Love easy whiskey cocktails that bring big flavor and a splash of nostalgia? Then you’ve got to try the Smoky Pineapple Ubon Special. This classic Mississippi cocktail is smooth, tropical, and perfect for summer sipping—especially with a little smoky twist.

This drink’s a favorite on the barbecue circuit, rooted in tradition and shared among friends for decades. Whether you’re poolside, manning the smoker, or just hanging out on a hot afternoon, this drink delivers a perfect mix of bourbon bite, pineapple sweetness, and a touch of fizz. It’s bold, refreshing, and dangerously smooth.

Smoky Pineapple Ubon Special | Heath Riles BBQ

The Ubon Special is more than a drink—it’s a tribute. Originally made famous by Gary Roark and the Ubon’s BBQ team on the competition circuit, this simple cocktail became a staple at cook sites and after-hours hangs. It’s been passed around and perfected for over 20 years, and now it’s getting a flavorful upgrade: smoked pineapple.

This twist adds a mellow smokiness that ties in beautifully with the bourbon and pineapple. It’s still easy to make, but now it’s got that signature BBQ flair we love.

The Ingredients

You don’t need a fully stocked bar to make this drink. Just a few key ingredients and some basic tools, and you’re in business:

Jim Beam Bourbon (4 oz)

Go with two 2-ounce pours. Jim Beam is a nod to the original recipe, and its smooth profile is perfect here.

Dole Pineapple Juice (4 oz)

The classic choice. It adds sweetness and tropical flavor that balances out the bourbon.

Sprite (a splash)

Added directly to the glass before pouring—this brings a light fizz and brightness to the drink.

Smoked Pineapple Slices (optional)

A simple way to introduce that smoky twist. Toss some pineapple on the smoker for a few minutes—it’s worth it.

Ice

For shaking and serving.

The Process for Making a Smoky Pineapple Ubon Special

This cocktail comes together in just a few easy steps. It’s quick to make—and even quicker to disappear.

Step 1: Add the Bourbon

Start with your shaker. Pour in two 2-ounce pours of Jim Beam. This is the backbone of the drink—smooth, classic, and full of character.

Step 2: Add the Pineapple Juice

Next, add 4 ounces of Dole pineapple juice. It’s sweet, bright, and blends perfectly with the bourbon. You can also experiment with fresh pineapple juice for a more natural taste.

Step 3: Add Ice and Shake

Drop in a generous scoop of ice and seal up your shaker. Shake it for 10–15 seconds to chill and mix everything thoroughly. We love using the YETI Cocktail Shaker for this—it chills fast and seals tight.

Step 4: Prep the Glass

Before you pour, add a splash of Sprite directly into your serving glass. This method lightly carbonates the drink without overpowering it. It also helps the cocktail blend smoothly as you pour. A well-balanced rocks glass is perfect for serving this cocktail.

Step 5: Pour and Serve

Strain the shaken bourbon-pineapple mixture into the prepared glass. The Sprite adds a fizzy lift while everything else melds together beautifully. We recommend using a bar strainer for a clean, smooth pour.

Step 6: Garnish (Optional)

Top with a smoked pineapple slice or your garnish of choice. A cherry or mint sprig adds a touch of flair. If you want to go all out, torch the pineapple for extra caramelization and aroma.

The Results

This cocktail is bold, fruity, and just a little smoky—a true summer sipper with depth. The bourbon gives it warmth and strength, while the pineapple juice softens things up with mellow sweetness. The Sprite adds a fizzy finish that makes it feel light on the palate, even though it’s got a good kick.

And that smoky pineapple? It’s the magic touch. It ties everything together and makes the drink feel right at home next to a rack of ribs or a slab of brisket.

Serving Suggestions for the Ubon Special

This cocktail pairs perfectly with bold, barbecue-forward flavors—especially ones that echo its sweet, smoky profile. Whether you’re throwing a cookout or just enjoying a weekend grill session, here are two mouthwatering dishes that complement the Smoky Pineapple Ubon Special beautifully:

Boston Butt Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow-smoked and packed with flavor, these pulled pork sandwiches bring juicy, tender pork with layers of seasoning and sauce. The tangy richness of the sandwich pairs beautifully with the cocktail’s sweetness and slight fizz—balancing the meat’s depth with each refreshing sip.

Pineapple Upside Down Ribs

These ribs are sticky, sweet, and smoky—with caramelized pineapple that mirrors the drink’s tropical twist. It’s a match made in BBQ heaven. Serve them up hot off the smoker with a cold Ubon Special on the side for maximum flavor impact.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Want to batch this cocktail ahead of time? Here’s how:

• Pre-mix the bourbon and pineapple juice and store it in a YETI Pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  
• Don’t add ice or Sprite until just before serving to keep it crisp and fizzy.
  
• If you’re smoking pineapple, you can prep slices ahead and store them in the fridge for 1–2 days in an airtight container.

Final Sip

The Smoky Pineapple Ubon Special is everything a BBQ cocktail should be—simple, flavorful, and rooted in tradition. It’s got smooth bourbon warmth, tropical pineapple sweetness, a little pop of fizz, and that smoky touch that makes it uniquely ours.

Whether you’re raising a glass to barbecue legends or just cooling off by the pool, this drink hits the spot every time.

Cheers to smoke, flavor, and good friends. See y’all next round.

Equipment and Tools

Here’s everything you’ll need to build this cocktail like a pro:

YETI Cocktail Shaker, Measuring Jigger, Rocks Glass, Bar Strainer, YETI Pitcher