There's something magical about the way a Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail catches the light — the soft ombré of pink and orange promises tropical flavors with every sip. The blend of sweet coconut rum, tart cranberry juice, and fresh pineapple juice transports you straight to a beachside cabana, no passport required.

I first tried this drink on a girls’ weekend in Miami, and I’ve been recreating it ever since. It’s become my go-to cocktail for summer parties, lazy poolside afternoons, and even holiday brunches. Light, fruity, and endlessly sippable, this drink is as easy to make as it is to love.

Keep reading to find out why this tropical cocktail should be your next happy hour staple.

Why You'll Love This Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail

Get ready to meet your new favorite warm-weather drink. This Malibu Bay Breeze isn’t just a feast for the senses—it’s also incredibly easy to make.

First, it’s ridiculously simple. With just three ingredients and no fancy bartending skills required, this cocktail comes together in less than five minutes. Perfect for when you want to relax, not work.

It’s light and refreshing, which makes it ideal for hot summer days. The combination of tart cranberry and sweet pineapple juice balances perfectly with the smooth coconut flavor of Malibu rum.

This drink is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s sweet enough for those who aren’t typically cocktail drinkers but not so sugary that it feels like juice. Even better, you can easily make a large batch in a pitcher for gatherings.

And let’s not forget how beautiful it looks in the glass. Those gorgeous layers create a stunning presentation—no garnish necessary (though a wedge of pineapple or a cherry never hurts).

Now that you're tempted, let’s talk about what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

This cocktail may seem fancy, but its magic lies in just a few simple ingredients that pack a tropical punch.

The star of the show is Malibu Rum, a coconut-flavored liqueur that’s sweet, light, and smooth. It brings that unmistakable beachy vibe to the drink, and you don’t need much of it to make an impact. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can try other flavored rums, but Malibu is the classic for a reason.

Next up is pineapple juice. Choose 100% juice for the best flavor—ideally not from concentrate. It brings a natural sweetness and a hint of tang that balances beautifully with the cranberry.

Cranberry juice provides the tart contrast that keeps this drink from becoming too sweet. For a more natural flavor, go with pure cranberry juice or a cranberry blend with low added sugar.

As for ice, use plenty. This drink is best served cold and crisp. A tall glass packed with ice helps maintain the chill and gives the drink that signature layered look as the juices float and mix.

You don’t need any special equipment—just a tall glass, a spoon or straw for layering if you’re feeling fancy, and something to stir with. A cocktail shaker isn’t necessary, but you can use one if you prefer a uniform mix.

How To Make This Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail

Crafting a Malibu Bay Breeze is easier than you think—and you don’t need to be a mixologist to make it look professional. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Start by filling a tall glass to the top with ice. Don’t skimp here; the ice keeps the drink cold and helps with the layering effect that makes it so visually striking.

Next, pour in 1.5 ounces of Malibu Rum. The rum should sink to the bottom slightly, giving your first sips a nice coconut kick. If you prefer a stronger drink, feel free to bump it up to 2 ounces.

After the rum, slowly add 2 ounces of pineapple juice. The key here is to pour gently over the back of a spoon if you want to preserve the separation of layers. The pineapple juice blends just a little with the rum, creating a golden middle tier.

Now comes the magic: top the drink with 2 ounces of cranberry juice, again pouring slowly. The cranberry juice will float to the top, forming a gorgeous pink-red layer that looks like a sunset in your glass.

Give it a gentle stir if you prefer a uniform flavor throughout, or leave it layered for the visual appeal. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple or a maraschino cherry if you're feeling festive.

From start to finish, you’ll have a gorgeous and delicious cocktail in under five minutes. It’s perfect for impromptu celebrations or simply winding down at the end of a long day.

Storage Options

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you're prepping for a party, you can absolutely make a pitcher in advance.

To prepare ahead of time, mix the Malibu Rum and pineapple juice in a pitcher and keep it chilled in the fridge. Add the cranberry juice just before serving to maintain that beautiful layered look.

If you happen to have leftover cocktail in a glass, you can store it in the fridge for a few hours, but the ice will dilute the flavors. It’s better to mix only what you need.

Keep all juice and rum bottles sealed tightly and stored in the refrigerator for freshness. Malibu Rum is shelf-stable, but once opened, refrigeration helps preserve its flavor.

When reheating’s not an option (because this drink should always be cold!), just give any leftover mix a quick shake with fresh ice before pouring.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about the Malibu Bay Breeze is how adaptable it is. Whether you're customizing for taste or working with what you have on hand, there are lots of ways to make it your own.

Try swapping out the Malibu Rum for another flavored rum like mango, banana, or passionfruit. Each one brings a new twist to the tropical flavor profile while still keeping the beachy vibe.

For a lower-sugar version, use light cranberry juice and unsweetened pineapple juice. The flavor will be slightly more tart, but still refreshing and satisfying.

You can turn this cocktail into a frozen slush by blending all the ingredients with ice. This version is a hit at summer parties and backyard barbecues.

Want something a little bubblier? Add a splash of club soda or lemon-lime soda to the top for a bit of fizz. It cuts the sweetness slightly and adds a playful sparkle.

Finally, you can make a mocktail version for kids or non-drinkers. Just omit the Malibu and use coconut water or coconut milk instead. It’s still tropical and delicious, minus the alcohol.

Feel free to play around with ratios, additions, and garnishes until you find your perfect sip. The Malibu Bay Breeze is easygoing like a beach day—so have fun with it!