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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Malibu Sunset Cocktails

    Published: Jun 26, 2024 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · 4 Comments

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    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!

    a tropical cocktail in a glass garnished with pineapple and orange wedges.

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    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 and Raspberry Lemonade Summer Cocktail!

    Jump to:
    • What is a Malibu Sunset?
    • Malibu Sunset Ingredient Notes
    • How to make a Malibu Sunset
    • Tips for Success
    • What to serve this rum drink with
    • How to make this Malibu Sunset Cocktail without grenadine
    • More Drink Recipes to try
    • Malibu Sunset Cocktail Recipe

    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!

    a fruity tropical cocktail made with only a few simple ingredients.

    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.

    all the ingredients needed to make Malibu Sunset Drinks.

    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.

    step by step on how to make a Malibu Sunset Cocktail.

    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.

    a garnished fruit cocktail served in a cocktail glass with pineapple, orange, and cherries.

    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.

    a malibu sunset cocktail drink in a glass with pineapple and malibu rum behind it.

    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!

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

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    a tropical cocktail in a glass garnished with pineapple and orange wedges.

    Malibu Sunset Cocktail Recipe

    Recipe by: Kristin
    Dive into a glass of liquid sunshine with this delicious Malibu sunset cocktail recipe that is sure to be a hit at your next summer party.
    4.67 from 15 votes
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    Prep Time 3 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 189 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker
    • Cocktail Glasses

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 oz Pineapple Juice
    • 2 oz Malibu Rum
    • 1 oz Orange Juice
    • Grenadine
    • Ice Cubes
    • Cherries/ Pineapple/ Orange Slices wedges for garnish (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Add ice to your cocktail shaker. Pour in pineapple juice, orange juice, and Malibu Rum.
    • Shake well to combine thoroughly and chill.
    • Pour mixture into cocktail glass. Pour the grenadine slowly down one side of the glass. *If you pour too quickly, the colors will blend and it won't look as pretty
    • Garnish with maraschino cherry/ pineapple wedge/ orange slices if desired.
    • Serve immediately!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cocktailCalories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 168mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 61IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

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    Comments

    1. Tina Perez says

      April 22, 2021 at 5:28 pm

      I can’t wait to try this!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        April 23, 2021 at 8:00 am

        Hope you enjoy, keep me posted!

        Reply
    2. Lynne says

      June 15, 2019 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      Very good. Next time add vodka.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        June 16, 2019 at 10:22 am

        In place of the rum?? Or in addition?? Haha! Yum!!

        Reply
    4.67 from 15 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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