This Malibu Sunset Cocktail is everything you want in a tropical drink—bright, citrusy, coconutty, and layered with vibrant color that looks just like a beachy Caribbean sunset. Made with Malibu rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine, it’s the ultimate happy hour drink that’s just as easy to make as it is to sip.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting friends, or just pretending you’re not in your backyard, this Malibu Sunset will transport you—one sip at a time.

A hurricane glass filled with a sunset cocktail and garnished with an orange wedge, cherries, and an umbrella.

Why You’ll Love This Malibu Sunset Drink

Fast & Easy: Just shake, pour, and garnish—done in under 5 minutes.
Gorgeous Presentation: Layers of color mimic an actual sunset in your glass.
Tropical Flavor: Coconut rum + citrus juice = island in a glass.
Customizable: Make it boozy or booze-free, sweeten it up, or dial it back.
Crowd Pleaser: Everyone loves a drink that looks fancy but takes no effort.

What Is a Malibu Sunset?

A Malibu Sunset is a tropical cocktail made with Malibu coconut rum, fruit juices (typically orange and pineapple), and grenadine. The layered effect—golden on top, red at the bottom—gives it the look of a real sunset. It’s a sweeter drink that’s popular for summer parties, girls’ nights, or “I-need-a-vacation” nights.

Ingredients for sunset cocktail with malibu on a wooden table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make the perfect sunset cocktail:

Malibu Rum: This Caribbean rum has a smooth coconut flavor that’s key to the drink.
Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and balances the citrus.
Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed gives the best flavor, but bottled works too.
Grenadine: Gives the drink its iconic sunset look and a pop of sweetness.
Ice: Fill your glass ⅔ full.
Garnishes: Maraschino cherries and an orange or pineapple wedge.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.

How To Make A Sunset Cocktail With Malibu Rum

Step 1: Fill a highball or hurricane glass about ⅔ full with ice cubes.

Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine Malibu rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice with a handful of ice. Shake for 15–20 seconds.

Pineapple and orange juice added to a cocktail shaker with rum and ice cubes.

Step 3: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass.

The mixture being strained into a tall glass with ice cubes.

Step 4: Slowly pour grenadine into the center of the glass. It will sink to the bottom and create that signature gradient. I’ve tried pouring the grenadine both ways—over the back of a spoon and straight into the center—and honestly, they both looked great.

The grenadine being poured out of a measuring glass into the glass with the juice mixture.

Step 5: Garnish with maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick and a slice of orange and enjoy!

The sunset cocktail in a hurricane glass garnished with an orange wedge, cherries, and an umbrella.

Tips for the Best Sunset Cocktail

Use Fresh Juice: If you can squeeze it, do it—it really enhances the flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Stirring too much will blend the layers and dull the visual effect.
Sugar Rim: For extra flair, rim the glass with citrus and dip it in sugar before adding the cocktail.
Batch It: Hosting a party? Shake up a big batch and pour into glasses, then add grenadine individually for that layered look.

Non-Alcoholic Malibu Sunset (Mocktail)

You can easily make this a zero-proof tropical drink that’s just as delicious and beautiful:

How to make it:

Swap the Malibu rum for coconut water or cream of coconut.
Use the same juices and grenadine.
Shake and layer just like the original.
Garnish and serve with a smile.

This is a great option for kids, designated drivers, or anyone skipping alcohol.

Malibu Sunset FAQs

You can pre-mix the rum and juices, but don’t add the grenadine or ice until just before serving.

Use less grenadine, or replace it with pomegranate or cranberry juice for a tart twist.

YA hurricane glass shows off the layers best, but a highball or stemless wine glass works too.

A sunset cocktail in a hurricane glass, showing off the sunset gradient of colors, garnished with an orange slice.

Our Favorite

Summer Cocktails to Try

⭐️ Tried This Recipe?

If you made this Sunset Cocktail with Malibu Rum, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment 📝 and a star rating below 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and let us know how it went! Thank you! 🙂