Malibu and Pineapple COCKTAIL RECIPE

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Malibu and Pineapple (often called a Malibu Pineapple) is a simple two-ingredient drink that boasts one of the most incredible flavor combinations known to mankind – coconut and pineapple.

Malibu is the number one White Rum-based coconut spirit in the world and when mixed with pineapple, it becomes the epitome of tropical drinks. 

Even though you might associate Malibu and Pineapple with summer, the truth is it’s a great drink all year round.

How To Make a Malibu and Pineapple

What You’ll Need

• Paring Knife
• Blender
• Strainer
• Glass Container (for the Pineapple Juice)
• Highball Glass
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Bar Spoon

How to Mix

1. Cut a Pineapple into chunks by slicing off the ends, peeling the outer layer, slicing it, and coring each slice. Save one Pineapple Wedge for Garnish.
2. Juice the Pineapple by blending the chunks in a Blender and strain the Pineapple Juice into a Glass Container.
3. Add Ice Cubes into a Highball Glass.
4. Measure and pour Malibu Original into the Glass.
5. Top up with freshly juiced Pineapple Juice.
6. Stir the mixture with a Bar Spoon.
7. Garnish by placing a Pineapple Wedge on the side of the Glass together with two Pineapple Leaves.
8. Sip and enjoy!

What is a Malibu and Pineapple Cocktail?

You could say the Malibu and Pineapple is the world’s simplest Piña Colada. It’s an easy-to-make cocktail that mixes Malibu, which is a White Rum-based Coconut spirit, and pineapple juice. Served in a highball glass filled with ice, it’s the ultimate summer drink.

What Does a Malibu and Pineapple Cocktail Taste Like?

Tropical bliss. No, really – it does. It tastes like coconut and pineapple – and there’s simply no other flavor combination that screams tropical than those two.

The History of the Malibu and Pineapple

The exact moment when the Malibu and Pineapple cocktail splashed onto the scene is, unfortunately, lost in the sands of time. However, we do know that Malibu Rum’s origins date back to 1978 when it was originally named Coco Rico. It was later renamed and launched as Malibu in 1980.

Since then, bartenders and cocktail lovers have been shaking things up, creating a wave of popular drinks with Malibu. The Malibu and Pineapple cocktail likely emerged sometime in the ’80s. The rest is history.

Tips for Making the Perfect Malibu and Pineapple

Choose your Juice
Although Bartender A.J.in our video prefers using Pineapple Juice by juicing fresh Pineapple, she suggests using the juice that you like best. “If you like the juice, you’re gonna like the drink”. So, in other words, if there is a store-bought product that you prefer, use that. It’s your drink!

Variations of a Malibu and Pineapple

Frozen Malibu Pineapple
In the video on this page, you’ll see Bartender A.J. makes a frozen version of the Malibu and Pineapple. Of course, you’ll need lots of Ice and a Blender. A Malibu and Pineapple Slushie? Yes please!

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Malibu and Pineapple

Since you’re building the drink in the Glass, we recommend using a Highball Glass, but any Tall Glass will work fine. Got a question about glassware? Learn more about the different types of cocktail glasses.

A.J. recommends garnishing your drink with a Pineapple Chunk and a couple of Pineapple Leaves. But hey, if you’re not using fresh Pineapple for your juice, don’t go out and buy a Pineapple just for the garnish.

A Lime Wedge or Fresh Cherry are two other popular and delicious garnishes for this cocktail.