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Wanna know how to make a Malibu Sunset? No problem: you mix Malibu, Pineapple Juice, and Grenadine in a highball glass.
…and it’s delicious!
It’s a superb (and very refreshing) summer drink that’s perfect for drinking around the pool, on the beach, or even on a Barbecue.
Also, it’s great to look at; it’s a visually stunning cocktail that’s really easy to make!
Shall we get mixing?
What is a Malibu Sunset?
A visually gorgeous cocktail in the same stable as the Tequila Sunrise (or even the Kentucky Sunrise), the Malibu Sunset has the same sensational layered effect.
…and it’s a damned tasty drink too! Malibu and Pineapple Juice work perfectly together as flavours, with the grenadine used to create the previously mentioned layered effect.
The Malibu Sunset is served in a Highball Glass and doesn’t required a cocktail shaker – it’s a drink you stir (preferably with a Bar Spoon).
Now that we know what a Malibu Sunset is, let’s take a closer a look at the ingredients you need to make it.
(…Or just click here to jump to the how to make a Malibu Sunset bit)
What Ingredients do you need to make a Malibu Sunset?
So…what goes into a Malibu Sunset? Let’s take a look.
Malibu
Malibu is a coconut-flavoured rum liqueur with an alcoholic volume of 21%.
Malibu is made from Coconut, fruits, and spices and, interestingly, was originally created to make it easier for bartenders to make the ever-popular Pina Colada.
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Grenadine
Grenadine is a non-alcoholic bar syrup that’s traditionally use to give a cocktail a red or pink tint and is made from pomegranate.
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Cocktails with Grenadine
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple Juice is a great mixer for cocktails because it’s tasty and packs a big punch in the flavour department.
In cocktails, Pineapple Juice is often use in more exotic, summer cocktails to help set those pool-side vibes.
And it works great!
For Pineapple Juice, we recommend:
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Alternatives to Pineapple Juice?
If you’re not keen on Pineapple Juice or just don’t have any in the house, then it’s perfectly acceptable to substitute it for Orange Juice Instead.
Some interesting variations of the Malibu Sunset even go so far as to suggest that a Pineapple/Orange juice mix is the preferred way to go.
Let me just say this: you do whatever you think tastes the best.
Now, lets take a look at how to garnish a Malibu Sunset.
(…or click here to jump to the how to make a Malibu Sunset bit)
How do You Garnish a Malibu Sunset?
Traditionally, you garnish a Malibu Sunset with Maraschino Cherries.
This is to add to the vibrant reds that the actual cocktail will contain.
So, what are Maraschino Cherries?
Great question.
Maraschino Cherries are preserved, sweetened cherries that regularly used as a garnish in a variety of different cocktails.
In short, they can make a cocktail pop.
For Maraschino Cherries, we recommend:
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Next up, let’s take a look at the equipment you need to make a Malibu Sunset.
(…or click here to jump to the how to make a Malibu Sunset bit)
What Cocktail Equipment do you need to make a Malibu Sunset?
This cocktail is even quicker and easier than usual: you don’t need a cocktail shaker for this one!
All you really need is a good spoon (preferably a bar spoon – trust me, you’ll never go back) and the right glass for the job.
Bar Spoon
Bar Spoons are great for cocktails you’re suppose to stir, rather than shake in a cocktail shaker.
Sure, you can probably use any spoon to stir your drink but these bar spoons are the real deal. It’s the proper equipment to get the job right.
- They’re long enough to get to the bottom of any cocktail to allow you to properly stir.
- They have a twist spiral design that allows for a better grip.
- They’re made out of stainless steel, so they’re durable, corrosion resistant, and easy to clean.
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Highball Glass
Highball Glasses are the most common glasses in the cocktail world. You can put most cocktails in there from The Long Island Iced Tea to a Bay Breeze.
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How to Make the Sunset Effect
If you make the cocktail right, you should get an awesome gradient from red to yellow (a bit like a sunset – whoda thunk it?).
In order to make the cocktail right, then you’ve got to add the ingredients in a very specific way (just like in the recipe below).
- Pour in the Malibu and Pineapple juice.
- Stir with your bar spoon.
- Pour in the grenadine into the centre of the mix. Because grenadine has a higher density than the rum or the pineapple juice, it will sink to the bottom of the cocktail and you should be able to see
- Next give the mix a gentle stir and that should give you the desired sunset effect.
Next, let’s take a look at how to make a Malibu Sunset (this time, the full recipe).
How to make a Malibu Sunset: Our Awesome Malibu Sunset Recipe
Malibu Sunset
Tweet this Recipe
Share on FacebookIngredients
- Malibu 60m / 2oz
- Pineapple Juice 90ml / 3oz
- Grenadine 15ml / .5oz
- Maraschino Cherries and Orange slices to garnish
Recipe
- Add ice, Malibu, and Pineapple Juice to a highball glass.
- Stir with a Bar Spoon.
- Pour Grenadine into the centre of the mix.
- Stir once and very gently.
- Garnish with Maraschino Cherries and an orange slice.
Want More Cocktail Recipes?
How to make a Malibu Sunset? We covered that pretty nicely, but do you want to try something a little different? Then we’ve got you covered.
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