MALIBU BAY BREEZE is my go to drink when I want something tropical but I do not want to think too hard. You know those days when you are tired, your group chat is buzzing, and someone says, “Come over, we are doing something chill,” and suddenly you are responsible for drinks? This is the recipe I pull out because it tastes like vacation and it is basically impossible to mess up. It is fruity, light, and it looks pretty in a glass without any fancy tricks. Also, it does not require a blender, which matters a lot when I am trying to keep the kitchen calm. 
The Story Behind This Recipe
Hey, I’m Alexandraa! This MALIBU BAY BREEZE was built for busy nights: simple steps, reliable results, and flavor that makes people ask for seconds. MALIBU BAY BREEZE is my go to drink when I want something tropical but I do not want to think too hard. You know those days…
How to make it step-by-step
This is the version I make at home most often. It is simple, sweet, and a little tangy, and you can adjust it easily if you like more pineapple or more cranberry. I usually serve it when friends come over for a casual patio night, but I have also made it on a random Tuesday just because I needed a mood boost.
Ingredients and quick notes
- Malibu coconut rum: this is the heart of the drink and gives that smooth coconut vibe.
- Pineapple juice: go for chilled juice. If you have a brand you love, use it.
- Cranberry juice: cranberry cocktail is sweeter, 100 percent cranberry is sharper. Either works, just know the difference.
- Ice: more ice keeps it crisp and helps the layers look nice.
- Optional: lime wedge or a pineapple slice for serving
If you are into experimenting with tropical flavors, you might also like browsing drink ideas like easy coconut rum cocktails. I do that when I want to keep the same vibe but switch it up.
Directions in plain language
1) Fill your glass with ice. I like a tall glass because it feels more refreshing, but anything works.
2) Pour in Malibu coconut rum. A common at home pour is about 2 ounces, but you can do less if you want it lighter.
3) Add pineapple juice. I usually do about 3 to 4 ounces. This is where most of the sunny flavor comes from.
4) Slowly add cranberry juice. If you pour it gently, it settles in and gives that pretty sunset look. If it mixes, it still tastes great, so no stress.
5) Give it a quick stir if you want everything evenly mixed, or leave it layered for a more classic look.
6) Add a lime wedge or pineapple slice if you are feeling cute about it.
There is something about the first sip that always makes me feel like I should be near water, even if I am just standing in my kitchen. And yes, I have absolutely made this while wearing sweatpants and pretending I was on a beach.
“I tried your MALIBU BAY BREEZE at my friend’s game night and it was the first drink that actually tasted balanced, not too sweet. I made it again the next weekend and everyone asked for the recipe.”
;
Tools you’ll need
This is one of those drinks where you can keep it super low effort. If you have a few basics, you are set. If you do not, you can still make it, just be a little creative.
- Glass: tall glass is my favorite, but any cup works.
- Jigger or measuring shot: helpful for consistency, not required.
- Spoon: for a gentle pour and a quick stir.
- Ice: lots of it.
- Optional: citrus knife and small cutting board for garnishes
If you are building up a small home bar, it helps to have a short list of basics you always keep around. I keep a mental checklist and it saves me from last minute store runs. For more ideas like that, I sometimes look at guides like simple bar tools for beginners and then decide what I will actually use.
A quick tip: if you want that layered look, use the back of a spoon and pour the cranberry juice slowly over it. Again, not required, but it is a fun little trick when you want the drink to look extra nice.
Make it ahead
I get asked this a lot because this drink shows up at get togethers, and nobody wants to play bartender all night. You can absolutely prep parts of it in advance, you just want to do it the smart way so it stays fresh and does not get watery.
Here is what works best in my experience:
Option 1: Mix the juices ahead
Combine pineapple juice and cranberry juice in a pitcher, cover, and chill. When it is time to serve, fill glasses with ice, add Malibu, then top with your juice mix. This keeps the flavor bright and makes serving fast.
Option 2: Pre batch everything except ice
You can mix Malibu with both juices in a pitcher and chill it. Then pour over ice as needed. It is convenient, but you lose the layered look, and it can taste a tiny bit more blended. Still very good.
Do not add ice until serving
Ice melts, and melted ice turns a great drink into a watered down one. I learned that the hard way at a summer BBQ when I tried to be “helpful” too early.
If you are planning drinks for a crowd, it can be helpful to have a few backup options too. I like keeping ideas bookmarked like party drinks you can batch because it takes the pressure off when people want choices.
One more thing: if you are making these for guests, keep the pitcher cold and your ice plentiful. That is basically the whole secret to making it taste like a bar drink at home.
Similar drinks
If you like the flavors in MALIBU BAY BREEZE, you probably like fruity, easy cocktails that do not take a ton of ingredients. Same here. Sometimes I want something close, but not exactly the same, depending on what juice I have in the fridge.
Here are a few similar directions you can go:
Sea Breeze: vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit. More tart and crisp.
Bay Breeze: usually vodka with cranberry and pineapple. Similar flavor, less coconut.
Malibu Pineapple: Malibu and pineapple over ice. Super simple and sweeter.
Malibu and Cranberry: Malibu with cranberry is a little sharper and less tropical than the full mix.
If you want more ideas in this same “vacation in a glass” lane, I like scrolling recipes like tropical cocktails with pineapple juice when I am bored of my usual rotation.
Also, if you prefer a lighter drink, topping it with a splash of sparkling water can be nice. It makes it feel extra refreshing, especially on hot days.
If You Liked This Bay Breeze
Okay, so if you made this and loved it, here are my best real life tips to keep the good times going.
Play with the juice ratios: If you like it sweeter, add more pineapple. If you like it a bit more punchy, add more cranberry. This is one of those drinks where you should trust your taste.
Try different cranberry options: Cranberry cocktail gives a smoother sweetness. Pure cranberry juice gives you a sharper bite. Both are good, just different moods.
Make it pretty without stress: A pineapple wedge, a lime wheel, or even just a bright straw makes it feel fun. If the layers do not happen, nobody is mad about it, I promise.
Keep it cold: The flavor is best when everything is chilled. Warm juice makes the whole drink feel kind of flat.
And if you are into easy snack pairings, I like serving this with salty chips and salsa, shrimp tacos, or anything grilled. Sweet and salty is always the move.
Common Questions
How strong is a MALIBU BAY BREEZE?
It is usually on the lighter side as cocktails go, especially because the juices make up most of the glass. If you want it stronger, add a little more rum, but keep the balance so it still tastes smooth.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes. Just skip the rum and use coconut water or a splash of coconut flavored syrup. Pineapple and cranberry still taste great together.
What is the best cranberry juice to use?
If you like sweeter drinks, go with cranberry cocktail. If you like tart, go with 100 percent cranberry. If you are not sure, start with cranberry cocktail and adjust next time.
Do I need to shake it?
Nope. This is a build it in the glass kind of drink. Shaking is optional if you want it extra cold and fully mixed, but it is not required.
Can I serve it in a pitcher?
Yes. Mix the rum and juices in a pitcher, chill it, and pour over ice. You lose the layered look, but it is perfect for parties.
A quick cheers and a little nudge to try it
If you want a drink that feels sunny, simple, and reliable, MALIBU BAY BREEZE is the one I come back to again and again. It takes just a few minutes, it is easy to adjust to your taste, and it always gets a happy reaction from friends. If you want an official reference, you can check the Malibu Bay Breeze Recipe, and if you like seeing another home cook version, this Malibu Bay Breeze Recipe – Allrecipes is a solid read too. Now go grab some ice, put on a playlist, and make one tonight just because you can.
Malibu Bay Breeze
Ingredients
Method
- Fill your glass with ice.
- Pour in the Malibu coconut rum.
- Add the pineapple juice.
- Slowly pour the cranberry juice to create a layered effect.
- Stir if desired, or leave it layered.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or pineapple slice if desired.
