A sweet, but not too sweet drink that is the ideal balance of pineapple, cranberry cocktail, and coconut rum. This easy beginner's drink to make at home is visually stunning as you can enjoy the layered effect from this cocktail. Plus it is the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that will remind you of summertime.
This recipe is a favorite of mine because of the beautiful hues and layered effect.
What is the difference between a Sea Breeze and a Bay Breeze?
While the names are similar, these drinks are closely related. A Sea Breeze consists of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. A bay breeze removes the grapefruit juice and switches it out with pineapple juice.
While the Sea Breeze has its origins in the Prohibition Era, the recipe has changed drastically since then. In fact, many mixed cocktails had their origins during this time. Often mixers were used to cover the terrible taste of whatever alcohol was available at the time. Thus, when you look at the original recipe, it bears little resemblance to what it is today.
A Malibu Bay Breeze removes the vodka and uses coconut rum.
Variations
This cocktail has been served in many ways.
- This can be layered, where you clearly see the different juices or this can be stirred for a more consistent cocktail
- You can serve this straight up (with no ice) or on the rocks (with ice)
- The glass doesn't matter
- The garnish is up to you. Lime, orange, or pineapple slices are all appropriate. Even a cherry works here too.
- If you hate the taste of rum, switch it out for a coconut flavored vodka
- If it isn't sweet enough, consider adding a dash of grenadine.
Watch Me Make This (30 Seconds)
Do I have to use Malibu rum?
No. I'm a big fan of using what you have. If there is a brand of coconut rum you prefer, then by all means use that.
Tips on making this
- Use good quality ice
- If you are using canned pineapple juice, be sure to shake it well before adding it to this drink. It does tend to separate.
- Use the Coconut Rum that you enjoy. I happen to have Malibu at home, but if you have a different brand you prefer then use that.
- Use cranberry cocktail, not 100% cranberry juice. Otherwise, you will have a tart and astringent drink.
- Garnish is optional but makes it pretty
- If you are looking to make a layered drink, pour slowly. That density lesson you had in school is going to come into play. The ingredients with the most sugar will settle at the bottom.
- If your juices aren't already chilled, then take out a shaker and combine the pineapple juice and rum with some ice to chill.
Directions
Step 1: Fill a glass with good quality ice. If your water smells funny, your cocktail will too. Use bottled water to make ice or use store-bought. For clearer ice, boil water and then pour into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Step 2: Pour rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice in that order.
Step 3: Enjoy responsibly as is or stir to combine the layers.
Step 3b: Add a garnish and enjoy!
I hope you enjoy this Malibu Bay Breeze cocktail!
Other Cocktails You Might Enjoy
If you try this, would you mind hitting the “Rate” button? I’d love to know what you thought of it. If you modified the original recipe here, please let me know how it turned out. I love comments!
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Malibu Bay Breeze
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Coconut Rum
- 2 ounces Pineapple Juice
- 1 ounce Cranberry Cocktail Must be Cranberry Cocktail and not 100% Cranberry Juice
Optional- Garnish
- Orange slice, maraschino cherry, or lime wedge
Instructions
- This is a poured drink. No mixing required. Fill a glass with ice
- Pour Rum, Pineapple Juice, and Cranberry Cocktail over ice
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use good quality ice
- If you are using canned pineapple juice, be sure to shake well before adding to this drink. It does tend to separate.
- Use the Coconut Rum that you enjoy. I happen to have Malibu at home, but if you have a different brand you prefer then use that
- Use cranberry cocktail, not 100% cranberry juice.
- Garnish is optional, but makes it pretty
- If you are looking to make a layered drink, pour slowly. That density lesson you had in school is going to come into play. The ingredients with the most sugar will settle at the bottom.
- If your juices aren't already chilled, then take out a shaker and combine the pineapple juice and rum with some ice to chill.
Bernice says
I love this drink! I love ice cubes. I tend to make a single large ice cube for my liquors. I love the clear, clean looking ice cubes you made. Those are perfect!!! 💕 💕 💕
becomebetty says
Hey Bernice! This is one of my favorites! I love large ice cubes to. It's a lot harder to get them to freeze clear though. Thanks so very much and thanks again so much for stopping by!
Bernice says
Thanks for the tip. I will start with smaller cubes! 💕 💕 💕
beeorganizedwithpamela says
Love this drink!
becomebetty says
You and me both! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Ttrockwood says
I occasionally have a glass of wine at home but never seem to make myself cocktails (aside from spiked lemonade in the summer). This sounds so tropical and appealing right now!! I am Very Over Winter. Going to see if the shop near me has little bottles of Malibu this week!
becomebetty says
Hey Ttrockwood! Malibu and coconut rum are so good together, but are very sweet. The cranberry cocktail (not 100% juice) tones down the sweetness and adds acidity. I hope you enjoy!
Grubbing With Jess says
This is so fun! Love this and will try!!
becomebetty says
Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy it!