Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail Recipe

There's nothing quite like sipping a Malibu Bay Breeze on a warm summer evening, the sweet aroma of pineapple mingling with the crisp scent of cranberry. This tropical cocktail is light, fruity, and refreshingly easy to make — the kind of drink that instantly transports you to beachside bliss.

I first tried a Malibu Bay Breeze while vacationing in Key West, and it’s been my go-to cocktail ever since. With only three ingredients and a stunning ombré color that looks straight out of a resort bar, it’s become a staple for everything from backyard BBQs to girls' night in.

It’s the perfect choice when you want something quick, beautiful, and guaranteed to impress your guests — with zero mixology skills required. Let’s dive into what makes this beachy beverage a fan favorite.

Why You'll Love This Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail

If you're on the hunt for the ultimate laid-back cocktail, you're in the right place. The Malibu Bay Breeze is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons.

First, it’s ridiculously easy to make. With just three ingredients — Malibu rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice — you don’t need any fancy bar tools or obscure liquors. Just pour, layer, and sip.

It’s also incredibly refreshing, especially during warmer months. The tropical sweetness of the pineapple and coconut blends beautifully with the tart cranberry, striking a perfect balance that never feels too heavy.

Budget-friendly? Absolutely. All of the ingredients are readily available and affordable, so you can mix a whole batch without breaking the bank. It’s great for parties, brunches, or just a Tuesday night wind-down.

Finally, this drink is just plain pretty. The layered red-to-gold gradient looks like a beach sunset in a glass. Serve it over ice in a tall glass and watch the compliments roll in.

The best part? You can easily scale this recipe up for a pitcher to serve a crowd or down for a single, relaxing sip.

Ingredients Notes

One of the best parts of a Malibu Bay Breeze is how simple the ingredients list is. Each component brings a distinct tropical flavor to the mix, creating that beachy magic in every sip.

Start with Malibu coconut rum. This is the star of the show, infusing the cocktail with its signature sweet coconut flavor. It’s light, smooth, and perfect for those who enjoy a more mellow, fruity drink. If you don’t have Malibu on hand, any coconut-flavored rum will do, but Malibu has that unmistakable flair.

Next comes the pineapple juice. This adds bright sweetness and a tropical kick that pairs beautifully with the coconut rum. Opt for 100% pineapple juice without added sugar if possible. Freshly squeezed is great, but canned or bottled works just as well for convenience.

Then we have cranberry juice, which adds a tart contrast and a gorgeous red hue that settles at the bottom of the glass. Use a cranberry cocktail juice if you want a slightly sweeter flavor, or 100% cranberry juice for a sharper edge.

You’ll also need ice to keep everything cool and help the layering effect, plus a highball glass or hurricane glass to show off the drink’s beautiful colors. No shaker or strainer needed — this drink is all about simplicity.

How To Make This Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail

Creating a Malibu Bay Breeze is so simple, it’s almost foolproof — but presentation is everything, so here’s how to make it picture-perfect every time.

Start by filling a tall glass with ice, all the way to the top. The ice not only chills the drink but also helps keep the juices from mixing too much, allowing you to get that pretty layered effect.

Next, pour 1.5 ounces of Malibu coconut rum over the ice. This sets the tropical tone for the whole cocktail and forms the base layer of flavor.

Now it’s time for the pineapple juice. Slowly pour in 3 ounces, allowing it to mix gently with the rum. You’ll start to see a lovely golden hue forming in the glass.

Finally, grab your cranberry juice and slowly pour 2 ounces over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass. This technique helps the cranberry settle toward the bottom, creating that signature red-and-gold gradient.

You can serve it as-is for that ombré beachy look or give it a quick stir if you prefer a more uniform taste. Add a pineapple wedge or a maraschino cherry for garnish, and you’re ready to serve.

From start to finish, this cocktail takes under 5 minutes to make — and even less to enjoy.

Storage Options

Since the Malibu Bay Breeze is a quick-serve drink, it's best enjoyed fresh. But if you're planning ahead for a party, you’ve got a couple of options.

You can pre-mix a large batch of Malibu rum and pineapple juice, and store it in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Hold off on adding the cranberry juice until serving to preserve that signature layered look.

If you end up with leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), you can store the mixed drink in the fridge for a day or two, though the flavors may mellow out a bit and the layers will blend together.

Always store in an airtight glass container for best flavor, and make sure the mixture is kept chilled.

To re-serve, simply pour the chilled mixture over fresh ice and top with a splash of cranberry juice for a visual boost.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the beauties of the Malibu Bay Breeze is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways to switch it up:

Want something a little stronger? Swap in regular light rum or vodka if you prefer a less sweet, more robust cocktail. You’ll lose the coconut flavor, but you’ll still get that great tropical taste.

Craving more citrus? Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top before serving. It adds a bright note that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

For a less sugary option, try using 100% cranberry and pineapple juices with no added sugar, or cut the juice with a splash of sparkling water to lighten things up.

Hosting a crowd? Turn this into a Malibu Bay Breeze punch by multiplying the ingredients into a pitcher or beverage dispenser. Toss in slices of fresh pineapple and lime for a festive presentation.

If you’re avoiding alcohol, you can make a mocktail version using coconut water in place of the rum. It’s light, tropical, and still incredibly refreshing.

Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo — this is one drink that’s made for playing around with flavors.

Ready to channel those beach vacation vibes any night of the week? The Malibu Bay Breeze is everything you want in a cocktail: easy, tropical, budget-friendly, and irresistibly delicious. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature summer sip.

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