Malibu Sunset Cocktails

These Malibu Sunset Cocktails are easy to make, packed with fruity flavor, and a tropical drink everyone will enjoy! With layers of pineapple juice, orange juice, Malibu Coconut Rum, grenadine, and cherries all in one drink, this Malibu cocktail is layered to resemble a beautiful sunset!

This Malibu Sunset drink is always a hit because not only does it taste incredible, but it is visually stunning. It is one of my most favorite drinks to make when having friends over and is always a hit at any parties! If you love trying new cocktails, also be sure to try my Blood Orange Margaritas, Tropical Dream Cocktail, and Raspberry Lemonade Summer Cocktail!

What is a Malibu Sunset?

If you’ve never heard of a Malibu Sunset, it is simply a cocktail layered with coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine. When mixing the drink, you do so in layers so that the end result has all the colors of a classic sunset. The Malibu Sunset uses both pineapple juice AND orange juice whereas a Malibu Sunrise uses just orange juice. Both are very similar in taste, however, this Malibu drink is fruity and sweet without being over-the-top like other fruity alcoholic drinks tend to be. Refreshing and the perfect summer beverage to sip on!

Malibu Sunset Ingredient Notes

Here are the ingredients needed to make this simple coconut rum mixed drink. See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact amounts and directions.

• Pineapple Juice– canned or jarred works great in this recipe.
• Malibu Rum– you can use any coconut rum, however, we love Malibu because of the great flavor and ease of finding in stores.
• Orange Juice– we use pulp free, however, se your favorite brand of store-bought or freshly squeezed orange juice.
• Grenadine– store bought works great.
• Ice cubes
• Garnishes such as orange slices, pineapple wedges, or maraschino cherries.

How to make a Malibu Sunset

1. Add ice to your cocktail shaker, and add pineapple juice, orange juice, and Malibu rum.
2. Shake well to combine and chill.
3. Pour into your cocktail glass, and slowly pour a splash of sweet grenadine. Do not stir - if you do, it will ruin the sunset layered look.
4. Garnish with fresh orange slices, pineapple slices, or a maraschino cherry.

Tips for Success

• If you like drinks more sweet, increase the amount of the grenadine. If you prefer less sweet, decrease the amount. Adjust to your tastes after you try it the first time.
• If you like cranberry juice, add a splash to your drink as this is a great flavor addition that doesn’t increase the amount of sweetness.
• Remember not to stir the drink as you want the layers for the appearance factor the drink has.
• If you want to make this as a large batch, simply mix the pineapple juice, orange juice, and rum in a large pitcher ahead of time. Keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the drinks.
• This cocktail is best enjoyed freshly made, once assembled, so don’t prepare the entire drink ahead of time.
• If you don't own a shaker cup, a jar with a lid does the trick!
• To make this classic cocktail stronger, try adding pineapple rum in addition to the other ingredients listed above. You can also swap out some of the pineapple juice for pineapple rum to make a strong drink.

What to serve this rum drink with

Is it Happy Hour and you need pairing ideas? Want to serve this drink recipe with some snacks or appetizers? Here are some great options:

• Chips and Guacamole– always a hit!
• Cajun Snack Mix– easy to make and packed with spicy flavor.
• Easy Fried Pickle Dip– one of my fav dips to make when having guests over!
• Mexican Burrito Roll Ups– easy to prepare ahead of time and bite sized to simply pop them into your mouth no matter where you are!

How to make this Malibu Sunset Cocktail without grenadine

If you don’t have grenadine on hand or simply don’t like the taste, you can use maraschino juice in its place. Simply pour it as you would the grenadine and you should be set. It is similar in taste, but an easier option if you already have maraschino cherries on hand to use as garnish.

More Drink Recipes to try

Easy Lemon Drop Martini– a vodka-based cocktail that is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. A classic cocktail that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. With only 4 simple ingredients needed, this is one cocktail that can be easily added to your rotation!

Tasty Watermelon Margaritas– these may just go down as the best margarita you have all summer! Bursting with flavor, it comes together in no time!

Malibu Barbie Pink Drink– this easy drink recipe combines Sprite, Vodka, and Pink Lemonade, making it perfect for beach days, poolside lounging, and savoring the summer weather.

Tequila Mockingbird’s Moby Drink– using only 3 ingredients, this is one cocktail that is simple to prepare and a classic.

Alabama Slammer Cocktail– was originally designed for Alabama Crimson Tide in the 70's! Sweet, tangy, and sure to become one of your favorites to enjoy!

Old Fashioned Cocktail Slushies– takes the classic cocktail to a new level by adding in a frozen twist! Using whisky or brandy, these can be enjoyed year round!