Malibu Mango Tango Cocktail Recipe

Mixing up cocktails at home is one of my favorite little joys, and honestly, the Malibu Mango Tango just hits the spot. It’s fruity, ridiculously easy to throw together, and somehow manages to taste like summer in a glass—even if it’s raining outside.

This cocktail brings together Malibu rum with mango and citrus for a smooth, tropical vibe that feels a bit like a vacation—even if you’re just hanging out in your kitchen.

Whenever I make this drink, I stick to a simple method. Anyone can follow along, no bartending degree required.

I’ll lay out the ingredients, the basic tools, and each step, so you don’t have to second-guess anything or fuss over complicated directions.

Once you take that first sip, you’ll get it—the sweet mango, the light coconut rum, and just enough citrus to keep things interesting.

You’ll know exactly how the flavors play together, so you can decide if the Malibu Mango Tango is your next party trick or just a treat for a cozy night in.

Malibu Mango Tango Cocktail Recipe

What I love about this drink is the way the tropical fruit flavors blend with the smooth rum. It’s refreshing, sweet, and tangy, and honestly, it just looks awesome in a chilled glass.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I always grab this to mix things up right.
• Strainer – Helps me pour without any rogue ice chunks.
• Jigger – I lean on this for measuring, so the cocktail stays balanced.
• Bar spoon – Sometimes I give things a quick stir before shaking.
• Cocktail glass – Chilled, if I remember to pop it in the freezer.
• Knife and cutting board – For slicing up mango and lime.
• Ice cubes – Can’t skip these for a proper chill.

Having the right tools honestly makes life easier. Without a shaker or strainer, the drink just doesn’t come together as well.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Malibu rum (coconut rum)
• 1 oz white rum
• 2 oz mango juice or mango nectar
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• ½ oz triple sec or Cointreau
• Optional: ½ oz Grand Marnier for a richer flavor
• Fresh mango slices or mango puree for garnish
• Ice cubes

If I can get my hands on fresh mango juice, I use it. Bottled nectar works too, though. The combination of juices gives the cocktail a nice, layered tropical flavor.

Instructions

• Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
• Pour in Malibu rum, white rum, and triple sec.
• Add the mango juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
• Toss in the simple syrup and shake everything hard for 15–20 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass over fresh ice.
• Add a few mango slices or a spoonful of mango puree on top for garnish.

I shake it until my hands feel cold—that’s usually a good sign it’s chilled. If I’m in the mood for more citrus, I’ll squeeze in some extra lime.

Notes

This cocktail just works for warm weather and lighter meals. Mango and pineapple bring the sweetness, lime keeps it bright, and the coconut rum smooths it all out.

I skip the Grand Marnier if I want something lighter, or splash in more white rum if I’m feeling bold. Fresh juice makes a difference, so use it if you can.

Sometimes I freeze mango chunks and use those instead of ice cubes. Keeps the drink cold without watering things down—pretty clever, right?

Tasting Notes

The Malibu Mango Tango cocktail really hits that sweet-citrus balance. Right away, the mango jumps out and brings this juicy, tropical punch that’s just plain refreshing.

Coconut rum steps in and gives it a subtle creaminess, mellowing out the fruit’s sharper edges. I honestly love how it turns the drink into more of a laid-back tropical cocktail instead of something heavy or syrupy.

When I take my time with a sip, I catch flavors that remind me a bit of a mango mojito—just, you know, minus the mint. The sweetness hangs back, so the tangy kick still gets to shine.

If I compare it to a daiquiri or other mango cocktails, this one feels brighter, lighter, and not nearly as sour. That balance makes it super easy to enjoy on a hot day, and it never gets cloying.

The finish? It’s clean, with a gentle fruit note that sticks around. That’s what makes the mango tango drink feel so crisp and unfussy—exactly the kind of thing I want in a summer cocktail.