Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail Recipe

There's something undeniably refreshing about the Malibu Bay Breeze — a vibrant, tropical cocktail that instantly transports you to a beachside cabana. With its layers of coconut, pineapple, and cranberry, each sip is a burst of fruity paradise in a glass.

I first discovered this drink on a summer trip to the Keys, where it quickly became my go-to beachside sipper. Since then, I’ve made it at countless backyard parties and cozy evenings in — it's just that easy and crowd-pleasing. Whether you're hosting or unwinding, this cocktail delivers the vacation vibes we all crave.

Let's dive into what makes this drink so special.

Why You'll Love This Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail

Get ready to meet your new favorite tropical cocktail. The Malibu Bay Breeze isn’t just delicious — it’s a breeze to make and always a hit with guests.

First, it’s incredibly simple. With just three ingredients and no need for shaking or fancy tools, even novice home bartenders can master this drink in minutes. Just pour, garnish, and enjoy.

It’s also beautifully balanced. The sweet coconut flavor of Malibu rum pairs perfectly with tangy cranberry and juicy pineapple, creating a layered drink that’s light yet flavorful.

Plus, it's ideal for any occasion. Serve it in a tall glass for brunches, pool parties, or casual nights in. You can even batch it for a pitcher-perfect party cocktail.

And let’s not forget how stunning it looks. That pink gradient from cranberry over golden pineapple is sure to impress — no bartender tricks required.

Now, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this cocktail to life.

Ingredients Notes

This tropical treat requires only a few ingredients, but choosing the right ones makes all the difference in flavor and presentation.

The base of this cocktail is Malibu Coconut Rum. This flavored rum gives the drink its signature coconut essence, adding a tropical flair that’s smooth and slightly sweet. You can use another coconut-flavored rum, but Malibu is a classic choice for good reason.

Pineapple juice brings a lush, tropical sweetness and body to the drink. Fresh or canned juice both work well, but opt for 100% juice with no added sugar if possible. The pineapple adds richness that balances the tartness of the cranberry.

Speaking of which, cranberry juice adds a pop of color and a subtle tartness that rounds out the drink. Use a pure cranberry juice cocktail for the best flavor — it should be slightly sweet but still bright and tangy.

To elevate the presentation, a lime wedge or pineapple slice makes for a lovely garnish. A maraschino cherry never hurts either if you want a pop of color on top.

You won’t need any special equipment to make this drink. A tall glass (like a highball or Collins glass), a spoon to stir, and some ice are all you’ll need. No cocktail shaker required!

How To Make This Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail

Making a Malibu Bay Breeze is refreshingly straightforward, which makes it perfect for everything from last-minute get-togethers to lazy Sundays on the patio.

Start by filling a tall glass with ice. This not only chills the drink but helps keep the layers visually distinct when pouring. Crushed or cubed ice both work — go with what you prefer or have on hand.

Next, pour in 1½ ounces of Malibu Coconut Rum directly over the ice. The chilled glass and ice help the flavors open up slowly, so you get a smooth taste in every sip.

Now, slowly add 2 ounces of pineapple juice. Pour it gently to help preserve the separation of colors if you’re going for that signature two-tone look. This golden layer forms the sunny foundation of the cocktail.

Finally, float 2 ounces of cranberry juice over the back of a spoon to achieve a beautiful gradient. This step is optional but adds a visual wow factor. Otherwise, you can simply pour it in and give it a quick stir for a uniform blend.

Garnish with a slice of lime, a wedge of pineapple, or even a maraschino cherry. Then take a moment to admire your creation before taking that first tropical sip.

From start to finish, this drink takes less than 5 minutes to make — and even less time to enjoy.

Storage Options

While this drink is best served fresh, you can prep it ahead if you're making a big batch for a party.

To do this, mix the Malibu rum and pineapple juice together in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Keep the cranberry juice separate until you’re ready to serve to preserve the layered effect.

Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to a day. Just give the mixture a quick stir before serving again. The flavors may mellow slightly, but it will still be refreshing.

Avoid freezing, as alcohol doesn’t freeze well and pineapple juice can become watery when thawed.

To re-serve, pour over fresh ice and garnish as desired. The tropical flavors are just as enjoyable the next day!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about the Malibu Bay Breeze is how customizable it is. You can tweak it to match your taste preferences or what’s already in your kitchen.

Swap out the Malibu Coconut Rum for another flavored rum like mango, pineapple, or passion fruit. Each variation brings a fun twist that keeps the tropical vibe alive.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the rum with coconut water or coconut-flavored sparkling water. You’ll still get a refreshing, beachy drink without the booze.

For a slightly more tart cocktail, increase the cranberry juice and reduce the pineapple. You can even add a splash of lime juice for extra zing.

Want a frozen version? Blend the ingredients with ice until slushy for a perfect poolside cooler. You’ll need a high-speed blender, but it’s worth the effort.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. This drink is forgiving and flexible, so feel free to get creative and make it your own signature cocktail.

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