Tropical Malibu Sunset Cocktail

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By:Kimberly Vargo Published: Last updated:
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Create a stunning Malibu Sunset cocktail with coconut rum, pineapple, and orange juice. Enjoy a taste of paradise in every sip!

Cherries and oranges on top of a malibu sunset.

Meet your new favorite beach drink! This Malibu sunset has been one of my go-to rum drinks for years, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. 

This drink is a pineapple orange cocktail with ice-cold pineapple juice and orange juice. It also has coconut rum, grenadine, and a sweet maraschino cherry. This gives it that glowing “sunset in a glass” look.

This easy, single-serving tropical favorite is perfect for summer nights. It also works well for poolside happy hours and game day get-togethers.

This is one of my favorite drinks to serve with our easy fish taco bowls or a quick snack of homemade guacamole and chips!

How to make a Malibu Sunset

Coconut rum being added to a shaker cup.
Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, and Malibu rum (coconut rum) to a drink shaker. Shake until cold.
Grenadine being poured into a cocktail.
Add a cherry to a cocktail glass, pour in the cocktail mixture, and slowly drizzle in the grenadine.

How do you get the different layers?

The secret is in the grenadine. Having the most sugar makes it denser than the other liquids.

It sinks straight to the bottom of the glass. Pour it slowly, and you’ll have that perfect gradient every time.

It has a similar layered look to my easy pineapple upside down cake cocktail. Both drinks are so pretty in the glass!

Malibu sunset with cherry juice and pineapple.

Can I make this without grenadine?

Yes! Maraschino cherry juice works great as substitute. It’ll add a bit of sweetness and a pop of color.

If you don’t want any grenadine or a substitute, just leave it out completely.

How do I make the drink stronger?

Try adding a splash of pineapple rum or more coconut rum. Adjust it to your liking! You can even reduce the juice if that’s preferred.

Two rum drinks with rum, pineapple, and cherry.

Easy Malibu Sunset Cocktail (with Pineapple Juice)

5 from 1 vote
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Author: Kimberly Vargo
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 Serving

How to Video

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces pineapple juice
  • 2 ounces coconut rum
  • 1 ounce orange juice
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • ¾ ounce grenadine, or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place the ice, pineapple juice, coconut rum, and orange juice into a drink shaker.
    3 ounces pineapple juice
    2 ounces coconut rum
    1 ounce orange juice
  • Close the lid to the shaker cup, and shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Place a cherry in a cocktail glass, then strain in the drink mixture.
    1 maraschino cherry
  • Slowly pour in the grenadine to create the layered look. Enjoy!
    ¾ ounce grenadine

Notes

  • The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 drink. Actual calories will vary.
  • Feel free to adjust any of the ingredients to your liking. Add more rum or reduce the amount of juice or grenadine based on what you like.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drinkCalories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 174mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 63IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.4mg
5 from 1 vote

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    This drink makes me happy during the pandemic. I am not traveling but with this drink I get a taste of what I imagine is the Caribbean. Thank you!

    Reply