Thank you so much for dropping by. If you’ve been searching for the perfect poolside drink that’s fruity, sweet, and totally Insta-worthy, you’re in for a treat. I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite summer party shots: the Malibu Baddie Shot. It’s got bold tropical flavors, a show-stopping layered look, and a name that captures the whole vibe—fun, fearless, and fabulous.

The Malibu Baddie Shot is a beautifully layered shooter featuring chilled vodka, coconut rum (Malibu, of course), orange juice, and a final cranberry float that gives it a stunning ombré effect. It’s exactly what you want in your hand at a beach bonfire, rooftop hang, or poolside bash. And trust me—this one doesn’t just taste good, it turns heads too.

What Is the Malibu Baddie Shot?

At its heart, the Malibu Baddie Shot is a layered tropical shooter designed to bring a splash of summer to any occasion. The drink is built in two stages: first, a shaken mix of vodka, coconut rum, and orange juice is poured into shot glasses. Then, a slow pour of cranberry juice over a spoon creates a float on top, creating that signature layered “sunset” look that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

But don’t let the pretty look fool you—this drink is more than just its looks. The combination of citrus, coconut, and berry makes it bright, smooth, and refreshing, with enough of a kick to get the party started. This is the shot you serve when you want your guests to smile before the first sip even hits their lips.

Why You’ll Love This Shot

There are so many reasons to fall in love with the Malibu Baddie Shot:

It’s visually stunning. The cranberry float gives it a dreamy layered look that looks just like a tropical sunset.
Fast and easy to make. You only need four ingredients and less than five minutes to whip up a batch.
Customizable for any taste. You can switch up the juice or spirit base to suit your flavor preferences.
Perfect for entertaining. It’s a guaranteed hit at bachelorette parties, beach days, backyard barbecues, or any warm-weather gathering.
Refreshing and flavorful. The coconut and citrus base is sweet and tropical, while the cranberry adds a slightly tart finish to balance it all out.

Whether you’re sipping this shot as part of a larger cocktail lineup or making it the centerpiece of your summer get-together, it’s sure to steal the spotlight.

What Does It Taste Like?

If summer could be bottled and served in a shot glass, this would be it. The Malibu Baddie Shot starts with the creamy sweetness of coconut rum, layered with the zesty punch of orange juice and a subtle vodka backbone. The cranberry juice adds a tart top note that ties everything together and keeps it from being overly sweet.

The flavor profile is tropical, fruity, and just strong enough to remind you that yes, this is a cocktail. It goes down smooth, with a vibrant finish that lingers just long enough to make you crave another.

The Benefits of This Recipe

Aside from being a total showstopper, this shot comes with a few key benefits:

No bartending experience required. It’s incredibly easy to make and hard to mess up.
Great for batch-making. Multiply the recipe and you can serve an entire party in just a few minutes.
Versatile ingredients. All components are easy to find and can be swapped out depending on what you have on hand.
Impressive but approachable. Whether you’re hosting first-timers or cocktail connoisseurs, this shot always wins hearts.

Plus, it’s gluten-free depending on the vodka and rum you use, making it suitable for more guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ounce vodka (chilled)
1 ounce coconut rum (Malibu recommended)
1 ounce orange juice (fresh or bottled)
1 ounce cranberry juice (100% juice or cranberry cocktail depending on sweetness preference)
Ice (optional, for chilling the base mix)
Shot glasses (this recipe makes 4 standard 1.5 oz shots)

Each ingredient contributes to a distinct layer of flavor. The vodka provides a neutral base, the coconut rum gives that creamy tropical essence, the orange juice brightens everything up, and the cranberry finishes it with both beauty and balance.

Tools Required

Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a tight lid)
Jigger or shot measuring tool
Stirring spoon (for layering)
Small funnel (optional, for clean pouring)
Clear shot glasses (so you can show off those gorgeous layers)

These tools help keep the prep simple and the presentation clean, even if you’re making a large batch for a crowd.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

One of the great things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few popular twists:

Swap orange juice for pineapple juice. It’ll bring a more tropical, piña colada-style vibe to the shot.
Try a flavored vodka. Passionfruit, mango, or peach vodka can deepen the tropical flavor.
Use grenadine instead of cranberry. It’ll create a deeper red layer with a sweeter finish.
Add a squeeze of lime. A little citrus kick helps brighten the drink and balance sweetness.
Top with sparkling water. Turn it into a small sparkling cocktail with just a splash of soda water on top.

No matter how you mix it, the Malibu Baddie Shot stays vibrant, flirty, and totally delicious.

How to Make the Malibu Baddie Shot

Follow these simple steps for that perfect layered look and flavor:

Mix the base. In a cocktail shaker or mixing cup, combine the chilled vodka, coconut rum, and orange juice. Add ice and shake or stir briefly until cold.
Pour the base into shot glasses. Evenly divide the mixture into four standard shot glasses, filling each about three-quarters of the way.
Layer the cranberry juice. Using the back of a spoon, slowly pour the cranberry juice over the top of each shot. The spoon helps the juice float instead of mixing, creating a beautiful layered effect.
Serve immediately. These shots are best enjoyed fresh. You can add a small orange wedge, cherry, or cocktail umbrella on the rim for an extra festive touch.

That’s it—four beautiful layered shots in less than five minutes.

What to Serve With the Malibu Baddie Shot

To make this a complete party experience, pair your Malibu Baddie Shots with light bites and fresh flavors:

Mini shrimp skewers with citrus glaze
Pineapple-mango salsa and tortilla chips
Coconut chicken bites
Tropical fruit platters with strawberries, kiwi, mango, and melon
Grilled skewers or sliders with a tangy tropical sauce

Looking to make a themed lineup? Complement these shots with other tropical and colorful drinks. Here are three more crowd-pleasing options to explore:

Sunset Seduction Sipper Shot Recipe – another gorgeous layered shot with a rich citrus twist.
Kamikaze Jello Shots Recipe – zingy, neon, and party-ready.
Mango Peach OS Jello Shots – juicy, fruity, and easy to make ahead.

Together, these recipes create the ultimate tropical party menu.

Tips for Perfect Shots Every Time

Chill your ingredients. Cold liquids layer better and taste fresher.
Use a bar spoon or teaspoon to pour cranberry juice slowly—this is key to creating that iconic ombré effect.
Serve immediately after layering for the most dramatic visual impact.
Use clear shot glasses to really show off the colors.
Practice the pour before your party to perfect your technique and impress your guests with your bartending flair.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

While these shots are best made and served fresh, you can prep parts ahead of time:

Mix the base (vodka, rum, orange juice) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours in a sealed container.
Pour and layer cranberry juice just before serving to maintain that crisp separation of layers.
Leftovers can be kept chilled and consumed within 24 hours, though the layers will gradually mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn this shot into a full cocktail?
Absolutely. Just increase each ingredient to 1.5 or 2 ounces, pour over ice in a rocks glass, and serve with a straw and garnish.

Can I use only Malibu instead of adding vodka?
Yes! For a lighter, sweeter version, just double the Malibu and skip the vodka. It’s a great option for brunch or early events.

What if I don’t have a shaker?
No problem. You can stir the base ingredients in any container with a lid—like a mason jar—or even mix them directly in a measuring cup.

How do I get the cranberry juice to float?
Chill everything first, and then pour the cranberry juice very slowly over the back of a spoon, held just above the surface of the drink. This gentle technique prevents mixing and creates the beautiful layered effect.

Final Thoughts: Why the Malibu Baddie Shot Belongs in Your Repertoire

The Malibu Baddie Shot is more than a drink—it’s an experience. With its bold tropical flavor, stunning ombré presentation, and ease of preparation, it hits every mark for a perfect party shooter. Whether you’re hosting a summer soirée, toasting at a bachelorette bash, or just feeling yourself on a random Tuesday, this shot says you’re here to have fun, look good, and sip something sweet.

Want to keep building your party menu? Add these irresistible tropical shots to your collection:

Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and tag me when you recreate it. I love seeing how you serve up your Malibu Baddie Shots. Share your photos, leave a review, and let me know how your guests reacted—it’s always a hit, and I can’t wait to hear your version of the story.

Nutritional Information (Per Shot, Approximate)

Calories: 95
Carbohydrates: 7g
Sugars: 6g
Alcohol Content: About 0.75 oz per shot
Nutritional content may vary depending on brands used.

Malibu Baddie Shot Recipe: The Ultimate Poolside Layered Shot

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

Malibu Baddie Shot is the ultimate poolside shooter—layered, fruity, and a total crowd-pleaser! With tropical coconut rum, zesty orange juice, and a cranberry float that creates a gorgeous ombré effect, this easy shot is ready in minutes and guaranteed to wow. Perfect for summer parties, girls’ nights, and beachy vibes all year long!

Ingredients

Scale

1 oz vodka (chilled)
1 oz coconut rum (Malibu recommended)
1 oz orange juice (fresh or bottled)
1 oz cranberry juice (100% juice or cranberry cocktail)
Ice (for shaking, optional)

4 shot glasses (standard 1.5 oz)

Instructions

In a shaker or small mixing cup, combine the vodka, coconut rum, and orange juice. Add ice and shake or stir until chilled.
Evenly divide the mixture into 4 shot glasses, filling each about ¾ of the way.
Using the back of a spoon, slowly pour cranberry juice over the top of each shot to create a layered effect.
Serve immediately. Add a mini orange wedge or cocktail umbrella for flair, if desired.

Notes

For an extra tropical twist, swap the orange juice with pineapple juice or use flavored vodka like mango or passionfruit.
Chilling your ingredients helps the layers stay distinct—cold liquids layer better than warm!
Want to prep ahead? Mix the vodka, rum, and juice and chill up to 24 hours in advance. Just add the cranberry layer right before serving.

This recipe makes 4 shots but can easily be scaled up for a party batch!