Malibu is THE iconic, sweet, coconut-flavoured rum that transports me straight to a sun-kissed beach with every sip. It’s a drink that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
And while it’s perfectly fine to enjoy Malibu rum on its own or in a cocktail, there’s a world of simple Malibu mixers out there just waiting to be paired with this tropical coconut delight.
Putting the more complicated Malibu cocktails, such as the Pina Colada, to one side, here are 12 of the best things to mix with Malibu that are all single-ingredient mixers, so super easy to make.
Best Things To Mix With Malibu
From Cola to Chocolate Milk, here are the 12 best things to mix with Malibu to ensure a coconut rum mixer to remember.
1. Pineapple Juice
Review
Pineapple juice and Malibu are like Morecambe & Wise – they belong together. The tangy sweetness of the pineapple complements the coconut beautifully. A match made in heaven.
Best Served
Mix 2oz/60ml of Malibu with 6oz/180ml of pineapple juice. Serve over ice and garnish with a pineapple slice or a cheeky maraschino cherry!
2. Cola
Review
The classic. The caramel notes in cola add a depth to Malibu that’s truly unique. It’s a little like a tropical Cuba Libre, so give it a whirl, and thank me later.
Best Served
A 2oz/60ml shot of Malibu topped up with cola. Serve over ice in a tall glass. I add a lime wedge for a tasty, zesty twist. (also, try a brandy & coke)
3. Ginger Ale
Review
I find that ginger ale (or ginger beer, for that matter) adds a spiced rum kick that contrasts wonderfully with Malibu’s sweetness. It’s refreshing, with just the right amount of bite.
Best Served
Mix 1 part Malibu with 3 parts ginger ale (or ginger beer if you prefer). Serve over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
4. Cranberry Juice
Review
A personal fave of mine. The tartness of cranberry juice cuts through the sweetness of Malibu, creating a balanced and delightful concoction. It’s a bit like a tropical Cosmopolitan.
Best Served
Add a 2oz/60ml of Malibu to a highball glass full of ice and top it up with cranberry juice. Super simple and oh-so delish!
5. Orange Juice
Review
A coconut sunrise in a glass. The citrusy punch of orange juice combined with Malibu is like a burst of morning sunshine. It’s vibrant, zesty, and oh-so-refreshing.
Best Served
I recommend a ratio of 1 part Malibu coconut rum with 4 parts orange juice. Serve over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with an orange slice.
6. Coconut Water
Review
If you’re a purist like me, you’ll appreciate this one. Coconut water enhances the natural coconut flavour of Malibu, making it even more tropical. Plus, it’s hydrating – a win-win, in my book.
Best Served
My preference is a 2oz/60ml shot of Malibu coconut rum with only 4oz/120ml coconut water. Serve over ice and garnish with a wedge of lime or a sprig of mint.
7. Lemon-Lime Soda
Review
For those days when you crave something fizzy, Lemon-lime soda adds a citrusy sparkle to Malibu, making it the perfect drink for a sunny afternoon.
Best Served
Nice and simple: Take a 2oz/60ml shot of Malibu in a highball glass full of ice and top it up with soda, plus add a slice of lemon or lime for garnish.
8. Iced Tea
Review
A bit left-field, I know. But the earthy notes of iced tea (especially apricot iced tea) combined with Malibu’s sweetness is a revelation. It’s like a tropical Long Island Iced Tea, minus the five other spirits!
Best Served
I suggest 1 part Malibu coconut rum with 3 parts iced tea (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened). Serve over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
9. Mango Juice
Review
Rich, luscious, and utterly tropical. Mango juice and Malibu are a pairing that’s as rich and decadent as it is delicious. All that’s missing is a hammock, straw hat, and the sea slowly lapping at your feet.
Best Served
Add a 2oz/60ml shot of Malibu to 6oz/180ml of fresh mango juice. Serve over ice in a highball glass. I like to add a slice of mango or a cherry for a tropical touch.
10. Coffee
Review
Try a splash of Malibu in your after-dinner coffee; it’s a game-changer. The coconut adds a creamy sweetness that pairs nicely with the delicious richness of coffee.
Best Served
Easy-peasy: Add a shot of Malibu to your coffee. Maybe try my fave addition of a sprinkle of cocoa powder and a dollop of whipped cream?
11. Strawberry Puree
Review
For a drink that’s as pretty as it is tasty, go for fruit puree. The sweet, fruity notes of strawberry puree blend seamlessly with Malibu, creating a drink that’s perfect for summer soirees and garden parties.
Best Served
My preferred ratio is 1 part Malibu coconut rum with 2 parts strawberry puree. Serve over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a fresh strawberry or a mint leaf.
12. Chocolate Milk
Review
Last but certainly not least, chocolate milk. It’s a bit indulgent, but oh-so-worth it. The creamy chocolate combined with Malibu’s coconut is like a liquid Bounty bar. It’s dessert in a glass.
Best Served
Add a cheeky 2oz/60ml shot of Malibu to your chocolate milk. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few chocolate shavings can be added on top for an extra chocolatey experience.
Malibu Cocktail Ideas
Here are 10 Malibu cocktail ideas, such as the classic Pina Colada (above), if you fancy working a bit harder to get the best from your coconut rum!
| No. | Cocktail Name | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malibu Sunset | Malibu Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, Cranberry Juice, Ice, Orange Slice and Cherry (for garnish) |
| 2 | Malibu Bay Breeze | Malibu Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, Cranberry Juice, Ice |
| 3 | Malibu Piña Colada | Malibu Coconut Rum, Cream of Coconut, Pineapple Juice, Crushed Ice, Pineapple Slice and Cherry (for garnish) |
| 4 | Malibu Mojito | Malibu Coconut Rum, Fresh Mint Leaves, Lime (cut into wedges), Sugar, Soda Water, Ice |
| 5 | Malibu Hurricane | Malibu Coconut Rum, Malibu Mango Rum, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Grenadine, Ice |
| 6 | Malibu Sea Breeze | Malibu Coconut Rum, Cranberry Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Ice |
| 7 | Malibu Mule | Malibu Coconut Rum, Ginger Beer, Lime Juice, Ice, Lime Slice (for garnish) |
| 8 | Malibu Sunrise | Malibu Coconut Rum, Orange Juice, Grenadine, Ice, Orange Slice and Cherry (for garnish) |
| 9 | Malibu Margarita | Malibu Coconut Rum, Tequila, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Ice, Salt (for rim), Lime Slice (for garnish) |
| 10 | Malibu Fizz | Malibu Coconut Rum, Soda Water, Pineapple Juice, Ice |
Conclusion
Sometimes, I fancy something tropical but don’t want the fanciness of a full-on cocktail. Thankfully, Malibu is a versatile spirit, and there are so many things to mix with Malibu that pair beautifully with this white coconut rum.
Also, don’t forget there are several new flavours of Malibu rum to discover for some creative Malibu rum drinks, reviewed in my article: 5 Malibu Rum Flavours: Beach, BBQ & Beyond.
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic such as cola or pineapple juice or a bit more adventurous like ginger ale or even chocolate milk, any of these best mixers for Malibu are super-simple to put together and sure to go down a treat.
References
| pernod-ricard.com/en/brands/malibu |
| wikipedia.org/wiki/Malibu_(rum)# |
| malibudrinks.com/en/products/ |
| malibudrinks.com/en/nutritional-information/ |
Further Reading
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