Tuaca Pineapple Martini [The Gangster Martini]

Don’t like the traditional dry martini? This fruity pineapple martini recipe includes Tuaca and amaretto liqueurs, vodka and pineapple juice.

Tuaca pineapple martini garnished with two cherries with martini ingredients in the background

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This recipe was originally published under the name the Gangster Martini.

When I was about fifteen years old, I watched the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s for the first time and instantly became obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. Puberty is so awkward, and I desired the nonchalant grace and quick wit Audrey’s character Holly Golightly portrayed in the movie. After watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I decided I was going to become a martini drinker as soon as I was old enough to drink. On my 21st birthday, my Dad decided to indulge me. He ordered a martini from a bar and let me take a sip.

Ehm, yeah. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but that wasn’t it. I liken it to what I would imagine kerosene would taste like. I think I may have gagged and I’m pretty sure I made a terrible face. Since then, I have discovered there are about a million different varieties of this classic cocktail out there much more palatable, in my opinion, than the traditional dirty martini with olives. If you prefer a fruity martini like I do, Tuaca Pineapple Martini is for you.

What is Tuaca?

Tuaca (pronounced too-aa-kuh) is an Italian brandy liqueur. It has a sweet flavor accentuated with essences of citrus and vanilla. As of the date of this post, the Sazerac Company based out of Metarie, Louisiana, is the only producer
of the spirit, which is manufactured at their plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Prices will vary depending on where you live. A bottle of Tuaca in my area cost about $22.

In addition to this cocktail, it can be sipped straight or added as an enhancer to coffee, cocktails or apple cider. The Sazerac Company also has a few cocktail recipes using Tuaca here.

Other ingredients and tools you’ll need to make a Tuaca Pineapple Martini

  • Amaretto – Also Italian in origin, amaretto is an almond flavored liqueur. Disaronno is probably the most familiar brand name of amaretto, thanks to some a marketing blitz in the 90’s and early 2000’s. However, other low-cost options are available. Your local liquor store should be able to make a recommendation.
  • Plain vodka – Even though this is a vodka martini, the vodka is more of a supporting character. Since the Tuaca does tend to be a bit pricier, I opted for a good, low budget vodka like Burnett’s. Also, because we’re also combining the vodka with amaretto and pineapple juice, I felt like a higher end vodka would be wasted here. Other recommendations include Taaka, Grey Goose, Smirnoff, Seagram’s or Absolut vodka.
  • Pinepple juice
  • Marachino cherries and/or pineapple wedges – optional, for garnish.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Measuring tool or cocktail jigger that measures ounces.
  • Martini glasses
collage of ingredients needed to make Tuaca pineapple martini

How to make a Tuaca Pineapple Martini

Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Pour in one ounce of the Tuaca, one ounce of the amaretto, one ounce of vodka
and 1 ½ ounces of pineapple juice. Cover the shaker with a tight-fitting lid and shake until the liquids are combined and well chilled. Pour the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and pineapple wedges, if desired. If you want more of cherry flavor, consider adding a bit of the juice from the cherry jar.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use flavored vodka?

Yes. Depending on your preference, consider trying vanilla vodka or pineapple vodka instead of regular vodka.

This cocktail was too sweet for me. How can I cut down on the sweetness?

Consider cutting the sweetness of the pineapple juice with lemon juice or orange juice.

Can I use gin or vermouth instead of vodka?

I have not tried making this cocktail with gin or vermouth, so I can’t say if you would get the same flavor combinations as I did using vodka.

Tuaca pineapple martini garnished with two cherries with martini ingredients in the background
Tuaca pineapple martini garnished with two cherries with martini ingredients in the background

Tuaca Pineapple Martini

Don't like the traditional dry martini? This fruity pineapple martini recipe includes Tuaca and amaretto liquers, vodka and pineapple juice.
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Save Recipe Rate
Course: Beverages, cocktails
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 martini
Calories: 190kcal
Author: Lisa B.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. Tuaca
  • 1 oz. Amaretto
  • 1 oz. vodka
  • 1 ½ oz. pineapple juice
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  • Pour in liqueurs, vodka, and pineapple juice.
  • Cover with a tight fitting lid and shake until combined.
  • Pour into a chilled glass.
  • Garnish with cherries if desired.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 30g

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9 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious! So many rich flavors! First time I’ve ever used Tuaca in a cocktail and it’s wonderful!

  2. 5 stars
    I’m not a big martini drinker because I don’t like vermouth. This one was amazing!

  3. 5 stars
    Wow, this martini has a lot going on and the many flavors combine to make an interesting and wonderful cocktail! Definitely worth a try, but you might be hooked after one.

  4. I turned 21 about 6 months ago, and I still have never had a martini. I am putting this on my list of things to try.

  5. Oh yes. My first martini. That was quite an unfortunate experience. Since then I’ve learned, go fruity or don’t go there at all. The Soprano sounds delicious!

5 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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