Malibu Sunset Cocktail Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a drink that doesn’t just taste amazing but looks like a vacation in a glass—and the Malibu Sunset cocktail is exactly that. Before we dive in, I just want to say thank you for stopping by! Whether you’re here planning your next backyard barbecue, prepping for a girls’ night in, or simply treating yourself to a tropical moment after a long day, I’m so glad you found your way here.

This sweet, layered cocktail with coconut rum, orange juice, and grenadine is everything you love about summer—bright, breezy, and beautiful. It’s got that perfect beachside bar vibe and takes less than five minutes to whip up.

What is a Malibu Sunset Cocktail?

The Malibu Sunset is a tropical-inspired cocktail made with Malibu Coconut Rum, fresh orange juice, and a splash of grenadine, which creates that jaw-dropping “sunset” effect. It’s typically served over crushed ice in a tall glass, often a hurricane or highball, and finished with a playful garnish—think maraschino cherries, fresh orange slices, and maybe even a cute cocktail umbrella.

This is the kind of drink you sip with sand between your toes or while lounging poolside. The visual appeal alone makes it a party favorite, and the fact that it’s super easy to make? Even better. You don’t need any fancy bar tools or mixology tricks—just a few ingredients, a glass, and a spoon.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

This drink is a total showstopper, and here’s why it deserves a spot in your summer cocktail lineup:

• Visually stunning – The layered red and orange colors mimic a tropical sunset. It’s basically a vacation in a glass!
• Tastes like paradise – Coconut, citrus, and a splash of sweet grenadine. Dreamy!
• So easy – Just a few ingredients, no shaking, no blending, no stress.
• Customizable – Go boozy, fruity, or even non-alcoholic—it’s super versatile.
• Party-friendly – It’s perfect for gatherings, bridal showers, or beachy themed parties.

What Does a Malibu Sunset Taste Like?

Imagine yourself on a breezy patio with the golden glow of the setting sun warming your face. That’s exactly what this cocktail tastes like. The coconut rum brings a creamy, tropical sweetness that immediately transports you somewhere warm and carefree. The orange juice gives it a refreshing citrus brightness, and the grenadine adds a rich, fruity sweetness at the base. It’s smooth, sweet, and a little tangy, with just enough booze to keep things interesting.

It’s the kind of drink that goes down easy—maybe too easy—and instantly lifts your spirits. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a wide range of summer foods, from spicy appetizers to grilled seafood.

Why You’ll Want to Make This Over and Over Again

This cocktail isn’t just beautiful—it’s fun to make. Watching the grenadine sink and swirl into the juice is practically meditative. You’ll want to make it for every cookout, every girls’ night, every lazy Sunday. And let’s be honest, the fact that it’s Instagram-ready doesn’t hurt either!

• Perfect for impressing guests – It looks like it came straight from a resort bar.
• No bar tools required – If you have a spoon and a glass, you’re golden.
• Can be prepped ahead – Mix the rum and juice in advance and layer with grenadine just before serving.
• Easy to scale – Make one, or make ten—this recipe scales like a dream.

Ingredients for a Malibu Sunset Cocktail

To make one cocktail, you’ll need the following:

• 5 cl (1.7 oz) Malibu Coconut Rum
• 2 cl (0.7 oz) Grenadine syrup
• 10–12 cl (3.5–4 oz) Fresh orange juice
• Crushed ice (enough to fill a tall glass)
• Optional garnish: orange slice, maraschino cherry, fresh raspberries, or a cocktail umbrella for extra flair

Tools You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here! This is a low-maintenance cocktail that looks high-effort.

• Tall glass (preferably a highball or hurricane glass)
• A standard spoon for layering
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Ice crusher or a strong blender if you don’t have pre-crushed ice
• Optional cocktail picks or umbrella skewers for garnishing

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

I promised you versatility, and here it is! This cocktail is super forgiving and fun to tweak.

• No Malibu on hand? Use any coconut rum you love, or mix white rum with a splash of coconut cream for a richer texture.
• Make it a little sweeter or more tropical by adding a splash of pineapple juice.
• No crushed ice? Regular ice cubes will do, but the layered look is cleaner with crushed.
• Want it booze-free? Try swapping the Malibu for coconut water, coconut soda, or a mix of pineapple juice and coconut syrup.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even give this drink a spicy twist with a splash of chili-infused syrup or a tajin rim.

How to Make a Malibu Sunset Cocktail

Step 1: Fill the Glass

Start by filling your tall glass to the top with crushed ice. This keeps everything chilled and helps with the layering effect.

Step 2: Add the Coconut Rum

Pour 5 cl (1.7 oz) of Malibu Coconut Rum directly over the ice.

Step 3: Pour the Orange Juice

Top off with 10–12 cl (3.5–4 oz) of fresh orange juice, leaving about 1–2 cm of space at the top.

Step 4: Create the Sunset

Here’s where the magic happens! Slowly pour 2 cl (0.7 oz) of grenadine over the back of a spoon or directly down the inside of the glass. Watch as it sinks to the bottom and gently swirls upward, creating that stunning gradient effect.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Add a garnish of your choice—a slice of orange, maraschino cherry, or even a few fresh raspberries. And don’t forget that little umbrella! Serve immediately, and resist the urge to stir—let your guests enjoy the layered look before diving in.

What to Serve with a Malibu Sunset

This drink pairs beautifully with a variety of summery dishes. It works especially well with:

• Spicy shrimp tacos with mango or pineapple salsa
• Coconut shrimp with a sweet chili dipping sauce
• Grilled chicken skewers with a honey-lime glaze
• Tropical ceviche with avocado and lime
• Fruit platters with kiwi, mango, and watermelon
• Mini sliders or charcuterie bites for cocktail parties

Basically, anything that says “beach picnic” or “island BBQ” will complement the flavors in this drink.

Tips for Making the Best Malibu Sunset Cocktail

• Use fresh orange juice if possible. Store-bought works in a pinch, but fresh juice adds a brightness that really makes the cocktail shine.
• Pour the grenadine slowly. It helps create clean layers and a gorgeous gradient.
• Don’t stir after adding the grenadine—let your guests admire the “sunset.”
• Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink cool longer, especially for outdoor gatherings.
• Add a splash of soda water if you want to make it lighter and more refreshing.

How to Store and Prep Ahead

This cocktail is definitely best served fresh to keep that beautiful layered look. However, you can prep some components in advance if you’re hosting a larger gathering:

• Mix the Malibu and orange juice in a pitcher and keep chilled.
• Just before serving, pour into glasses with crushed ice and layer grenadine individually.
• If storing, avoid ice in advance—it’ll water down the drink. Instead, refrigerate the mixture in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours.

Freezing isn’t recommended, but if you want to prep frozen versions, you can blend the base (rum + juice) with ice and drizzle grenadine on top afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a large batch of Malibu Sunset?

Yes! To make a party-sized batch, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings. Mix the Malibu and orange juice in a large pitcher and keep chilled. Pour individual servings over ice, then layer grenadine into each glass for that signature look. It’s a perfect batch cocktail for birthdays, cookouts, or bridal showers.

What if I don’t have Malibu?

You can use any coconut-flavored rum, or even regular white rum mixed with a bit of coconut extract or coconut cream. Just note that some substitutions will change the texture slightly.

Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Replace the Malibu with coconut water or coconut syrup. You could also use a coconut-flavored soda and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. It’s a fun, family-friendly version that still looks festive.

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Yes, just go for a pulp-free, 100% orange juice to keep the layers clean and the taste as close to fresh as possible.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about the Malibu Sunset cocktail that makes every sip feel like a vacation. It’s effortless to make but looks like it came straight from a five-star beach resort. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy patio or making a whole batch for a party, it’s guaranteed to brighten the mood. From the tropical flavors to that jaw-dropping gradient, this is one cocktail you’ll want to keep in your back pocket all summer long.

Try it out, and if you fall in love with it like I have, let me know! I’d love to see your creations—tag your photos on Pinterest or drop a review below. There’s nothing better than seeing your gorgeous cocktail shots and knowing this little recipe brought a moment of joy to your day.

Looking for more tropical cocktail inspiration? You’ll love these other fruity and festive drinks that bring all the beachy vibes:

• Tropical Paradise Punch – a crowd-pleasing punch packed with pineapple, citrus, and a splash of rum
• Strawberry Piña Colada Punch – a creamy, dreamy mix of coconut, pineapple, and fresh strawberries
• Butternut Rum Lifesaver Shot – a fun, creamy mini cocktail with a nostalgic twist

If you’re into drinks that are bold, beachy, and bursting with flavor, these will be right up your alley. Bookmark them for your next celebration—or your next chill night in.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per cocktail)

• Calories: 190–210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27–30 g
• Sugars: 24–27 g
• Alcohol: ~1.2 standard drinks
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

Note: Values may vary depending on exact brands and portion sizes used.

If you make this Malibu Sunset, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. I read every single one and love hearing how these drinks fit into your special moments. And if you’re sharing on Pinterest, tag your photos with #MalibuSunsetMoments so I can feature them in future posts!

Until next time, cheers to sunsets in a glass and tropical dreams that come true—one sip at a time.

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