Average
Tropical, Fruity & Sweet
4 Minutes
Highball Glass
Ingredients
The Malibu Sea Breeze is a tropical twist on a classic Sea Breeze cocktail that swaps vodka for Malibu and grapefruit juice for pineapple juice.
It’s the kind of easy cocktail that looks impressive but takes almost no effort. Smooth coconut, sweet-tart cranberry, and sweet-tangy pineapple – three simple ingredients that somehow taste like they were made for each other.
Serve the Malibu Sea Breeze any time the sun is shining and it’s sure to be a hit. Welcome to your new favorite easy summer drink!
How to Make a MALIBU Sea Breeze Cocktail
Bar tools you’ll need
Jigger
Knife
Blender
Bar Spoon
How to Mix
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Grab a highball glass and fill it to the top with crushed ice.
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Use a jigger (or measuring instrument) to measure and pour Malibu directly over the ice.
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Measure and add Cranberry Juice.
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Measure and add fresh Pineapple Juice – best made using a blender or juicer for the best result. Not sure how? Check out our FAQ below.
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Stir gently with a bar spoon, just enough to combine the ingredients without melting the ice.
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Garnish with a Lime Wedge.
All About the Malibu Sea Breeze
The Malibu Seabreeze is a tropical twist on the classic Sea Breeze cocktail. Swap out the traditional vodka for Malibu – the number one white rum-based coconut spirit in the world – add cranberry juice and swap grapefruit juice for pineapple juice, and you’ve got a breezy, fruit-forward drink that’s easy to make and delicious to sip.
The coconut notes from Malibu lead the way, followed by the tartness of cranberry juice and the sweet, tangy finish of fresh pineapple that keeps things balanced. It’s sweet but not cloying, tropical but not over the top – the kind of easy cocktail you’ll want to make again and again.
The original Sea Breeze has been a cocktail staple since the 1920s, originating in the U.S. as a variation of the Cape Codder (aka Cape Cod).
This Malibu twist is believed to have come about in the 1980s as the popularity of Malibu exploded in popularity through the 80s and 90s. The Malibu Sea Breeze is sunnier, more tropical take on a timeless classic that never really went out of style.
- Fresh pineapple juice
Fresh pineapple juice makes a noticeable difference. Canned or bottled works, but fresh takes it to another level. If you have a juicer, use that for the best results. Otherwise, a blender works well too. Check out this article on how to juice fruits for cocktails. - Use crushed ice
We recommend using crushed ice instead of ice cubes for a Malibu Sea Breeze. Why? It chills the drink faster and gives it that authentic tropical look and feel. Crushed ice is the best when you’re sipping a drink like this in summer. - Balance is everything
Adjust your cranberry-to-pineapple ratio to taste. Add more cranberry juice for tartness, more pineapple juice for sweetness and tanginess. - Chill your glass.
Pop your glassware in the freezer for about 30 minutes before pouring. Small move, big payoff.
- Sea Breeze
It’s only fair when talking about the Malibu Sea Breeze that you give credit to the original. The original Sea Breeze, made with vodka, cranberry, and fresh grapefruit juice, is a timeless classic. The Malibu version simply takes that winning formula and gives it a sun-soaked, tropical twist. Check out the recipe for a Sea Breeze. - Frozen Malibu Sea Breeze
Follow the recipe on this page but blend everything with ice for a slushy, easy-to-make upgrade. - Sparkling Malibu Sea Breeze
Top with soda water or prosecco to add an effervescence and crisp finish. Perfect for the summertime. - Virgin Sea Breeze
Skip the Malibu and use coconut water instead. Take my words, it’s one of the best tropical mocktails around.
- Serve the Malibu Sea Breeze over crushed ice in a highball glass for the classic look.
- A lime wedge on the rim is the perfect finishing touch – simple, sharp, and it ties the tropical flavors together beautifully.
- Perch a wedge of fresh pineapple on the rim to really push those 80s tropical vibes.
- For summer parties and large gatherings, batch it up in a large pitcher and let guests pour their own – it looks great on any table.To batch it up, simply multiply your ingredients by the number of servings you need and combine everything in a large pitcher. Give it a good stir, keep it chilled, and let guests pour over crushed ice when ready to serve.
Malibu Sea Breeze FAQ
A Malibu Sea Breeze is made with Malibu, cranberry juice and pineapple juice.
A Malibu Sea Breeze consists of Malibu, cranberry juice and pineapple juice, while a classic Sea Breeze is made with vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice.
We’re so glad you asked! Fresh pineapple juice, as opposed to supermarket bottled stuff, will definitely result in a better tasting drink.
Here’s how to make pineapple juice at home with a blender:
- Lay a ripe pineapple on its side and slice off the top and bottom with a sharp knife, then stand it upright and slice off the skin from top to bottom, cutting deep enough to remove the eyes.
- Cut the pineapple into quarters lengthways and slice out the tough core from each piece.
- Chop the remaining flesh into rough chunks and add them to a blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth – around 30 to 60 seconds should do it.
- Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or sieve into a jug or container. Use a large spoon push down on the pulp to extract as much juice as possible.
- Your fresh pineapple juice is ready to use. Pop it in the fridge until ready to use.
