Craving a sip of paradise? The Malibu Sunrise Cocktail delivers vacation vibes in a glass with just a handful of ingredients. This vibrant drink layers sweet grenadine, creamy coconut rum, and tropical pineapple juice for a show-stopping cocktail that tastes as beautiful as it looks. Whether you’re lounging poolside or hosting a backyard BBQ, this drink is a summer must-have.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Malibu Sunrise, plus tips to layer it like a pro, mocktail versions, serving ideas, and more.
Malibu Sunrise Cocktail
Ingrédients
Method
- Pour grenadine into the bottom of a clear glass to create the base layer.
- In a blender, combine Malibu rum, pineapple juice, and crushed ice. Blend until slushy.
- Slowly pour the slushy mix over the grenadine using the back of a spoon to create a layered sunrise effect.
- Garnish with a lime wheel, tropical fruit skewer, or cherry. Serve with a straw and do not stir.
Notes
🍹 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to craft this easy Malibu Sunrise Cocktail at home:
- 1 oz grenadine
- 2 oz Malibu rum (coconut rum)
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- 1 cup crushed ice
- Garnish: lime wheel
Optional: Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist or upgrade to fresh pineapple juice for richer flavor.
🧊 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Layer It Right
Start by pouring the grenadine into the bottom of your glass. This creates the beautiful sunrise effect by settling at the base.
2. Blend the Malibu Mix
In a blender, combine Malibu rum, pineapple juice, and crushed ice. Blend until slushy and frosty.
3. Pour Slowly
Using a spoon or pouring gently, float the slushy mixture over the grenadine to preserve the ombré gradient.
4. Garnish and Serve
Add a lime wheel or tropical fruit skewer for a polished finish. Serve with a straw and don’t stir—let the colors shine!
🌴 Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- Tropical flavor from Malibu’s coconut base
- Visual appeal with its gorgeous sunset ombré
- Easy to make in under 5 minutes
- Perfect for summer parties, poolside lounging, or beach picnics
It’s a lighter alternative to heavier tiki drinks like piña coladas or mai tais, but just as festive.
🍍 Tips for the Perfect Sunrise Layer
Want that flawless gradient? Here’s how:
- Use crushed ice: Helps the drink stay layered longer.
- Don’t stir after pouring the slushy mix.
- Pour over the back of a spoon: It slows down the liquid and keeps the layers intact.
- Serve in a clear glass for max visual impact.
🍹 Variation Ideas
The Malibu Sunrise is flexible! Try these riffs:
| Variation | Ingredient Swap | Flavor Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Sunrise | Add orange juice | Tangier, citrusy flavor |
| Frozen Sunrise | Use more ice | Like a boozy slushie |
| Berry Sunrise | Add muddled raspberries | Fruity and vibrant |
| Spicy Sunrise | Rim with chili salt | Sweet + heat combo |
🍸 Make It a Mocktail
Not drinking alcohol? No problem. Here’s a fun, fruity Malibu Sunrise Mocktail version:
- Skip the Malibu rum
- Replace with coconut water or pineapple soda
- Layer and serve the same way!
Kids and non-drinkers will love the refreshing flavors and bright colors.
🌞 The Visual Appeal: A Drink That Looks Like a Sunset
One of the biggest reasons the Malibu Sunrise Cocktail is a favorite? The look. With that signature gradient of red-to-golden yellow, it’s a picture-perfect drink made for Instagram. The vibrant red grenadine settles at the bottom like the setting sun, while the pineapple slush above mimics the bright sky. It’s a drink you don’t want to stir—just snap and sip.
🍸 Malibu Rum: The Star of the Show
Malibu is known for its light coconut rum, which is lower in alcohol than traditional rums and full of tropical sweetness. That makes it the ideal base for fruity summer cocktails like this one. Its smooth coconut flavor blends beautifully with citrus and tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and even peach.
Looking for more Malibu-based drinks? Don’t miss our Frozen Coconut Daiquiri or the Malibu Sherbet Slush Cocktail—both are creamy, fruity, and perfect for beach days.
🍍 Pineapple Juice: Tangy Meets Sweet
Pineapple juice is the perfect complement to Malibu. It adds tropical depth and a bit of acidity that balances the sweet grenadine and coconut. For best results, use cold-pressed or fresh pineapple juice—canned juice works in a pinch but has a slightly different flavor profile.
Hosting a brunch? Pair this drink with our Tropical Strawberry Cooler for a vibrant cocktail menu.
🍹 When to Serve a Malibu Sunrise
This cocktail is made for warm-weather occasions. Serve it at:
- Summer BBQs
- Beach picnics
- Bridal showers
- Pool parties
- Brunch with the girls
It also makes a fantastic signature cocktail for a tropical-themed wedding or luau night. Prepare a large batch and pour to order for that stunning layered look.
❄️ Frozen Version for Hot Days
If you’re in the mood for something even colder, try turning your Malibu Sunrise into a frozen cocktail. Just add all the ingredients (including grenadine) to a blender with extra ice and blend until thick. While it won’t have the traditional gradient, it’ll taste just as tropical and cool you down fast.
Love frozen cocktails? Explore our Frozen Piña Colada and Frozen Peach Bellini too.
🍒 How to Garnish Like a Pro
The right garnish takes your Malibu Sunrise from good to Instagram-worthy. We recommend:
- A lime wheel or wedge on the rim
- A maraschino cherry floated on top
- A skewer of tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, berries)
- An umbrella or reusable bamboo straw for flair
You can also rim the glass with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and a flavor boost.
🍹 Batch Instructions for a Crowd
Hosting a party? Here’s how to scale up the recipe for 8 servings:
- 8 oz grenadine (add to glasses individually for best layering)
- 16 oz Malibu rum
- 24 oz pineapple juice
- 8 cups crushed ice
Blend the rum, juice, and ice in batches and pour slowly over the grenadine in each glass. Garnish and serve immediately.
🌿 Lighten It Up: Skinny Malibu Sunrise
If you want to enjoy this drink without too much sugar, here’s a “skinny” version:
- Use diet pineapple soda or coconut water
- Replace grenadine with a splash of pomegranate juice
- Skip the sugary rim and opt for fresh fruit only
This version is just as tasty but a little easier on your sugar intake.
🧃 Pairing With Snacks & Starters
Malibu Sunrise pairs well with anything from fruit platters to spicy appetizers. Try serving with:
- Coconut shrimp
- Mango salsa with tortilla chips
- Pineapple chicken skewers
- Mini tacos with lime crema
- Grilled pineapple and jalapeño skewers
For more inspiration, check out our Grilled Ribeye Steak recipe—a great savory pairing for sweet drinks.
🥂 Crowd Reaction: The Drink That Wows
Want a drink that makes your guests pause and say, “Whoa, what’s that?” This is it. The Malibu Sunrise gets its fair share of attention for how it looks and how it tastes. Whether you serve it at a party or as a pre-dinner cocktail, it’s a conversation starter every time.
For more visual stunners, try our Tequila Sunrise or the red-white-and-blue Bomb Pop Cocktail—also layered and colorful crowd-pleasers.
🍽️ What to Serve with a Malibu Sunrise
The Malibu Sunrise pairs well with island-inspired bites. Think:
- Grilled shrimp or chicken skewers
- Coconut-crusted shrimp
- Pineapple fried rice
- Tropical fruit platters
Looking for more cocktail pairings? Discover great ideas like the Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri or the colorful Tropical Sunset Breeze.
💬 FAQs About the Malibu Sunrise
1. Can I use other rums instead of Malibu?
Yes, but you’ll lose the signature coconut flavor. If substituting, add a splash of coconut milk or syrup.
2. Can I batch this for parties?
Absolutely. Just multiply ingredients by number of servings and layer in a large pitcher or pour individually.
3. Can I add soda?
Yes! A splash of lemon-lime soda adds fizz and balances the sweetness.
4. How do I make it sweeter?
Add a dash of simple syrup or use sweetened pineapple juice.