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Malibu Rum is a coconut liqueur made with Caribbean rum! Its sweet, fruity flavor is ideal for mixing tropical drinks.
It’s sweet, it’s coconut-scented, and a little bit sunscreen scented: yes, it’s Malibu rum! This child of the 1980’s is actually not rum at all, but considered a coconut liqueur. Its sweet aroma was originally invented for making piña colada, but it’s got so many more uses! Use it for mixing up frozen beach drinks, or just to add some pizzazz to a Mojito. Here’s more about this popular liqueur.
What is Malibu rum?
Malibu is a coconut-flavored liqueur made with Caribbean rum. It’s not technically a rum because the alcohol level is low (21% ABV) and it’s made with added sugar. Rum must be 80 proof (40% ABV) to be legally considered rum, and it has no added sugar.
Malibu was invented in 1982 as a way for bartenders to simplify making the Piña Colada. It’s now distributed by the Pernod Ricard company and is popular in the US, Canada, UK, Germany and France.
What does Malibu rum taste like?
Malibu tastes sweet, with notes of fruity rum and a finish of coconut and almond. Critiques of the coconut liqueur are that it is too sweet and lacks depth. Keep in mind its flavor profile when building a drink (a little goes a long way!).
How much alcohol is in Malibu rum? It is 21% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a mid-range alcohol content that’s similar to liqueurs like Kahlua.
Are there any Malibu substitutes? There are several brands of coconut rum on the market, including Capitan Morgan, Bacardi, Cruzcan, and so forth.
Why we like it
Malibu has a coconut essence that adds a bit of fun to any tropical drink! It’s delicious in beachy drinks like the Malibu Sunrise or Bahama Mama. Or just mix it with pineapple juice for a quick and easy, laid-back cocktail.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Malibu rum is low-priced. A 750 ml bottle costs about $15.
Most popular Malibu rum cocktails
There are several popular Malibu rum cocktails, or you can substitute it for rum in classic drinks for a sweet, coconut spin! Go to Top 10 Malibu Drinks for all the best ideas, or try these top cocktails:
One of the most popular drinks with Malibu? The Bahama Mama. This beachy drink is all about carefree vibes, featuring not one but two types of rum with pineapple juice and lime. An unexpected move gives it a rosy color: grenadine syrup! Drink it straight on the rocks, or our favorite way: blended into an icy slush.
Ingredients: Malibu, dark rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, ice
Another popular Malibu cocktail? Try the Malibu Bay Breeze! This tropical drink could not be easier and it looks stunning in the glass. Layer coconut rum, pineapple and cranberry juice and you’ve got a delicious fruity drink: sweet tart with a tropical finish! This one’s a spin on the classic Bay Breeze.
Ingredients: Malibu, pineapple juice, cranberry juice
Another popular Malibu drink: the Malibu Sunset! This layered cocktail brings the party with coconut rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice. Add grenadine and it layers into the gradient of the colors of a sunset.
Ingredients: Malibu, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine
All you need is pineapple juice to make a deliciously fun 2 ingredient tropical drink! The sweet tart pineapple pairs delightfully with the fruity coconut: it tastes like so much more than the sum of its parts.
Ingredients: Malibu, pineapple juice
Bahama Mama
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
This Bahama Mama recipe is a fruity beach drink full of coconut and pineapple flavor! Serve it up frozen or on the rocks.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce* grenadine syrup
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1 ounces coconut rum
- ½ ounce lime juice
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Single drink, frozen: Add the grenadine to the bottom of a highball or hurricane glass. Blend the dark rum, coconut rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and ice in a blender until a slushy texture forms. Pour the blended mix slowly over the grenadine. Garnish with pineapple or lime wedges.
- Single drink, on the rocks: Add ice to a glass (you can also use crushed ice). Pour in the dark rum, coconut rum, lime juice, and pineapple juice, and stir gently. Pour the grenadine into center of the drink and it will sink to the bottom.
- Pitcher variation (4 drinks): Blend ½ cup dark rum, ½ cup coconut rum, ¼ cup lime juice, 1 ½ cups pineapple juice and 4 cups ice in a blender until a slushy texture forms. Place 1 tablespoon grenadine in each cup, and pour in the blended mixture.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
More cocktail guides
Need more liquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending:
- Aperol Guide and Campari Guide All you need to know about these Italian liqueurs.
- Baileys Guide All the ins and outs of Irish Cream.
- Chartreuse Guide This pale green liqueur is worth adding to your collection…here’s why.
- Cappelletti Guide Why this red Italian bitter is better than Campari.
- Galliano Guide Is this bright yellow liqueur worth buying?
- Grenadine Guide It’s mistaken as cherry, but this bright syrup has a secret.
- Fernet Branca Guide Here’s why people love this Italian bitter.
- Irish Whiskey Guide All about this easy-drinking style of whiskey
- Kahlua Guide Learn about this popular Mexican coffee liqueur
- Limoncello Guide Why this pucker-inducing liqueur should be part of your collection
- Peanut Butter Whiskey Guide All about the uniquely nutty Skrewball
- Pernod More about this anise-flavored liqueur
Let us know if you have any questions!