There’s something about a Malibu Barbie cocktail that just feels like summer. It’s sweet, fruity, and a little flirty-perfect for sipping poolside or serving at your next backyard hangout. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress. The combo of coconut rum, tropical juice, and a splash of tart cranberry makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s as pretty as it is refreshing.
Malibu Barbie
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass type: Highball or Martini glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) coconut rum
– 3 oz (90 ml) pineapple juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) cranberry juice
– A dash of fresh lime juice
– Ice
– Garnish: pineapple slice, maraschino cherry, or a sprig of mint
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. This helps chill everything quickly and keeps the drink crisp.
- Pour in the coconut rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice.
- Squeeze in a dash of fresh lime juice. It brightens the drink and cuts through the sweetness.
- Shake well-about 10-15 seconds. You want everything nice and cold, with a little froth on top.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. A highball glass shows off those tropical colors, but a martini glass gives it a fancy twist.
- Top it off with your favorite garnish-a pineapple wedge, cherry, or mint all work beautifully.
Tips for Success
– Chill your glass before pouring for a longer-lasting chill. Just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes.
– Use fresh juice whenever you can-it makes a big difference in flavor.
– Don’t overdo the lime. A little goes a long way here.
– If your drink tastes too sweet, add a splash of soda water to lighten it up.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the juices (pineapple, cranberry, and lime) ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just shake with rum and ice for the freshest flavor.
Storage Tips
If you’ve got leftover mixed juice, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don’t store the cocktail once it’s mixed with alcohol and ice-it’ll get watered down and lose its punch.
Flavor Profile
This drink is all about that tropical balance-sweet from the pineapple, tart from the cranberry, and smooth coconut notes from the rum. The lime adds just enough zip to keep things interesting.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work cocktails because it always reminds me of beach vacations and warm breezes. It’s simple, but it feels like a treat.
Variations to Try
Tropical Sunset
– Swap the pineapple juice for mango juice
– Add a splash of grenadine at the end for that layered sunset effect
Barbie on the Beach
– Use vodka instead of coconut rum
– Add a splash of blue curaçao for a beachy, ocean-blue color
Virgin Malibu Barbie
– Replace the coconut rum with coconut water
– Keep the pineapple and cranberry juices
– Add a splash of lime as usual
This non-alcoholic version is just as refreshing and makes a great option for kids or anyone skipping the booze.
Ingredient Swaps
– No coconut rum? Use white rum with a few drops of coconut extract.
– Don’t like cranberry juice? Try pomegranate or orange juice for a twist.
– Mango juice instead of pineapple gives it a rich, tropical flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cocktail with:
Grilled Shrimp or Fish Tacos
The smoky, savory flavors balance the drink’s sweetness and highlight the tropical notes.
Fresh Summer Salad
A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness and keeps things light.
Fruit Platter
Think watermelon, mango, kiwi, and berries. It’s a colorful, juicy match for the Malibu Barbie.
Common Questions
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix everything (except ice) in a pitcher. Chill and shake individual servings with ice when ready.
Can I use frozen fruit as garnish?
Absolutely. Frozen pineapple or berries double as ice cubes and look great too.
How do I tone down the sweetness?
Use unsweetened juices or add a splash of soda water. You can also reduce the pineapple juice slightly and increase the cranberry.
Is it okay to skip the shaker?
You can stir the drink in a glass if needed, but shaking helps blend the flavors and chill the drink more evenly.
What if I don’t have lime?
Lemon juice works in a pinch, but lime gives it that signature zesty finish.
This Malibu Barbie cocktail is a breeze to whip up and always brings a bit of sunshine to the table. Whether you’re hosting a party or just unwinding after work, it’s a fun, flavorful way to treat yourself. Cheers!
