The Malibu Bay Breeze is a refreshing tropical cocktail that transports you straight to the beach with its perfect balance of fruity flavors. Made with Malibu rum, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice, this drink is a sweet, tangy, and lightly coconut-infused cocktail that's incredibly easy to make. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or just need a vacation in a glass, the Malibu Bay Breeze is an ideal choice for a laid-back, tropical vibe.
One of the best things about this drink is its simplicity-it uses only three ingredients, making it a go-to for quick and easy entertaining.
This recipe is a favorite of mine because of the beautiful hues and layered effect.
Ingredients for Malibu Bay Breeze
Here's what you'll need to make this tropical delight:
- 2 oz Malibu Rum: This coconut-flavored rum is the star of the show, giving the drink its signature tropical flavor.
- 4 oz Cranberry Juice: Adds a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness of the pineapple and rum.
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice: Provides a burst of tropical sweetness, blending perfectly with the coconut flavor of Malibu rum.
- Ice: For serving and chilling the drink.
- Citrus wedge (optional): For garnish and an extra zing.
These ingredients are easy to find and come together in a snap, making this cocktail both convenient and delicious.
A Malibu Bay Breeze removes the vodka and uses coconut rum.
FAQs About Malibu Bay Breeze
The following are commonly asked questions about this drink:
While Malibu rum is the classic choice for this cocktail, you can use any coconut-flavored rum or experiment with light rum if you prefer a less sweet version. However, the coconut flavor of Malibu is what really gives this drink its tropical appeal.
Yes! Simply replace the Malibu rum with coconut water for a delicious, alcohol-free version. You'll still get the tropical coconut flavor without the alcohol.
Malibu rum has a lower alcohol content than most liquors, making this drink lighter and more refreshing without being too boozy.
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix in a large pitcher. Just make sure to add ice when serving to keep the drink chilled.
Watch Me Make This (30 Seconds)
Directions
Here is how to make a delicious Malibu Bay Breeze.
- Step 1: Fill a glass with ice: Choose your favorite highball or hurricane glass and add a good amount of ice to keep your drink cool and refreshing.
- Step 2: Pour in the Malibu rum: Add 2 oz of Malibu rum to the glass. Add the cranberry juice: Pour in 4 oz of cranberry juice, letting it mix with the rum. Top with pineapple juice: Finish with 2 oz of pineapple juice for that perfect tropical balance.
- Step 3: Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with a citrus wedge or a pineapple slice for a little extra flair.
I hope you enjoy this Malibu Bay Breeze cocktail!
Food Pairings for Malibu Bay Breeze
The Malibu Bay Breeze pairs beautifully with a variety of light and summery dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Fresh Shrimp Cocktail: The tangy cranberry and pineapple flavors complement the sweetness of shrimp.
- Grilled Pineapple Skewers: Double up on tropical flavors with this sweet and slightly smoky treat.
- Coconut Shrimp: Enhance the coconut flavor in the drink by pairing it with crispy coconut shrimp.
- Tropical Salsa and Chips: Serve a mango or pineapple salsa alongside tortilla chips for a perfect summer snack to enjoy with your drink.
Other Cocktails You Might Enjoy
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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!