Alternatives: Mango juice could substitute to offer a different type of sweetness and acidity.

Mary Mitkina

Sweet Vermouth

Sweet vermouth drops in a hint of herbal complexity. At 1 tsp, we're not here to steal the limelight but to enhance. Forget this, and your drink might feel like it dressed up but forgot its shoes—still good, but missing a final touch.

Alternatives: An amaro could offer a similar herbal kick with an extra bitter edge.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Pacifica Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 1.5 oz of bourbon whiskey into the shaker.
  3. Add 1.5 oz of pineapple juice.
  4. Measure and include 1 tsp of sweet vermouth.
  5. Shake the mixture vigorously until well-chilled.
  6. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.
  7. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or a maraschino cherry if desired.

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass in the freezer for at least an hour before serving to keep your Pacifica cool longer.
  • If you enjoy a more pronounced pineapple flavor, muddle a few pineapple chunks in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
  • For an extra touch of elegance, rim the glass with sugar or a mix of sugar and finely grated coconut.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Cheese Platter: A selection of aged cheddar or gouda can complement the bourbon's rich and caramel notes.
  • Grilled Meats: The char from grilled steak or pork pairs wonderfully with the smoky undertones of bourbon.
  • Tropical Salads: A salad with mango, avocado, and citrus dressing will harmonize with pineapple's tropical flavor.

Drink Pairings

  • Coffee: A strong espresso or black coffee can be a great follow-up to the sweet and fruity notes of the Pacifica.
  • Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips, a chilled glass of sparkling water does the trick.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Pacifica

  • Bourbon Whiskey: Can be substituted with rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
  • Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is preferred, but store-bought can be used in a pinch.
  • Sweet Vermouth: A dry vermouth can be used for a less sweet, more botanical profile.

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Pacifica

Exchange bourbon for smoky Scotch to infuse the cocktail with a peaty profile; ideal if you're looking to transport your taste buds to the Highlands.

Spicy Pacifica

Add a thin slice of jalapeño before shaking to introduce a warm, spicy undercurrent that plays off the bourbon's heat brilliantly.

Pacifica Sunset

A splash of grenadine won't just evoke the colors of a beach sunset, but also deepen the cocktail's sweetness, giving your Pacifica a fruitier finish.

In case you forgot basics how to make Pacifica

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Pacifica

What type of glass is best suited for serving the Pacifica cocktail?

The Pacifica cocktail can be best enjoyed in a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass to accommodate the ice and allow the aroma to be savored.

Can the Pacifica cocktail be batched for parties?

Yes, you can pre-mix the Pacifica in large quantities without the ice and keep it chilled until ready to serve, then shake individual servings with ice as needed.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Pacifica cocktail?

A mocktail version can be made by replacing bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or using a mixture of tea and non-alcoholic bitters for a similar profile.

How can I make the Pacifica cocktail less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, you can lower the amount of sweet vermouth or use a less sweet pineapple juice. Adjusting the ratios to your preference is key.

What are some common garnishes for the Pacifica cocktail?

Common garnishes include a twist of orange peel, a sprig of mint, or a skewered cherry and pineapple chunk for an extra tropical look.

More similar recipes to Pacifica!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe