Malibu Sunset

Jan Valdez
Jan ValdezAssistant Recipe Producer at The Kitchn
I got into this field by spending 10 years working in Research & Development and Product Development test kitchens, testing new products and recipes. For nearly eight years, I was the Senior Culinary R&D Specialist at Weber headquarters, where all the grills are designed, engineered, and tested. I've helped launch numerous best-selling, top-rated grills across the globe (you should see my grill collection at home!). One of my proudest accomplishments happened years earlier, when I had the opportunity to visit the Good Housekeeping Institue in NYC after developing an award-winning Tropical Citrus Shrimp recipe that jumpstarted my career in test kitchens and food editing. Since then, I've worked at Serious Eats (one of my favorite food sites) and EatingWell as an updates editor. I'm passionate about both classic recipes and new, unique twists. I'm constantly learning and that's what makes food and cooking so fun (just ask me how to bake light and airy pavlovas on the grill – I've tested them countless times!).
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

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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

  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