Malibu Sunset

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

This tropical-tasting cocktail is just as beautiful as the fiery sunsets of California.

My second day living in Los Angeles was when I witnessed my first West Coast sunset. I was staying with a friend in Marina Del Rey, already falling in love with the boats and comfortable, coastal air. Right down the road was Venice and Santa Monica, so I took a little afternoon trip, walking along the beach, the pier and the Third Street Promenade. As the daylight began to wane, I found myself looking out over the Pacific Ocean, watching the orange orb we call the sun sink into the sea.

It was a special moment, one that I felt deserved a special cocktail to commemorate the occasion. I strolled into the Maria Sol Sunset Cantina, right at the end of the pier not too far from the twinkling lights of the Pacific Wheel.

I expected a busy, tourist-filled experience, but the restaurant was quiet, with only a smattering of people enjoying dinner and drinks. I was seated at a table overlooking the Pacific, the clouds above still burning with the light from the setting sun. When my server asked for my order, I explained how magical a moment this was for me, and requested a special drink. They smiled with a knowing look in their eyes… I probably wasn’t the first hopeless romantic who had been there.

A few moments later, I was given a reddish-orange cocktail that resembled the sky reaching out over the sea before me. One sip and an explosion of tropical notes quelled my thirst almost immediately. Coconut rum, pineapple and orange juice, some grenadine… it reminded me of the layered look of a Tequila Sunrise, but only darker. What is this drink that looks not unlike my first California sunset?

It was the drink we’ll be making tonight, the Malibu Sunset. An apt way to toast my new home, full of palm trees and dreams. And while technically I wasn’t in that part of Los Angeles, the cliffs of Malibu were still visible to the north a little, past the beaches and up the Pacific Coast Highway. I’d visit there soon, but that night I enjoyed my Sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Malibu Sunset?

The Malibu Sunset, a riff on the similarly layered Tequila Sunrise, was probably created around the time that the spirit it is famous for first hit the market. In the early 1980s, Malibu Coconut Rum was introduced to the world of mixed drinks. From what I’ve read, it seems it was originally created to help bartenders make more simplified versions of Piña Coladas. You can use any coconut rum of your choosing, but I find that mixing with Malibu feels like a tradition is being continued. But I’m sentimental.

What type of glassware and garnish is used?

Fill a big glass, like a pint glass, with a lot of ice and pour and prep your Malibu Sunset in it. Garnish with some cherries and a slice of orange, and a pineapple wedge on the rim.

Is the Malibu Sunset known by any other names?

It’s known by a few different monikers, the Malibu Barbie and Panty Dropper being the most well-known aliases. Where it got the second name from is up to your imagination.

Similar Cocktails to the Malibu Sunset

There’s nothing like sipping on a beautiful-looking and delicious-tasting cocktail as the day gives way to night. If you like a layered, tropical tipple, like the Malibu Sunset, to go with those wistful and romantic feelings that summer tends to stir up, Twist & Toast has the recipes to make those hot nights even longer and more unforgettable. Check out some of these easy-to-make drinks, and see which one will be the hit at your next party.

• LA Water – Not just famous for its sunsets, Los Angeles has some pretty strong “water” being served too.
• Blueberry Mojito – Minty, fruity and always hits the spot. Add the Blueberry Mojito to your repertoire and your friends will always want one.
• Coconut Mojito – Creamy, tropical and refreshing, this rum-based treat is always the right choice for a beachside sipper.
• Piña Colada on the Rocks – Rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream are shaken together for a wonderfully tempting concoction.