When you think of summer, what comes to mind? For me, it’s warm sand beneath your feet, the soft murmur of the ocean, and—most importantly—a drink in hand that captures the essence of sun-soaked days and balmy nights. I’m so glad you’ve found your way here, because today I’m sharing something extra special: the Beachside Bonfire Cocktail.

What is the Beachside Bonfire Cocktail?

The Beachside Bonfire Cocktail is a tropical, layered drink that brings the colors and flavors of summer into a single glass. The star ingredients—pineapple rum, mango rum, and pineapple juice—form a juicy, vibrant base that’s both tangy and sweet. Then comes the showstopper: a slow drizzle of grenadine that settles to the bottom of the glass, creating a fiery red base that mimics a glowing bonfire on the beach.

The cocktail is served over crushed ice in a rimmed glass, finished with a tropical garnish that turns your drink into a mini vacation. It’s a stunning drink to look at and even better to sip on a hot day—or any day you’re longing for island vibes.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

There are plenty of tropical cocktails out there, but here’s why the Beachside Bonfire deserves a special place in your recipe collection:

Visually impressive: The layered effect is gorgeous and dramatic without needing any fancy bartending skills.
Flavor-forward: With both pineapple and mango rum, plus real pineapple juice and grenadine, every sip is a burst of juicy tropical flavor.
Perfect for entertaining: It’s easy to scale up for parties or serve as a signature drink for summer gatherings.
No blender required: You only need a shaker, glass, and crushed ice—no extra appliances necessary.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to what you have in your liquor cabinet or for non-alcoholic versions.

The Flavor Profile

This cocktail tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass. It begins with the bright acidity of pineapple, followed by the mellow sweetness of mango. The rums lend depth and warmth, while the grenadine adds a pomegranate-candy note that rounds everything out with a touch of nostalgia. Each sip transitions from light and juicy at the top to deeper, richer notes as you reach the grenadine base.

The sweet and tangy profile makes this cocktail incredibly refreshing and easy to drink. It’s designed for lazy afternoons by the pool, golden-hour chats on the patio, or—best of all—a beachside bonfire just as the sun goes down.

Benefits of Making the Beachside Bonfire Cocktail

Beyond its flavor and beauty, this cocktail brings a few extra benefits to the table:

Quick prep: It takes less than five minutes from start to finish.
Beginner-friendly: You don’t need to be a professional mixologist to get the layering just right.
Affordable ingredients: Most of these items are easy to find at any liquor store or supermarket.
Versatile presentation: Dress it up with different garnishes or swap ingredients for a custom twist.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to make one serving of the Beachside Bonfire Cocktail:

1 oz pineapple rum
1 oz mango rum
3 oz pineapple juice
½ oz grenadine
Crushed ice
Corn syrup (for rimming)
Brown sugar (for rimming)
Orange slice (for garnish)
Cherry (for garnish)
Optional: Apple wedge or other fresh fruit for added flair

All ingredients are easy to find and don’t require any obscure brands. If you can’t find mango rum, don’t worry—I’ve got substitution tips coming up.

Tools You’ll Need

Even though this drink looks elaborate, the tools required are minimal. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Cocktail shaker
Bar spoon or small regular spoon
Tall glass (a hurricane or Collins glass works beautifully)
Small plate for sugar rim
Ice crusher or bag and mallet for crushing ice

No special cocktail smoker, torch, or frother needed—just you, your ingredients, and a little creativity.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Want to make this drink your own or adapt it to what you have available? Here are some suggestions:

Rums: If you can’t find mango rum, substitute with light rum and add a splash of mango nectar or mango juice.
Pineapple juice alternatives: Passionfruit juice or orange juice can be used for a different tropical flavor.
Grenadine alternatives: A small amount of raspberry syrup or pomegranate molasses can replicate the deep red color and sweet note.
Garnishes: Play with fresh fruit skewers, edible flowers, mint sprigs, or even toasted coconut flakes for extra style.

This drink is endlessly adaptable. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break it down so you can recreate this cocktail at home with confidence.

Step 1: Rim the Glass

Start by preparing the rim. Pour a small amount of corn syrup onto a plate and do the same with brown sugar on a second plate. Dip the rim of your tall glass into the corn syrup, then into the brown sugar until it’s evenly coated. This step adds both flavor and texture—each sip starts with a little caramel crunch.

Step 2: Add the Crushed Ice

Fill the rimmed glass with crushed ice all the way to the top. The crushed ice helps slow the mixing of liquids, which is key for getting that signature layered effect.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a cocktail shaker, combine:

1 oz pineapple rum
1 oz mango rum
3 oz pineapple juice

Shake gently to combine. You’re not looking for froth, just a quick blend of flavors. Slowly pour this mixture over the crushed ice in your prepared glass.

Step 4: Add the Bonfire

Now comes the dramatic part. Use a bar spoon to gently drizzle ½ oz grenadine down the inside of the glass. Because grenadine is heavier than the rest of the ingredients, it will sink to the bottom and create that bold red layer. It’s as beautiful as a fire-lit beach sky—and just as mesmerizing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a tropical garnish. Skewer a cherry and an orange slice, then place it on top of the drink. For extra flair, add an apple wedge to the side of the glass or tuck in a sprig of mint. Serve immediately and enjoy the sunset in a glass.

What to Serve With the Beachside Bonfire Cocktail

This cocktail pairs well with a range of summer fare. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it:

Coconut shrimp or grilled seafood skewers
Fresh fruit salad with mint and lime
Tropical charcuterie boards with mango, prosciutto, and cheese
Light pasta salad with citrus vinaigrette
S’mores or caramelized pineapple for dessert

It’s also a great companion to finger foods at a barbecue or snacks at a casual bonfire gathering.

Tips for Success

To get the best results every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use crushed ice, not cubed—it helps the layers form properly and keeps the drink colder longer.
Chill your glass before building the drink to extend the life of the ice.
When adding the grenadine, pour very slowly down a spoon or the side of the glass to maintain separation.
Serve immediately to preserve the visual layers before the ice starts melting and blending the drink.

Storage Instructions

This cocktail is best made fresh, but if you want to prep ahead:

Mix the rum and pineapple juice ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.
Rim your glasses and set them aside at room temperature.
Don’t add ice or grenadine until ready to serve, or the layers will mix.

For large gatherings, you can make a pitcher of the base mix and layer each drink individually when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes! Simply replace the rums with equal parts pineapple juice and mango nectar. Add a splash of coconut water or soda water for a bit of fizz.

What if I don’t have mango rum?
Use light rum and add mango juice or nectar. You can also try a flavored vodka or white tequila, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Why did my grenadine mix instead of layer?
The most common reasons are pouring too fast, using cubed ice, or shaking the drink too vigorously. Always use crushed ice and pour grenadine gently and slowly down a spoon.

Can I batch this cocktail?
Absolutely. Just scale the base (rum and juice) and pour individual servings over ice with grenadine and garnish for each.

Why You Need to Try This Drink

The Beachside Bonfire Cocktail isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a well-balanced, delicious drink that’s perfect for any summer occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, lounging by the pool, or just dreaming of warmer days, this drink delivers a bit of island magic with every sip. It’s fruity, refreshing, and festive—exactly what a summer cocktail should be.

And if you’re hungry for more tropical inspiration, don’t miss these other recipes that bring the sunshine to your glass:

Moana Cocktails Recipe
A whimsical, island-inspired cocktail experience that blends tropical flavors and creativity.
Sun-Kissed Frost Lush Frozen Cocktail Dessert
Part drink, part dessert—this frozen treat is like a sunbeam in a glass.
Peach Thunder Rush Cocktail
Bold, fruity, and packed with peachy flavor, it’s a must-try for lovers of vibrant, sweet cocktails.

Share and Stay Connected

Have you tried the Beachside Bonfire Cocktail? I’d love to hear what you thought. Leave a review below or snap a photo and share it on Pinterest. Your creations bring these recipes to life and help others find inspiration too.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 180
Total Carbohydrates: 21g
Sugars: 18g
Alcohol Content: ~12% ABV
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g

Beachside Bonfire Cocktail: A Sunset in a Glass

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

This Beachside Bonfire Cocktail is a stunning, layered tropical drink made with pineapple rum, mango rum, pineapple juice, and a fiery splash of grenadine. Served over crushed ice with a sweet brown sugar rim and fruity garnishes, it’s everything you love about summer in one tall glass. Perfect for poolside sipping, backyard bonfires, or anytime you need a vacation in a glass!

Ingredients

Scale

1 oz pineapple rum
1 oz mango rum
3 oz pineapple juice
½ oz grenadine
Crushed ice (enough to fill a tall glass)
Corn syrup (for rimming the glass)
Brown sugar (for rimming the glass)
1 orange slice (for garnish)
1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Optional: 1 apple wedge or additional fruit for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Rim
Pour corn syrup onto a small plate and brown sugar onto another. Dip the rim of a tall glass into the corn syrup, then press it into the brown sugar until coated. Set aside.
Fill with Ice
Add crushed ice to the rimmed glass, all the way to the top.
Mix the Cocktail Base
In a cocktail shaker, combine the pineapple rum, mango rum, and pineapple juice. Shake gently just to mix.
Pour the Base Over Ice
Slowly pour the mixture over the crushed ice in your prepared glass.
Add the “Bonfire” Effect
Carefully drizzle the grenadine down the inside of the glass using a bar spoon or by pouring slowly along the edge. It will sink and create a vibrant red layer at the bottom.

Garnish and Serve
Top with an orange slice and maraschino cherry on a skewer. Add a fresh apple wedge or any extra fruit for flair. Serve immediately.

Notes

Crushed ice is key for keeping the layers separate—skip the cubes for this one.
Don’t over-shake your cocktail; a gentle mix is enough.
Pour the grenadine slowly to keep the layered look.
Want to make it a mocktail? Replace the rums with equal parts mango nectar and a splash of coconut water or soda.

For parties, mix the rum and juice ahead of time and add ice, grenadine, and garnish when serving.