There's something about the Malibu Bay Breeze that instantly transports you to a beachside paradise. With its vibrant pink hue, sweet-tart flavor, and tropical aroma, this cocktail feels like vacation in a glass—even if you're sipping it from your own backyard.

I first tried this refreshing drink at a summer BBQ, where a friend casually mixed it up from a few bottles she had on hand. The moment I took a sip, I was hooked. Since then, it’s become my go-to cocktail for warm weather entertaining, girls' nights in, and even casual weeknight wind-downs.

Ready to bring the beach vibes home? Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your perfect Malibu Bay Breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Malibu Bay Breeze

This cocktail may look fancy, but don’t let its pretty layers fool you—it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying drinks you can make.

It's incredibly easy to make. With just three ingredients and no complicated tools or techniques, you’ll be sipping in minutes. Whether you're an experienced home bartender or a total beginner, this cocktail is basically foolproof.

Perfect for parties or solo sipping. It's fruity, lightly sweet, and wonderfully refreshing, making it ideal for entertaining. You can even mix up a pitcher for easy serving. But it’s just as good as a solo treat after a long day.

Budget-friendly and low-effort. No need for expensive spirits or obscure liqueurs here. All three ingredients are easy to find and affordable, making this drink as wallet-friendly as it is delicious.

Tropical vibes, anytime. Pineapple and cranberry come together with coconut rum to create a beachy flavor profile that works any time of year—no plane ticket required.

Whether you're planning your next party or just dreaming of palm trees, this drink is your perfect companion.

Ingredients Notes

The Malibu Bay Breeze gets its signature flavor from just a few key ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating that tropical taste and smooth finish.

The base of this cocktail is Malibu coconut rum. It's sweet, smooth, and bursting with coconut flavor, making it the perfect foundation for this breezy drink. Malibu isn’t super strong, so the cocktail stays light and easy to sip.

Next comes pineapple juice, which adds a bright, tangy sweetness. Go for 100% pineapple juice if you can, but any variety will work in a pinch. Chilled juice will give your drink a crisp finish.

To balance the sweetness, cranberry juice provides just the right amount of tartness. It also gives the cocktail its gorgeous pink-to-red gradient. Look for 100% cranberry juice or a cranberry juice cocktail, depending on your sweetness preference.

While not required, you can also add a lime wedge or pineapple slice for garnish. It adds a fun tropical touch and a hint of citrus aroma when served.

You won’t need any fancy tools—just a glass, some ice, and a spoon to gently layer the juices if you want that classic sunset look.

How To Make This Malibu Bay Breeze

Crafting this cocktail is a breeze—pun totally intended. You can mix it straight in the glass, no shaker required.

Start by filling a highball or cocktail glass with plenty of ice. This not only keeps the drink chilled but also helps layer the liquids, giving that iconic beachy gradient.

Pour 2 ounces of Malibu coconut rum over the ice. The rum will settle at the bottom, forming the sweet, coconutty base of your drink.

Next, add 3 ounces of pineapple juice. Pour it slowly to let it mix gently with the rum. At this point, you’ll start to see the drink take on a golden hue.

Finally, pour 3 ounces of cranberry juice over the back of a spoon to help it float on top of the pineapple layer. This creates that beautiful pink-red top layer that looks just like a tropical sunset.

Optional: Garnish with a slice of lime, a wedge of pineapple, or a maraschino cherry for extra flair. Serve with a straw or stir gently before drinking.

From start to finish, this cocktail takes less than 5 minutes to make. The hardest part? Not drinking it too quickly!

Storage Options

While this drink is best enjoyed freshly made, you can prep it ahead of time for parties or batch cocktails.

For large gatherings, multiply the ingredients and mix the Malibu and pineapple juice in a pitcher. Keep it chilled in the fridge, and wait to add the cranberry juice until serving to preserve the pretty color gradient.

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store the mixed drink in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 1–2 days, though the flavor may mellow slightly.

Avoid freezing the drink, as the juices may separate or change texture. Stick to serving over fresh ice instead.

To re-serve, pour over a glass of ice and add a splash of cranberry juice on top for a visual refresh.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about the Malibu Bay Breeze is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or ingredients on hand.

Try swapping Malibu rum with another flavored rum like mango or passionfruit for a different tropical twist. If you prefer a stronger drink, mix in a bit of white rum or vodka for added kick.

Not a fan of pineapple juice? Mango juice, orange juice, or guava nectar make fun and fruity substitutes that still pair beautifully with coconut.

For a slightly tarter version, use white cranberry juice or add a splash of lime. You can also try it with club soda or coconut water to lighten the drink and reduce the sweetness.

Want to make it into a frozen cocktail? Toss all the ingredients into a blender with a cup of ice and blend until slushy. It’s perfect for sipping poolside.

Don’t be afraid to play around! The Malibu Bay Breeze is all about relaxed, island-style enjoyment—there’s no wrong way to make it your own.