Malibu Sunset

Coconut rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine are layered together in this beachy Malibu sunset cocktail. Staggering layers of fruity flavors combine to create this pretty sipper and it couldn’t be easier to make.

Why this recipe works

Sweet, fruity, and tropical flavors are layered into this Malibu sunset cocktail with contrasting colors mimicking the gorgeous hues as the sun dips below the horizon. It radiates warm fuzzy feelings of a summer vacation in a glass, plus it goes down easy too. 

You may have seen some Malibu sunset recipes include orange juice, but we like to keep it strictly pineapple. We reserve the orange juice for its sister recipe, Malibu Sunrise because it only makes sense to pair a sunrise cocktail with a breakfast juice. You can, however, add a splash of orange juice or even use a preblended pineapple orange juice if that’s how you prefer it. 

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

RUM – As the name states, Malibu coconut rum is a must for this recipe. However, if for some reason you can’t seem to find Malibu in particular, you can use just about any other coconut rum.

GRENADINE – This is what gives the layered sunset look to this cocktail. The trick is to slowly pour the grenadine over a spoon into the bottom of the glass. Because of its density, it sits at the bottom of the glass even when other liquids are involved.

How to Make Malibu Sunset

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Fill a Hurricane glass halfway with ice cubes.
2. Pour in Malibu coconut rum and pineapple juice.
3. Position the cocktail spoon upside down over the glass. The end of the spoon should almost touch the glass.
   
   TIP – If you don’t have a cocktail spoon, you can use a regular spoon from your silverware drawer!
   
   
4. Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of the spoon. The grenadine will settle at the bottom of the glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick and pineapple wedge. We dipped the end of our pineapple wedge in honey then in coconut flakes for a pretty beachy drink!
6. Add a cocktail umbrella and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Serving Suggestions

A Malibu sunset can be enjoyed as a brunch cocktail, afternoon sipper, or after-dinner drink. It’s most popular during the summer months thanks to its fruity tropical flavors, but it can certainly be enjoyed year-round for those who love a sweet cocktail. Serve over ice with a cocktail pick of maraschino cherries and garnish with a pineapple wedge or optional sweetened shredded coconut.

More Cocktail Recipes

• Rum Punch
• Malibu Sunrise
• Pineapple Rum Slush
• Skrew Loose Cocktail
• Blue Hawaiian Mai Tai

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Malibu Sunset

Sweet, fruity, and tropical flavors are layered into this Malibu sunset cocktail with contrasting colors mimicking the gorgeous hues as the sun dips below the horizon.

5 from 3 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course: Cocktails

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1 cocktail

5 minutes mins

Calories: 363

Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

• ▢ 6 ounces pineapple juice
• ▢ 3 ounces Malibu coconut rum
• ▢ 1 ounce grenadine

Optional Garnish

• ▢ pineapple wedge
• ▢ maraschino cherry
• ▢ sweetened coconut flakes

Things You’ll Need

• ▢
  Hurricane glasses
• ▢
  Cocktail spoon
• ▢
  Cocktail picks optional
• ▢
  Cocktail umbrellas optional

Before You Begin

• If you don’t have a cocktail spoon, you can use a regular spoon from your silverware drawer!
• If you want to add orange juice to this Malibu sunset, simply swap the 6 ounces of pineapple juice with a blend of pineapple orange juice or substitute for 3 ounces of pineapple and 3 ounces of orange juice instead.

Instructions

• Fill a Hurricane glass halfway with ice cubes.
• Pour in Malibu coconut rum and pineapple juice.
• Position the cocktail spoon upside down over the glass. The end of the spoon should almost touch the glass.
• Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of the spoon. The grenadine will settle at the bottom of the glass.
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick and pineapple wedge. We dipped the end of our pineapple wedge in honey then in coconut flakes for a pretty beachy drink!
• Add cocktail umbrella and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 363cal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

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