Malibu Sunset

Jan Valdez
Jan ValdezAssistant Recipe Producer at The Kitchn
I cover recipe content on The Kitchn, write and update recipes and recipe roundups, and test recipes for the team. I have 10 years of experience working in R&D test kitchens, testing products and recipes, and at publishers including Serious Eats and EatingWell.
published Aug 7, 2024
summer
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head on shot of two malibu sunsets in collins glasses, garnished with a maraschino cherry and pineapple slice
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Ben Weiner

Pineapple juice, coconut rum, and grenadine produce a sunset effect in this tropical cocktail.

Serves1

Prep5 minutes

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head on shot of two malibu sunsets in collins glasses, garnished with a maraschino cherry and pineapple slice
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Ben Weiner

When it comes to easy cocktails, the Malibu Sunset is the one I make every single summer. It’s got tropical vibes and it’s perfect for entertaining friends and family. I serve them up easily like I have a tiki bar at home (tip jar is optional!).

This vibrant, layered drink combines the flavors of pineapple juice and coconut rum with a splash of grenadine to create a beautiful sunset effect that’s as delicious as it looks (the tequila sunrise has a pretty layered look, too!). Perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing evening, the Malibu sunset is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and even easier to drink.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s the perfect summer drink. This tropical pineapple cocktail is sweet and refreshing. Plus, it’s hard to resist a fun cocktail with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry garnish.
  • It’s so easy to make. It’s a three-ingredient cocktail that you can whip up quickly anytime.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Ben Weiner

Key Ingredients in Malibu Sunset

  • Pineapple juice: Choose one that’s made with 100% pineapple juice. Avoid any that have added sugar.
  • Coconut rum: This white-rum-based spirit with coconut liqueur is smooth and sweet.
  • Grenadine: It sinks to the bottom of the glass, giving the drink its signature sunset colors.

Helpful Swaps

  • Rum: The alcohol by volume (ABV) of coconut rums can vary, so choose one with a higher ABV for a stronger sip, if you prefer. You can also swap half of the coconut rum for white rum.
  • For a big batch: To make Malibu sunsets for a crowd, combine 2 parts pineapple juice and 1 part coconut rum in a pitcher. Add crushed or pebbled ice and grenadine to individual glasses, then pour in the pineapple juice-coconut rum mixture.

More Pineapple Cocktails to Try

Comments

Malibu Sunset Recipe

Pineapple juice, coconut rum, and grenadine produce a sunset effect in this tropical cocktail.

Prep time 5 minutes

Serves 1

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • Ice, preferably crushed or pebbled

  • 4 ounces

    100% pineapple juice

  • 2 ounces

    coconut rum

  • 1/2 ounce

    grenadine

  • 1

    fresh pineapple wedge

  • 1

    maraschino cherry

Instructions

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  1. Fill a highball or old-fashioned glass with ice.

  2. Place 4 ounces pineapple juice and 2 ounces coconut rum in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker halfway with ice, seal, and shake until the outside of the shaker is very frosty, about 20 seconds. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into the glass.

  3. Slowly pour 1/2 ounce grenadine into the center of the glass, letting it settle on the bottom. Garnish with 1 fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.

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Beverages
Cocktails