I love making cocktails that feel simple but still taste special. The Malibu Breeze Martini might be my favorite—it’s got that easy tropical vibe with a smooth finish.
I’ll show you exactly how to make a Malibu Breeze Martini at home in just a few steps.
Whenever I want a drink that’s refreshing but not fussy, I reach for this one. There’s a nice balance of coconut, fruit, and a hint of citrus—light but still flavorful.
You don’t need fancy skills or bar gadgets, just a few ingredients and a shaker. That’s all it takes.
Let’s get into the recipe, how to throw it together, and what you can expect in every sip.
Malibu Breeze Martini Cocktail Recipe
I really like how this drink gives you tropical sweetness with just a bit of tartness. The mix of fresh fruit juices, Malibu coconut rum, and those bright garnishes keeps it simple to make and honestly, super refreshing.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker – I always grab one with a tight seal, so the drink chills fast.
- Strainer – This lets me pour a smooth drink without any ice bits.
- Measuring jigger – It helps me keep the flavors right where I want them.
- Highball glass or martini glass – Martini glasses feel fancy, but sometimes I use a highball if I want more juice.
- Bar spoon – I swirl in grenadine or pomegranate juice with this for that layered look.
- Ice cubes – I never skimp on ice; it chills things down quickly.
Having the right tools just makes everything taste and look better. Even a simple garnish pops more when the drink is mixed well and served in the right glass.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Malibu coconut rum
- 2 oz fresh pineapple juice
- 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine or pomegranate juice (optional, for color)
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple slice or pineapple wedge (garnish)
- Maraschino cherry (garnish)
- Lime wedge (optional garnish)
I always reach for unsweetened cranberry juice because it keeps things from getting too sweet. A fresh pineapple slice or wedge brightens up the glass, and that cherry? It just looks fun. Sometimes I’ll add a lime wedge if I’m in the mood for a little extra citrus.
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Add the Malibu coconut rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice.
- Shake it up until the shaker feels cold—maybe 10 or 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass, or pour into a highball glass over fresh ice.
- Drizzle in grenadine or pomegranate juice slowly if you want that pretty layered effect.
- Top with a pineapple slice, maraschino cherry, or a lime wedge.
I like how the grenadine sinks and gives you that two-tone look at the bottom. Makes it feel a little special.
Notes
Fresh pineapple juice always wins for me—it just tastes cleaner than bottled. If I only have bottled, I’ll pick one without added sugar.
Unsweetened cranberry juice keeps the drink balanced and not overly sweet. If I want to lighten things up, I’ll splash in a bit of soda water at the end.
Garnishes matter more than you’d think. A pineapple wedge and cherry bring the tropical vibes, but a lime wedge is simple and refreshing too. Sometimes I’ll use a hurricane glass if I want to go for a taller, more laid-back look.
Equipment
- Measuring jigger
Ingredients
- 2 oz Malibu coconut rum
- 2 oz fresh pineapple juice
- 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz grenadine or pomegranate juice optional, for color
- ice cubes
- pineapple slice or wedge garnish
- maraschino cherry garnish
- lime wedge optional garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Add Malibu coconut rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice.
- Shake until the shaker feels cold, about 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass, or pour into a highball glass over fresh ice.
- Drizzle in grenadine or pomegranate juice slowly for a layered effect if desired.
- Top with a pineapple slice, maraschino cherry, or lime wedge for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take my first sip, I immediately catch that light sweetness. The coconut flavor comes through smooth, and honestly, it just works with the fruity notes.
It’s a gentle mix—pineapple and cranberry sort of play off each other, balancing things out. The fruit flavors pop, but thankfully, they don’t take over.
That crisp texture is easy to notice. I really appreciate how a chilled glass keeps everything sharp and cool. Each sip feels fresh, almost like it’s waking up my taste buds.
Even before tasting, there’s this subtle tropical aroma. The scent of coconut and fruit makes the whole cocktail feel inviting, like it’s nudging you to relax and just enjoy.

