The Malibu Sunset is pure tropical bliss—the kind of drink that instantly sweeps you away to a sun-drenched beach (even if you’re just in your backyard). With coconut rum, juicy pineapple-orange, and that signature ombré sunset effect, every sip is as refreshing and vibrant as it looks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tropical Flavor Escape: Each sip is a vacation in a glass, packed with coconut, pineapple, and orange.
- Show-Stopping Looks: The gorgeous red-yellow ombré effect is guaranteed to turn heads at any party or backyard BBQ.
- Ridiculously Simple: You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and two minutes, tops, to whip it up.
- Crowd-Pleasing Customizable: It’s effortless to make kid-friendly or alcohol-free—everyone gets a taste of island paradise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Malibu Sunset couldn’t be easier to mix up, but every ingredient truly shines in the finished drink. These simple components combine to make it taste like you’re lounging on your favorite beach, and each plays a vital role in color, flavor, and that classic sunset effect.
- Ice cubes: Essential for a frosty, refreshing cocktail and for helping the sunset effect develop as you pour.
- Pineapple-orange juice blend: The combo is sweet, tropical, and bright—plus, the flavor is perfectly balanced with coconut rum.
- Malibu Coconut Rum: Distinctively sweet coconut flavor; nothing else captures island vibes quite like it!
- Grenadine: This ruby-red syrup creates the pretty ombré “sunset” effect and adds a subtle hint of pomegranate sweetness.
- Maraschino cherries: For a pop of color and a cheerful, sweet garnish.
- Pineapple and/or orange slices: These garnishes highlight the drink’s flavors and add a tropical finishing flourish.
Variations
Want to put your own spin on the Malibu Sunset? This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so have fun customizing it with your favorite flavors, alternative spirits, or alcohol-free ingredients. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:
- Non-Alcoholic (Mocktail) Sunset: Simply skip the Malibu rum and use coconut water or a splash of coconut syrup for the same tropical experience without the booze.
- Berry Sunset: Add a splash of cranberry juice for a fruitier punch and deeper pink hues.
- Sunrise Twist: Use orange juice only (no pineapple) for a flavor closer to a classic Tequila Sunrise—but still with that gorgeous sunset look!
- Frozen Malibu Sunset: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy, refreshing treat—especially on hot days.
How to Make Malibu Sunset
Step 1: Fill the Glass with Ice
Start by filling your favorite tall glass all the way up with ice cubes. The more ice, the better—the chill keeps everything refreshingly cold and helps soften the bright grenadine as it sinks, giving you those beautiful, distinct layers.
Step 2: Add Juice and Malibu Rum
Pour in that luscious pineapple-orange juice blend, then add your Malibu Coconut Rum. Give everything a gentle stir so the coconut and fruit flavors mingle, but don’t go overboard—the magic is in the layering yet to come!
Step 3: Drizzle in the Grenadine
Now for the signature sunset moment: slowly drizzle grenadine over the back of a spoon (or just directly into the glass). Watch it drift to the bottom, creating that gorgeous gradient from gold to red. Don’t stir after adding the grenadine or you’ll lose the sunset!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top your Malibu Sunset with a cheerful maraschino cherry (or two) and a juicy wedge of pineapple or orange. Serve immediately—and enjoy your slice of sunshine!
Pro Tips for Making Malibu Sunset
- Gorgeous Gradient: Always add the grenadine last—drizzle gently and avoid stirring to preserve those striking layers.
- Chill Everything: For ultimate refreshment, keep both the juice and rum chilled in advance; this makes the ice last even longer.
- Juice Choice Matters: Try to use a fresh pineapple-orange blend (or high-quality store-bought) for the brightest, most naturally sweet flavor.
- Custom Garnishes: Don’t hold back—stack on the cherries, orange wheels, or fun cocktail umbrellas for a true island party vibe.
How to Serve Malibu Sunset
Garnishes
No Malibu Sunset is complete without its playful toppings. A bright red maraschino cherry and a fresh slice of pineapple or orange bring color, tropical flavor, and that real tiki party spirit. You can even toss on a little paper umbrella if you’re feeling festive!
Side Dishes
This drink deserves food with a sense of fun: think coconut shrimp, grilled skewers, fresh fruit platters, or even salty snacks like spiced nuts. Anything with light, bright, or tropical flavors will complement your Malibu Sunset beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Malibu Sunsets in tall hurricane glasses for a dramatic effect. For larger gatherings, arrange a DIY cocktail bar with different garnishes and juices so everyone can personalize their “sunset.” Even layering two-toned ice cubes (orange and pineapple juices frozen separately) makes for a playful surprise as your drink melts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have an extra Malibu Sunset or two left over? You can store any finished, ungarnished drinks in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just note: the layered look fades over time, but the flavor stays delicious!
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed freshly mixed, you can pop the blended juice and rum (skip the grenadine and garnishes for now) into a freezer-safe bag to make a boozy slush. For a true frozen treat, just blend with ice when ready.
Reheating
No reheating needed here—this is a sip-and-savor cold drink. If you’ve stored leftovers, just give them a stir, add fresh ice, layer in grenadine again, and garnish before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make a Malibu Sunset without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just skip the coconut rum and substitute with coconut water or a dash of coconut syrup. The drink will still deliver tropical vibes and look gorgeous—perfect for kids, designated drivers, or anyone avoiding alcohol.
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Can I use other fruit juices in a Malibu Sunset?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Try plain pineapple, orange, or even a splash of mango or cranberry for a fruity twist. Each will slightly change the flavor and color, so have fun finding your signature version.
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Do I have to layer the grenadine for the “sunset” look?
The ombré effect is optional, but it makes the Malibu Sunset really special! For the prettiest results, drizzle the grenadine slowly and don’t stir afterward. It settles beautifully at the bottom and blends in as you sip.
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Can I make a Malibu Sunset in a pitcher for a crowd?
Definitely! Stir together the juice and rum in a pitcher and refrigerate. Pour over ice in each glass, add grenadine just before serving for the layered effect, and let guests add their own garnishes.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a Malibu Sunset: it’s pure summer, pure fun, and pure deliciousness in every radiant glass. If you’re craving a sweet escape or just want to wow your friends, this is absolutely the drink to try—sunshine guaranteed!
Print
Malibu Sunset Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Malibu Sunset is a refreshing and tropical cocktail that combines the flavors of coconut, pineapple, and citrus with a hint of grenadine sweetness. This vibrant drink is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or any time you want a taste of the tropics.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- Ice cubes
- 3 to 4 ounces pineapple-orange juice (a blend)
- 2 ounces Malibu Coconut Rum
- Grenadine, for drizzling
- Maraschino cherries, for garnishing
- Pineapple and/or orange slices, for garnishing
Instructions
- Add ice to a glass.
- Pour in the pineapple-orange juice and Malibu Coconut Rum, then stir.
- Drizzle grenadine over the top.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries, pineapple, and/or orange slices.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Combine the juice and rum in the glass, and give it a gentle stir to mix.
Slowly pour grenadine into the glass for a layered effect.
Add cherries and fruit slices to the glass for a decorative touch.
Notes
- This cocktail is for individuals of legal drinking age. Please consume alcohol responsibly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
- Sugar: Varies based on juice and grenadine
- Sodium: Low
- Fat: Low
- Saturated Fat: Negligible
- Unsaturated Fat: Minimal
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Fiber: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Cholesterol: 0mg
