There’s something undeniably magical about summer drinks—those bright, breezy, and borderline whimsical sips that instantly transport you to a tropical state of mind. And when it comes to cocktails that do just that, the Malibu Mermaid Bucket is at the top of the list. This colorful and fizzy concoction is everything you want in a warm-weather drink: sweet, refreshing, eye-catching, and incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re planning a poolside get-together, backyard barbecue, or just need an excuse to feel like you’re lounging on a beach, this bucket cocktail brings the party. It’s got beachy flair, vibrant blue waves of flavor, and the playful vibe of a seaside cocktail bar—all packed into a cute little pail.
What is a Malibu Mermaid Bucket?
The Malibu Mermaid Bucket is a tropical cocktail that’s as fun to look at as it is to sip. It’s built in a literal sand bucket (or any large glass or pitcher if you’re staying inside), making it a playful and crowd-friendly drink that’s easy to scale up or down.
The drink combines Malibu rum, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP. The result is a smooth, citrusy cocktail with a tropical twist, brightened with bubbly soda and garnished with all the flair you can imagine—think pineapple wedges, maraschino cherries, and mini umbrellas.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
There’s no shortage of reasons this cocktail is going to become your go-to summer drink. Let’s break it down.
- Gorgeous presentation: That bright ocean-blue hue is irresistible and perfect for photos. It’s a total show-stopper at any gathering.
- Easy to assemble: No cocktail shaker, blender, or fancy tools needed. You build it straight in your serving bucket or glass.
- Versatile and scalable: Serve two or twenty with ease. Adjust the ingredients and presentation to fit the occasion.
- Tastes like vacation in a cup: Sweet pineapple, creamy coconut, zesty citrus—it’s a flavor profile that instantly relaxes you.
- Customizable for every guest: Easily adjust the booze, sweetness, or even create a non-alcoholic version so everyone can enjoy.
What Does It Taste Like?
The Malibu Mermaid Bucket tastes like a blend of tropical fruits layered over a creamy coconut backdrop. The Malibu rum brings that classic island-style coconut flavor, while the Blue Curaçao lends a sweet, slightly bitter orange-citrus twist. Pineapple juice adds body and sweetness, and the soda rounds it all out with a refreshing fizzy lift. The optional splash of lime juice adds brightness and zing that balances the sweetness beautifully.
It’s like a piña colada met a blue lagoon and decided to throw a beach party.
Benefits of Making a Bucket Cocktail
Bucket cocktails have become popular for a reason, especially in the summertime. Here’s why:
- Less time mixing, more time sipping: You make one drink for multiple people—huge time-saver for entertaining.
- Fun and informal: Buckets make everything more casual and festive. Perfect for parties or laid-back afternoons.
- Fewer dishes: No separate glasses, no shakers, no strainers. Just pour, stir, and serve.
- Stays colder longer: Built over ice and served in a chilled container, this drink stays cool even in the sun.
- Endlessly riffable: You can tweak the ingredients, swap the garnishes, or build off the flavor base to make it your own.
Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
Here’s everything you need to make your own Malibu Mermaid Bucket. Feel free to scale these amounts up or down depending on your party size.
- ½ cup Malibu rum (or other coconut-flavored rum)
- ¼ cup Blue Curaçao
- 1½ cups pineapple juice (chilled)
- ½ cup Sprite or 7UP (or any lemon-lime soda)
- 1–2 tablespoons lime juice (optional, for extra brightness)
- Crushed ice or small cubes (enough to fill your bucket or glass)
Garnishes (optional but highly recommended):
- Pineapple wedges
- Maraschino cherries
- Mini umbrellas
- Neon-colored straws
- Coarse or sanding sugar for rimming
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need much to bring this drink to life, but a few basic tools will make it easier:
- Small beach bucket, large mason jar, or clear pitcher
- Stirring spoon or cocktail stirrer
- Knife and cutting board (for garnishes)
- Citrus juicer (if using fresh lime)
- Ice scoop or zip-top bag and rolling pin (for crushing ice)
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly forgiving, and you can make several adjustments based on what you have or your flavor preferences:
- No Malibu? Use any coconut-flavored rum. If you don’t have that, mix light rum with a splash of cream of coconut.
- Want it stronger? Add an ounce of vodka or tequila to give it more of a punch.
- Too sweet? Use club soda or sparkling water instead of Sprite to cut down the sugar.
- Non-alcoholic version? Omit the rum and Blue Curaçao. Use coconut water and blue sports drink or blue lemonade for the signature color.
- Add more fruit flavor: Mango nectar, passion fruit juice, or orange juice all mix well here.
How to Make a Malibu Mermaid Bucket
Step 1: Rim Your Bucket (Optional)
If you want a fancy finish, rub the rim of your bucket or glass with a lime wedge. Then dip the rim into coarse sugar or colored sanding sugar to create a fun, sparkly edge.
Step 2: Fill with Ice
Add crushed ice or small cubes to your bucket, filling it nearly to the top. Crushed ice gives it that fun, slushy beach drink look and helps chill everything quickly.
Step 3: Build Your Drink
Pour the Malibu rum, Blue Curaçao, and pineapple juice directly over the ice. Stir gently to combine but not too much—you want to keep the gorgeous layered effect if possible.
Step 4: Add Fizz
Top the drink with Sprite or 7UP. This adds refreshing bubbles and brightens the flavor profile. Don’t stir too much after this step; just give it one gentle swirl.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add pineapple wedges and cherries to the top, pop in a couple of mini umbrellas, and serve with colorful straws. You can also float a lime wheel or citrus slice on top for added flair.
What to Serve with This Cocktail
Since the Malibu Mermaid Bucket is fruity and on the sweeter side, it pairs best with dishes that are light, spicy, or savory. Some perfect food pairings include:
- Grilled shrimp skewers with chili lime glaze
- Coconut chicken tenders with pineapple dipping sauce
- Jerk-spiced sliders with mango slaw
- Fresh fruit salad with mint and citrus
- Chips and guacamole or mango salsa
- Tropical flatbreads with ham and grilled pineapple
Tips for Success
- Pre-chill all ingredients to keep your drink colder longer without diluting it with too much ice melt.
- Crushed ice works best, but if you don’t have any, you can crush regular cubes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
- Avoid over-stirring if you want to keep that layered ocean effect in the glass.
- Make a base mix ahead of time for easy party prep. Mix the Malibu, Blue Curaçao, and pineapple juice in a pitcher and keep it chilled. Add soda and ice just before serving.
- Use clear containers to show off the drink’s beautiful blue gradient and garnishes.
How to Store Leftovers
Let’s be honest—this drink is usually gone before you think about storing it. But if you do make extra:
- Store the base mix (Malibu, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice) in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Add soda and ice only when ready to serve to maintain freshness and fizz.
- You can also freeze the mix in an ice cube tray and blend later for a frozen version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix everything except the soda and ice in advance. Store the mixture chilled and just add soda and ice right before serving.
Can I make this in a larger batch for a party?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredient amounts to match your guest count. Use a punch bowl, drink dispenser, or even a clean sand bucket for that extra beachy vibe.
What does Blue Curaçao taste like?
Blue Curaçao is a sweet, citrusy liqueur that tastes like orange zest with a slight bitterness. It’s used mostly for color and aroma, not as a primary flavor.
Can I substitute another juice for pineapple?
Yes, you can use orange juice, mango juice, or even passionfruit juice. Just note it will slightly change the color and flavor profile of the drink.
How can I make this non-alcoholic?
Use coconut water or coconut milk instead of rum, and a blue sports drink or blue raspberry lemonade instead of Blue Curaçao. Kids love the look and tropical taste of this version!
Conclusion: Why the Malibu Mermaid Bucket Deserves a Spot in Your Summer Rotation
There are cocktails that quench your thirst, and then there are cocktails that create a whole vibe. The Malibu Mermaid Bucket is most definitely the latter. It’s fun, vibrant, and built to be enjoyed with friends under the sun. Whether you’re lounging at the pool, hosting a backyard luau, or just channeling some tropical energy on a Tuesday, this drink delivers in every way.
It’s sweet but not cloying, bright but balanced, and full of personality. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, which means you can keep coming back to it all summer long with fresh twists.
Looking for more tropical cocktails to add to your repertoire? Be sure to check out these other summery favorites:
- Watermelon Slushie Recipe – A frozen, juicy delight perfect for hot days.
- Hennessy Hurricane Punch – A bold, fruity punch with island vibes.
- Florida Punch Cocktail – Sweet, citrusy, and made to be shared.
Share the Love
If you try this Malibu Mermaid Bucket, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment with your thoughts or tag your photos on Pinterest and Instagram using #MalibuMermaidBucket. Your version might just inspire someone else’s perfect summer day.
Approximate Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200–240
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 22g
- Alcohol content: Moderate
- Vitamin C: 60% DV (from pineapple and lime juice)
Malibu Mermaid Bucket Cocktail: The Ultimate Tropical Summer Drink You’ll Love
Description
This Malibu Mermaid Bucket is a bright, tropical cocktail that tastes like sunshine in a pail! Bursting with coconut rum, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice, and fizzy citrus soda, it’s a playful and eye-catching drink perfect for summer parties, poolside sips, or beach-day vibes. Ready in minutes, this cocktail is as easy as it is beautiful. Garnish with fruit and umbrellas, and let the good times flow!
Ingredients
½ cup Malibu rum (coconut rum)
¼ cup Blue Curaçao
1½ cups pineapple juice (chilled)
½ cup Sprite or 7UP (or any lemon-lime soda)
1–2 tablespoons lime juice (optional, for extra zing)
Crushed ice or ice cubes (enough to fill your bucket or large glass)
Optional Garnishes:
Pineapple wedges
Maraschino cherries
Mini cocktail umbrellas
Neon straws
Coarse or sanding sugar (for rimming the bucket)
Instructions
(Optional) Rim your serving bucket or glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip into coarse sugar or blue sanding sugar for a glittery edge.
Fill your serving container with crushed ice or small ice cubes.
Pour in the Malibu rum, Blue Curaçao, and pineapple juice.
Stir gently to combine the layers without losing that stunning ocean-blue gradient.
Top with Sprite or 7UP for that fizzy, refreshing lift.
Garnish with pineapple wedges, cherries, and a fun umbrella or colorful straw.
Serve immediately and sip your way to beachy bliss!
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, swap Malibu with coconut water and Blue Curaçao with a blue sports drink or lemonade.
Want it stronger? Add a shot of vodka or white rum.
Prefer it less sweet? Use sparkling water or diet soda in place of Sprite.
Pre-chill your ingredients and glassware to help the drink stay cold and crisp longer.
Perfect to scale up for parties—just multiply everything and serve in a clean sand bucket or large drink dispenser.