Malibu Sunset

Malibu Sunset is a deliciously tropical layered drink in the vibrant colors of a sunset! It’s easy to do and the effect is stunning.

Here’s a brilliant drink that’s visually stunning with a deliciously tropical flavor: Malibu Sunset! This layered cocktail gets the party started with coconut rum, pineapple juice and orange juice. Add grenadine and it has a sunset gradient overlay! It may seem intensely sweet, but it’s just sweet enough, with a fruity coconut finish. This refreshing beach drink is pure pleasure! (And we’re not just saying that.)

What is a Malibu sunset?

The Malibu Sunset is a cocktail with coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine. The layers of the drink form a sunset-colored gradient, similar to a tequila sunrise or vodka sunrise. It is usually made with Malibu Coconut Rum, which is actually more like a coconut liqueur than a rum.

The history of the Malibu Sunset drink is unclear. Malibu Coconut Rum was launched in 1982, so it was likely invented in the 1980s as an offshoot of Tequila Sunrise (itself invented in California in the 1970s). To prepare the drink you will need:

• coconut rum (as Malibu Coconut Rum)
• pineapple juice
• orange juice
• grenadine

How to make the sunset effect!

The best thing about a Malibu sunset drink? This beautiful gradient from deep red to orange to yellow! It’s visually stunning and very easy to make at home with a simple lesson in density. Here’s what to do:

• Pour the rum and juices into a glass filled with ice cubes. They mix because they all have the same density.
• Slowly pour the grenadine into the center of the drink. It sinks to the bottom because it’s denser than other liquids.
• Stir gently once to achieve the gradient effect. This will help the colors blend a bit: but don’t overdo it or the drink will turn out monochromatic!

Learn more about Malibu Coconut Rum

Malibu Sunset is probably named after Malibu Coconut Rum, the most common type of coconut rum on the market. Coconut is essential to the flavor of this tropical drink. Here’s what you need to know about Malibu:

• Malibu Coconut Rum is actually a coconut liqueur Rum based. True, it’s not really rum. Why is it a liqueur and not a spirit? Malibu is high in added sugar and low in alcohol: it’s only 21% ABV. In contrast, rum has no sugar and 40% vol.
• Malibu Coconut Rum was introduced in 1982 to make it easier for bartenders to make the piña colada. It is the most popular brand on the market but there are others like Bacardi, Capitan Morgan etc.
• More with Malibu? Head to Malibu drinks to sample, like Bahama Mama, Malibu and Pineapple and more.

Want to try a twist on the Malibu Sunset? Opt for the Bahama Mama instead! Bahama Mama is a popular beach drink that’s very similar to Malibu Sunset, but it adds dark rum and replaces orange juice with lime juice.

We like to serve our Bahama Mama frozen, so it’s a frozen blender drink. But you can also serve it on the rocks with the gradient effect like a Malibu sunset. Go to this recipe for more details.

More rum drinks

Malibu Sunset is a deliciously refreshing beach drink that works anytime: in the summer, by the pool, or as a signature drink for a summer dinner party. Here are some tastier summer rum drinks to try: