There’s something irresistibly tropical about the Malibu Bay Breeze – a cocktail that tastes like sunshine in a glass. With its layers of coconut, pineapple, and cranberry, every sip is a refreshing burst of beachy bliss.

I first discovered this gem on a summer vacation with friends, where it quickly became the signature drink of our trip. Whether you’re poolside, at a barbecue, or just dreaming of island life, this easy-to-make cocktail will transport you straight to paradise with minimal effort.

The best part? It only takes three ingredients and five minutes to mix up a batch – making it perfect for last-minute get-togethers or lazy weekend afternoons.

Let’s dive into why this drink deserves a permanent spot in your cocktail rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Malibu Bay Breeze

Get ready to sip your way to a tropical escape. The Malibu Bay Breeze isn’t just pretty in the glass – it’s a crowd-pleasing cocktail with a ton of perks.

It’s incredibly easy to make. With just three ingredients, no shaking, and minimal prep, this is one of the most beginner-friendly cocktails out there. You can mix one up in less time than it takes to find your flip-flops.

It’s light, fruity, and refreshing. Thanks to the pineapple and cranberry juice combo, this drink balances sweet and tart perfectly. The coconut rum adds that signature tropical flair without overpowering the flavors.

It looks stunning in a glass. The cranberry juice naturally floats over the pineapple juice, creating beautiful layers of sunset-colored bliss. Serve it in a highball glass or even a mason jar for Instagram-worthy presentation.

Great for batch-making. Hosting a party? You can easily mix a large pitcher ahead of time and pour over ice when your guests arrive. No need to play bartender all evening!

This cocktail is pure vacation vibes – and it’s so easy, it might just become your go-to drink all year long.

Ingredients Notes

You only need three ingredients for this drink, but the quality and proportions make all the difference in getting that perfect tropical balance.

Malibu Coconut Rum is the star of this cocktail. Its sweet coconut flavor sets the tone for the drink, instantly evoking beachy vibes. While you can use any coconut-flavored rum, Malibu has that classic taste most people associate with this cocktail.

Pineapple Juice provides the tropical base. Opt for 100% pineapple juice if you can – it adds natural sweetness without the need for extra sugar or mixers. Canned or refrigerated pineapple juice both work well; just be sure it’s chilled before mixing.

Cranberry Juice gives the cocktail a beautiful color contrast and a tart bite that balances the sweetness of the rum and pineapple. Use cranberry juice cocktail for a slightly sweeter drink, or go with pure cranberry juice for more tartness and less sugar.

Ice is important, not just for chilling but for maintaining the layered look. Crushed ice or ice cubes both work, but use plenty to keep the juices from mixing too quickly.

You won’t need any fancy equipment – just a glass and a spoon if you want to layer the juices gently. A bar spoon works best, but even a regular teaspoon will do the trick in a pinch.

How To Make This Malibu Bay Breeze

Making the Malibu Bay Breeze is as easy as it gets – no cocktail shaker, no complicated steps, just a quick pour and you’re ready to sip.

Start by filling a highball or tall glass with plenty of ice. You want the glass nice and cold to keep the drink refreshing and help maintain the separation of layers.

Next, pour in the Malibu coconut rum. I usually go for about 1.5 ounces (a standard shot), but you can adjust based on how strong you like your cocktails.

Follow that with the pineapple juice – pour in about 3 ounces. You’ll notice the juice mingling with the rum, forming a sunny yellow layer that smells just like a tropical breeze.

Now comes the fun part: gently pour in the cranberry juice (about 2 ounces) over the back of a spoon. This helps the juice sit on top, creating that beautiful gradient effect from red to orange to yellow.

Give it a gentle stir if you prefer a fully blended drink – or leave it layered for presentation. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or lime wheel if you’re feeling fancy.

From start to finish, this cocktail takes under five minutes. It’s perfect for spontaneous cocktail hours or when you want something delicious without the fuss.

Storage Options

While the Malibu Bay Breeze is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep a larger batch for parties or gatherings with minimal degradation in flavor.

To make ahead, combine the Malibu rum and pineapple juice in a pitcher and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the cranberry juice just before serving to preserve the layered look.

Leftovers (if any!) can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the flavor and freshness are best on day one.

When storing, make sure your container is airtight and chilled. Avoid keeping the drink with ice in it, as the melting ice will dilute the flavors.

To re-serve, just pour over fresh ice and give it a light stir. If the layers have mixed, you’ll still have a deliciously fruity cocktail ready to go.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about the Malibu Bay Breeze is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

Try different juices. Swap out the cranberry for grapefruit or orange juice for a new twist. Or add a splash of lime juice for an extra zing.

Change the rum. Not a coconut fan? Use white rum, mango rum, or even vodka for a different but equally refreshing experience. Each one brings a new personality to the drink.

Make it a frozen cocktail. Blend all the ingredients with ice to turn this into a slushy treat on especially hot days. Top with shredded coconut or a cherry for a fun garnish.

Add sparkling water. For a lighter, bubbly version, top off your glass with a bit of club soda or sparkling water. It adds a little fizz and stretches the drink if you want to pace yourself.

Make it mocktail-friendly. Simply leave out the rum and use coconut water or coconut-flavored syrup instead. You’ll still get all the tropical vibes with none of the booze.