First of all, thank you so much for stopping by. If you’re here, you’re probably the kind of person who knows how to appreciate the little things—like sunshine in a glass, an ice-cold drink that smells like vacation, or a cocktail so fun you have to serve it in a bucket. That’s exactly what this recipe delivers.

The Malibu Bay Breeze Bucket is a tropical bucket cocktail that brings together Malibu coconut rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice in a visually striking, flavor-packed drink. It’s refreshingly fruity, absolutely stunning with its layered “sunset” effect, and served in a plastic drink bucket to give it that full-on party vibe. Whether you’re planning a summer bash, a beach-themed birthday, or just a chill day in the backyard, this drink brings a playful, vacation-worthy energy that your guests won’t forget.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

The Malibu Bay Breeze Bucket checks all the boxes for a perfect summer cocktail. It’s colorful, simple, scalable, and crowd-pleasing. The base of Malibu coconut rum gives it a creamy, tropical essence that instantly evokes beach days, while pineapple juice adds sweet brightness, and cranberry juice delivers a tart punch and gorgeous color contrast.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

It’s a no-fuss, no-blender-required drink—perfect for laid-back entertaining.
Bucket cocktails are made for sharing, and this one serves 2–4 people depending on how generous your pours are.
Highly scalable for events—just multiply the ingredients and you’re party-ready.
Stunning presentation thanks to the layered “sunset” effect from the cranberry juice float.
Incredibly easy to customize with different rums, juices, or garnishes.

What It Tastes Like

Imagine the relaxing sweetness of ripe pineapple paired with the smooth, tropical flavor of coconut, all kissed by the crisp tartness of cranberry juice. That’s exactly what you get here. Each sip starts fruity and finishes with a tangy note that balances out the sweetness. The drink’s layered nature means that every sip can be slightly different until the flavors finally meld—like a mini vacation in your mouth.

Benefits of Making Bucket Cocktails

One of the best things about a drink like this is how freeing it is. You’re not measuring out shots for each person or fussing with shakers and mixers. You’re making one big, colorful, celebratory drink that invites everyone to relax and have fun. There’s also something nostalgic about sipping from a bucket—it’s informal, playful, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients List

To make this drink for a group of 2 to 4 people, here’s what you’ll need:

8 oz Malibu coconut rum
12 oz pineapple juice (chilled)
6 oz cranberry juice (chilled)
Ice (crushed or cubed, to fill about ¾ of the bucket)
Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries for garnish
Optional: mini cocktail umbrellas for decoration
1 plastic drink bucket (16–32 oz capacity)

You can typically find these small plastic drink buckets at party stores or online. They’re a summer staple and make any drink instantly feel like a celebration.

Tools You’ll Need

No need for fancy bar equipment here. You’ll just need:

A plastic drink bucket
A measuring cup or cocktail jigger
A spoon or long straw for stirring
Ice scoop or tongs
Jumbo straws for sipping

This recipe is so simple that it’s almost foolproof. You can prep it in under 5 minutes, which is ideal when guests are on their way or the grill is already hot.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

As much as I love this original combo, part of the joy of this recipe is how flexible it is. Want to make it your own? Go for it. Here are some ideas:

Switch up the rum: If you want to explore beyond coconut, try flavored rums like mango, banana, or spiced. You can even use vodka or a fruit liqueur for a different flavor profile.
Add carbonation: A splash of lemon-lime soda or sparkling water can add bubbles and cut the sweetness.
Use different juices: Substitute orange or mango juice for pineapple for a totally different flavor.
Add fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, orange wheels, or even frozen mango chunks make this more like a cocktail-fruit punch hybrid.
Make it a slushie: Blend the base with crushed ice before layering the cranberry on top.
Mocktail version: Sub the Malibu for coconut water or cream soda, and keep the juices. You’ll get all the flavor without the alcohol.

How to Make a Malibu Bay Breeze Bucket

Step 1: Fill the Bucket
Start by filling your plastic drink bucket about ¾ of the way full with ice. Crushed ice creates a more blended texture and melts faster, while cubed ice keeps your drink cold longer without diluting it as quickly.

Step 2: Pour the Base
Add the Malibu coconut rum and the pineapple juice. Stir gently to combine without splashing over the sides.

Step 3: Add the Cranberry Float
Now comes the signature layered look. Slowly pour the cranberry juice over the back of a spoon or directly over a large ice cube. This keeps it from mixing too quickly with the rest of the drink and gives that beautiful “sunset” gradient effect.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Add a pineapple wedge and one or two maraschino cherries on the rim. For an extra festive flair, pop in a mini umbrella and jumbo straws. The presentation alone is worth it—trust me, this drink looks like it belongs in a tropical resort brochure.

What to Serve with the Malibu Bay Breeze Bucket

This drink practically demands sunny, fun, and flavorful pairings. Here are a few crowd-pleasing food ideas:

Coconut shrimp with a mango dipping sauce
Tropical fruit skewers with honey-lime drizzle
BBQ pulled pork sliders
Fish tacos with pineapple salsa
Grilled chicken wings with jerk seasoning
Plantain chips with spicy guacamole or mango chutney

You could even build an entire tropical party menu around this cocktail—it’s that good.

Pro Tips for the Best Bucket Cocktail Experience

Always use chilled juices to prevent the ice from melting too fast.
Don’t stir after adding the cranberry if you want that beautiful layered look to stay intact.
Use a clear bucket if possible—it really shows off the colors.
Double or triple the recipe and pour into a large pitcher or punch bowl for larger gatherings.
Make individual mini-buckets if you’re serving multiple guests—everyone loves having their own.
Add reusable jumbo straws to make sipping easier and more eco-friendly.

How to Store Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), pour them into a pitcher, cover, and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 24 hours. Keep in mind that the ice will dilute the flavors over time, so you may want to give it a little flavor boost before serving again.

Alternatively, if you know you won’t drink it all at once, skip adding the ice directly to the bucket and instead chill everything beforehand, then pour over individual glasses with ice as needed.

General Info and Questions

How strong is this drink?

The alcohol content lands around 10–12% ABV depending on the exact ratios and ice dilution. It’s a mid-strength cocktail—enough to get the party started without being too heavy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can pre-mix the Malibu and pineapple juice and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the cranberry juice until serving if you want the layered effect.

Where can I find drink buckets?

Check your local dollar store, party supply shop, or look online. Amazon and seasonal sections of big-box retailers usually carry them in the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this drink for a large group?
Absolutely. This recipe is easy to scale. Multiply the quantities and serve it in a drink dispenser or punch bowl. Just remember to float the cranberry juice on top for each serving to preserve the presentation.

What if I don’t like coconut rum?
Try using a different flavored rum or even vodka. Peach vodka, mango rum, or spiced rum all offer delicious twists.

Can I make it a frozen drink?
Definitely. Blend the rum and pineapple juice with ice first to create a slushy base, then slowly pour the cranberry juice over the top.

How do I keep it cold at a party?
Use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes to keep the drink cold without watering it down. You can also keep backup batches in the fridge or in a cooler on ice.

Conclusion

The Malibu Bay Breeze Bucket is more than just a cocktail—it’s a mood, a vibe, and a ticket to instant relaxation. With its sweet coconut notes, tropical fruit flavors, and stunning sunset appearance, it brings a touch of the beach to wherever you are. It’s the kind of drink you make once and end up craving all summer long.

Whether you’re serving it at a pool party, beach picnic, or casual backyard get-together, it’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter. So go ahead—grab a bucket, invite some friends, and bring the beach right to your backyard.

Explore More Tropical Bucket Drinks

If you’re loving this beachy bucket concept, here are some other irresistible recipes to check out:

Malibu Mermaid Bucket Cocktail – A fruity, ocean-colored cocktail with serious tropical vibes
Florida Punch Cocktail Recipe – A citrusy, sunshine-soaked punch that’s perfect for summer events
Hennessy Hurricane Punch Recipe – A bold, flavorful punch with classic hurricane flair and a Hennessy twist

Join the Fun

Have you made this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Share your feedback in the comments or tag your bucket cocktails on Pinterest so we can all get inspired by your creations. Your version might just be the next big hit.

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 180
Total carbohydrates: 21g
Sugars: 18g
Alcohol by volume: Approximately 10–12%

Malibu Bay Breeze Bucket – The Ultimate Tropical Cocktail for Summer Gatherings

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

The Malibu Bay Breeze Bucket is the ultimate summer party cocktail! With layers of coconut rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice served in a festive plastic drink bucket, this tropical drink is as fun to make as it is to sip. Perfect for backyard BBQs, beach hangouts, or anytime you’re chasing that golden-hour glow. Make one and bring vacation vibes to your next get-together!

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz Malibu coconut rum
12 oz pineapple juice, chilled
6 oz cranberry juice, chilled
Ice (crushed or cubed), to fill ¾ of the bucket
Pineapple wedge, for garnish
Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Mini cocktail umbrellas (optional, but highly recommended)

1 plastic drink bucket (16–32 oz capacity)

Instructions

Fill the Bucket
Add ice to your plastic drink bucket until it’s about three-quarters full. Crushed or cubed ice both work, depending on your preference.
Mix the Base
Pour in the Malibu coconut rum and pineapple juice. Stir gently to combine without splashing over the sides.
Add the Sunset Layer
Slowly pour the cranberry juice over the back of a spoon or onto an ice cube to float it on top. This creates the beautiful layered “sunset” effect.

Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a pineapple wedge, a couple of maraschino cherries, and a cocktail umbrella if you have one. Add jumbo straws and serve immediately for full tropical flair!

Notes

Chill your juices ahead of time to keep the drink cold longer without watering it down too quickly.
Don’t stir after adding the cranberry juice if you want to keep the signature layered look—it’s the wow factor!
Want to make it a mocktail? Swap the Malibu rum for coconut water or cream soda.
Scaling for a crowd? Multiply all ingredients and serve in a large punch bowl, but add the cranberry layer to each individual serving for best presentation.
Use clear buckets if you can—this drink is meant to be seen and shown off!

Try other flavor twists like mango rum, orange juice, or a splash of lemon-lime soda for bubbles.