Malibu Sunset Cocktails

These Malibu Sunset Cocktails are easy to make, packed with fruity flavor, and a tropical drink everyone will enjoy! Made with Malibu rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine, this easy Malibu rum drink comes together in just 3 minutes and 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!

Looking for another fruity drink to try? My Skittles cocktail recipe and Baileys Strawberry Cocktail are more fun, colorful options.

What is a Malibu Sunset?

A Malibu Sunset is a fruity tropical cocktail made with Malibu coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine. The grenadine sinks toward the bottom of the glass, creating the colorful layered "sunset" effect. With sweet coconut and pineapple flavors, it's a refreshing Malibu cocktail that's perfect for parties, warm-weather gatherings, or sipping by the pool.

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: the base of this cocktail and what gives the drink its sweet coconut flavor. You can use any coconut rum, however, we love Malibu because of its great flavor and ease of finding in stores.
• Orange Juice: we use pulp free, however, use 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, then add pineapple juice, orange juice, and Malibu rum.
2. Shake well to combine and chill.
3. Pour into your cocktail glass and slowly add a splash of sweet grenadine. Do not stir, as this will ruin the layered sunset look.
4. Garnish with fresh orange slices, pineapple wedges, or a maraschino cherry.

Tips for Success

• If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the amount of grenadine. For less sweetness, simply decrease the amount to fit your tastes.
• If you like cranberry juice, add a splash to your drink for another fruity flavor without adding too much sweetness.
• Do not stir after adding the grenadine, as you want to keep the colorful layers that create the signature sunset appearance.
• To make a large batch, mix the pineapple juice, orange juice, and Malibu rum in a large pitcher ahead of time. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the drinks.
• This cocktail is best enjoyed freshly made once assembled, so don’t prepare the entire drink ahead of time.
• No cocktail shaker? A jar with a tight-fitting lid works great too!
• For a stronger cocktail, add pineapple rum or replace some of the pineapple juice with pineapple rum.

Try my Electric Shark Cocktail next for another great option!

What to serve this rum drink with

Is it Happy Hour and you need some pairing ideas? Whether you’re serving this drink with snacks or appetizers, here are some of my favorite 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 favorite dips to make when having guests over!
• Mexican Burrito Roll Ups– easy to prepare ahead of time and perfect for serving as a bite-sized appetizer.

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 cherry juice in its place. Slowly pour it into the cocktail as you would the grenadine to help create the layered sunset effect. It’s similar in sweetness and is a great substitute if you already have maraschino cherries on hand for the 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!

John Daly Cocktail– Named after the American golfer John Daly, this alcoholic version of an Arnold Palmer is made using sweet tea vodka and lemonade! Refreshing and simple to prepare, this will be your new favorite cocktail!

Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, family-friendly recipes.