Malibu Cocktail Recipe

Malibu Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:22g

Alcohol %:7%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Malibu cocktail, also known as the Malibu Bay Breeze, is a tropical and fruity cocktail that originated in the 1980s. It was inspired by the laid-back vibes of Malibu, California, and quickly gained popularity among beachgoers and partygoers alike. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity flavors and a hint of coconut.

  • Originated in the 1980s
  • Inspired by Malibu, California
  • Popular among beachgoers and partygoers

How Malibu Tastes?

The Malibu cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing drink with a hint of coconut. It has a light and tropical taste, making it perfect for warm weather and beachside sipping.

Interesting facts about Malibu

  • The Malibu cocktail is also known as the Malibu Bay Breeze
  • The drink is named after Malibu, a popular beach destination in California
  • The cocktail is often served in a highball glass with a garnish of pineapple or lime

Ingredients

Malibu Coconut Rum

  • Why 1.5 oz? It's the Goldilocks amount - not too little to miss the coconutty goodness, and not too much to overwhelm the other flavors.
  • Flavor Impact: It's like the booze version of sunscreen - slap it on and you're instantly on vacation. The coconut element brings the tropical vibe.
  • What if it's missing?: It's like going to the beach without an umbrella – you'll miss the shade (or in this case, the coconut charm).
  • Alternatives: Vanilla vodka could give a similar sweet touch, but you'll miss the tropical tan lines.

Alex Green

Cranberry Juice

  • Why 2 oz? Just enough to give it that fruity kick without turning it into a breakfast juice.
  • Flavor Impact: It's the sharp-witted friend that keeps the coconut from getting too laid back. Together, they're the life of the party.
  • What if it's missing?: You'd lose the tangy contrast and the drink would be too mellow. Party foul!
  • Alternatives: Pomegranate juice could step in, adding a similar tartness but with a deeper red runway.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

  • Why 2 oz? It brings the sunshine to the party, balancing the cranberry's sass with its sweet smile.
  • Flavor Impact: Imagine the drink as a tropical shirt – pineapple juice adds the colorful florals.
  • What if it's missing?: The drink would feel like a day without sunshine. Queue the sad trombone.
  • Alternatives: Mango juice might work as a stand-in, offering another kind of tropical sweetness.

Emma Rose

Ice

  • Why 1 cup? It's the winter to this tropical summer, keeping it all chill.
  • Impact: It's like A/C for your drink – necessary to keep things cool and refreshing.
  • What if it's missing?: You'd have a lukewarm handshake instead of a cool high five. Not cool.

Alex Green

Pineapple Wedge

  • Garnish Game: It's not just there to look pretty, ok, maybe it is – but it also whispers 'tropical vacation' in your ear.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Wheel

  • Acidic Flair: A final pep talk from the citrus squad, brightening up the whole mix and balancing the sweetness.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Malibu Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice
  2. Add 1.5 oz of Malibu Coconut Rum
  3. Pour 2 oz of cranberry juice
  4. Pour 2 oz of pineapple juice
  5. Stir gently to mix the ingredients
  6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a lime wheel

Pro Tips

  • Chill your ingredients before mixing to enhance the refreshing taste.
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more authentic tropical flavor.
  • Gently stir the cocktail to avoid diluting the flavors.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Seafood: The sweet, tropical flavors of the Malibu cocktail pair well with seafood, especially dishes like grilled shrimp or fish tacos that will complement the fruity components.
  • Spicy Appetizers: The coolness of the rum and fruit juices can help balance the heat in spicy dishes, such as jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings.
  • Fruit Salads: A fresh, vibrant fruit salad could echo the cocktail's fruity notes, creating a harmonious match.
  • Cheese Platters: Soft cheeses, like brie or mozzarella, can be a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cocktail.

Drink Pairings

  • Sparkling Water: To help cleanse the palate between sips of the sweet cocktail.
  • Iced Tea: A non-alcoholic option that can complement the tropical and fruity flavors without overpowering them.

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What you could change in Malibu

  • Malibu Coconut Rum: Can be substituted with any other coconut rum.
  • Cranberry Juice: Can be replaced with orange juice for a different flavor profile.
  • Pineapple Juice: Mango juice can be used as an alternative.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Coconut Cream Twist

  • Ingredients: Add 0.5 oz of coconut cream for a creamier texture.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but add the coconut cream after the pineapple juice, then stir well to create a silky consistency.
  • Taste Change: Think of it as a piña colada's cousin who enjoys the lighter side of life – a bit creamy, but still refreshingly tropical.
  • Experience: The added creaminess will make the cocktail feel more substantial, like swapping a beach towel for a cabana.

Spicy Sunrise Twist

  • Ingredients: Include a splash of grenadine and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Recipe: Build the original recipe, top with grenadine, and sprinkle a pinch of cayenne on top.
  • Taste Change: It's a sunrise with a kick! The start is sweet and smooth, then the pepper says 'good morning' with a gentle nudge.
  • Experience: A visual and taste surprise, like watching a sunrise with unexpected fireworks.

Berry Exotic Twist

  • Ingredients: Replace cranberry juice with blackberry juice and add a fresh berry garnish.
  • Recipe: Swap the cranberry for blackberry juice, and then follow the original recipe.
  • Taste Change: Where the original is tart and bright, this twist is deeper and more mysterious – like swapping flip-flops for dancing shoes.
  • Experience: The darker berry note brings an exotic twist, turning a day at the beach into an adventurous night out.

In case you forgot basics how to make Malibu

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Malibu

What type of glass is suitable for the Malibu cocktail if I don't have a highball glass?

If you don't have a highball glass, a Collins glass or any tall glass can be an excellent alternative.

Are there specific food pairings that go well with Malibu cocktail?

The Malibu cocktail pairs well with seafood dishes, salads, and tropical-themed desserts, due to its fruity and refreshing taste.

Can I prepare a non-alcoholic version of the Malibu cocktail?

Yes, you can substitute the Malibu Coconut Rum with non-alcoholic coconut syrup or coconut water to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Is it necessary to use fresh lime and pineapple wedges for garnishing?

While using fresh fruit enhances the aesthetic and sensory appeal of the cocktail, it's not strictly necessary. You can alternatively use canned pineapple or preserved citrus wedges.

Can I make a batch of the Malibu cocktail in advance of a gathering or party?

Yes, you can make Malibu cocktail in a large batch in advance. However, add the ice just before serving to avoid dilution of the cocktail.

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