Malibu Sunset Drink Recipe {Video}

Epic Malibu Sunset Drink is a tropical vacation in a glass. The perfect combination of Malibu Rum, Pineapple Juice, and Grenadine in a great-looking tropical drink.

Malibu Sunset Drink

Filled to the brim with Malibu coconut rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine, the epic Malibu Sunset drink is a lovely, yummy tropical vacation in a glass.

This Malibu Sunset Cocktail is my go-to summer cocktail. It is so easy to make but looks like you spent time layering the ingredients.

Plus the tropical pineapple coconut flavor is beyond delicious.

There are recipes that include orange juice to make this Malibu Sunset but we skipped it. This drink is similar to a Tequila Sunrise or Vodka Sunrise but made with Malibu Coconut Rum.

This tropical mixed drink tastes amazing! Honestly, I would happily sit outside savoring the summer weather with one of these and be happy for a while.

The cool color separation makes this drink look cool and I love that it actually tastes amazing! You have to love a super yummy drink that looks great!

How often do you get to enjoy a delicious cocktail that looks like a beautiful sunset.

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic Malibu Sunset Drink! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

• Malibu Coconut Rum
• Pineapple Juice
• Grenadine Syrup

Garnish - Maraschino Cherry and pineapple chunks

Want to add orange juice for more flavor? You can also garnish with orange slices to complement this additional element.

Print the complete recipe below from the recipe card

Equipment Needed

One of my favorite things about this tropical fruit cocktail is that you don't need a cocktail shaker or other bar tools - just a great glass and measuring jigger.

A bartender spoon is optional since grenadine is a heavier liquid that will sink to the bottom, but you can pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon if you want a more defined gradient effect.

• Rocks Glass
• Bartenders Spoon
• OXO angled jiggers - these are our go-to measuring tools for cocktails. They work perfectly for pouring in layers for cocktails.

How to make a Malibu Sunset Coconut Rum Drink

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick and dirty version.

Step 1 - Add ice cubes to the glass

Step 2- Pour in pineapple juice and malibu coconut liqueur.

Step 3 - Slowly pour in Grenadine to create the layered look as it sinks to the bottom of a glass.

Step 4 - Garnish and enjoy

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead + Larger Group/More Servings: Mix the pineapple juice and Malibu rum in a large pitcher to make this cocktail in a large batch. Add the grenadine to a glass, then pour the Malibu and pineapple juice.

Storage: For the best cocktail experience, enjoy your Malibu Sunset immediately after making it. However, if you want to make it ahead of time for a group, simply follow the instructions above.

Freezing/How to Freeze: The Frozen Peach Daiquiri in our Epic Guide to Malibu Rum has almost the same ingredients as the Malibu Sunset. You can remove the sweet and sour mix and swap the peaches for pineapple for a version closer to the Malibu Sunset.

Our Bahama Mama Adult Popsicle is similar in flavor, so use this as a guide for a batch of Malibu Sunset popsicles.

Big Batch: If you need a large batch cocktail this drink is great. You will want to omit the ice during preparation. If you still want the sunset look pour the sweet grenadine in right before serving in individual glasses. 

Recipe Variations

Substitutions: While this easy drink recipe calls for Malibu, any coconut rum you enjoy is a fantastic substitute that captures the drink’s tropical flavor. You can also add or switch up the orange juice to alter the taste; for instance, add a bit of cranberry juice for a tart twist.

Vegetarian + Vegan Options: The Malibu Sunset drink is safe for a vegetarian diet. According to its FAQs, Malibu confirms that while it doesn’t use animal products in its rum, one of its vendors uses a non-vegan-friendly sugar processing practice.

Gluten-Free: Malibu also confirms that its entire line of rum offerings is gluten-free. Consult the labels of any mixers you use to verify whether they are gluten-free.

Alcohol-Free Option: Remove the rum for a mocktail-style Malibu Sunset. 

You can add sparkling non-alcoholic wine for bubbly action or coconut water for a more authentic taste.

Make it Spicy: Monin retails a Chipotle Pineapple Cocktail Syrup on Amazon that seems stellar for a spicy twist, although we’ve yet to try it.

Sugar-Free: Unfortunately, the added sugars in the mixers and coconut rum make this cocktail unsuitable for anyone watching their sugar levels.

 

Tips for the Best Malibu Sunset Cocktail

• Slowly drizzle the grenadine over the back of a spoon to get it to layer on the bottom. We use the OXO Angled Jigger and pour it down the side of the glass. You can also mix in a splash of grenadine with the cocktail.
• If you want more of a gradient of sunset colors throughout the entire drink, stir the drink gently after pouring in the grenadine. Just do a tiny bit, or everything will mix into one color.
• I have heard that this drink is called a Malibu Barbie or a Panty Dropper.

 

When to Serve + What to Serve With

The tropical flavors in the Malibu Sunset are a natural pairing for any Caribbean, Tex-Mex, or south-of-the-border Mexican feast. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Sides: Black Bean Salsa, Cranberry Salsa, 7-Layer Taco Dip, Slow-Cooker Crockpot Jamaican Jerk Wings, Crock Pot Spicy Mango Jerk Chicken Wings, Southwestern Black Bean and Corn Salad, Cilantro Lime Rice

Main Dishes: 3-Ingredient Lazy Enchiladas, Jalapeño Beer Brats, Grilled Chicken Skewers, Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese, Crockpot Mango Chicken, Slow-Cooker Nacho Chicken, Carne Asada Street Tacos, Marinated Grilled Shrimp with Avocado Butter  

Desserts - Margarita Pie, No Bake Key Lime Pie, Orange Pineapple Pig Pickin’ Cake, Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, 2-Ingredient Pineapple Angel Food Cake, Carrot Cake with Pineapple Coconut, and Port Wine, Berry and Coconut Sorbet

 

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