The Malibu Relaxer is a tropical cocktail combining the best flavors of coconut, peach, pineapple, and cranberry with a splash of grenadine for a colorful and refreshing drink. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or impress guests at your next summer gathering, this drink is easy to make, visually appealing, and sure to please. In this article, we’ll dive into the perfect Malibu Relaxer drink recipe, step-by-step instructions, community tips, and more!
What is a Malibu Relaxer Drink?
The Malibu Relaxer cocktail is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors that offer the perfect balance between fruity sweetness and subtle alcohol content. Known for its rich combination of coconut rum, peach schnapps, and vibrant fruit juices, it provides a light and refreshing taste that’s ideal for hot summer days or a relaxing evening.
This drink is reminiscent of the classic Malibu Sunset but incorporates peach schnapps for an extra layer of flavor. It’s also referred to by some as a “Panty Dropper” or “Malibu Barbie” because of its tropical feel and ease of drinking. Be careful—its light taste can make it easy to drink more than you realize!
Ingredients for the Malibu Relaxer
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Malibu Relaxer:
Ingredient | Amount |
Malibu coconut rum | 1 oz |
Peach schnapps | 1 oz |
Vodka | 1 oz |
Pineapple juice | 2 oz |
Cranberry juice | 2 oz |
Grenadine | 1 dash |
Orange wedge (optional) | For garnish |
Ice | As needed |
These ingredients are simple, but when combined, they create a complex, layered cocktail that not only tastes great but also looks visually stunning with its sunset-like appearance.
Step-By-Step Instructions: How to Make a Malibu Relaxer Drink
Follow these easy steps to create your own Malibu Relaxer:
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. For the best results, use fresh pineapple juice and high-quality spirits like Malibu Rum and Dekuyper Peach Schnapps.
2. Fill the Glass with Ice
Fill a highball glass or margarita glass with ice cubes. This helps chill the drink and keeps the flavors balanced.
3. Add the Liquors
- Pour 1 oz of Malibu rum, 1 oz of peach schnapps, and 1 oz of vodka into the glass. The combination of these liquors creates a strong, yet smooth, tropical base for your cocktail.
4. Mix in the Juices
- Add 2 oz of pineapple juice and 2 oz of cranberry juice. These juices will soften the alcohol’s bite and contribute to the fruity, tropical flavor of the drink.
5. Add Grenadine for the Sunset Effect
- Slowly pour a dash of grenadine down the side of the glass. The grenadine will sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful layered look that mimics a sunset.
6. Garnish and Serve
- If you like, garnish your Malibu Relaxer with an orange wedge or a maraschino cherry. This adds a festive touch and complements the fruity flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 230 |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Sugars | 22g |
Alcohol | 13g |
Fat | 0g |
Protein | 0g |
While the Malibu Relaxer is a refreshing drink, keep in mind that it contains a moderate number of calories and sugars, mainly from the fruit juices and grenadine.
Community Tips and Praise
Many cocktail enthusiasts and home bartenders rave about the Malibu Relaxer, calling it an easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing drink. Here are some community tips and reviews:
- “Perfect for summer parties!” – Many users recommend serving the Malibu Relaxer at outdoor events or pool parties, noting its tropical taste and attractive appearance.
- “You can easily turn it into a punch.” – If you’re hosting a large gathering, multiply the recipe to make a punch. Just be sure to adjust the alcohol and juices to suit your audience’s preferences.
- “Not too strong, not too sweet.” – This drink strikes the perfect balance for those who prefer something light without an overwhelming alcohol flavor.
Community Suggestions:
- Some suggest adding a splash of soda water for a fizzy twist or substituting coconut water for a lower-calorie, mocktail version of the drink.
- If you want more layers, try adding a slice of lime or experimenting with different fruit juices like orange or grapefruit.
How to Customize Your Malibu Relaxer
One of the best things about the Malibu Relaxer is its flexibility. You can easily customize it based on your preferences:
Add a Twist of Citrus
For a zesty addition, squeeze some fresh lime juice into the mix. The citrus adds brightness to the drink, balancing out the sweetness of the juices and grenadine.
Make It a Mocktail
Want a non-alcoholic version of the Malibu Relaxer? Simply replace the rum with coconut water or pineapple sparkling water for a refreshing, fruity mocktail that everyone can enjoy.
Adjust the Sweetness
If you find the drink too sweet, reduce the amount of grenadine or swap out some of the pineapple juice for sparkling water to create a lighter, more refreshing drink.
FAQs About the Malibu Relaxer Drink
What does the Malibu Relaxer taste like?
The Malibu Relaxer tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass. It’s fruity and sweet, with flavors of coconut, peach, pineapple, and cranberry. The alcohol is present but subtle, making it easy to drink.
Can I make a Malibu Relaxer without alcohol?
Yes! For a mocktail version, swap the rum for coconut water or pineapple sparkling water. This keeps the tropical flavors while eliminating the alcohol.
What type of glass should I use for a Malibu Relaxer?
A highball glass or margarita glass is ideal for this cocktail. You can also use any large glass that showcases the drink’s beautiful layered colors.
Is the Malibu Relaxer a strong drink?
Not really. While it does contain three types of alcohol, the juices and grenadine dilute the strength, making it more of a light and fruity cocktail.
Can I make the Malibu Relaxer in advance?
It’s best to make the drink fresh to preserve the layers, but you can mix the alcohols and juices ahead of time, then add the ice and grenadine just before serving.
Comparisons: Malibu Relaxer vs. Malibu Sunset
Characteristic | Malibu Relaxer | Malibu Sunset |
Base Liquors | Coconut rum, Peach schnapps, Vodka | Coconut rum |
Primary Juices | Pineapple juice, Cranberry juice | Pineapple juice |
Extra Ingredients | Grenadine | Grenadine, sometimes a citrus garnish |
Taste | Fruity, tropical, sweet | Tropical with a more pronounced coconut flavor |
Appearance | Layered, sunset-like colors | Sunset-like layers |
The Malibu Relaxer offers a more complex flavor profile due to the addition of peach schnapps and vodka, while the Malibu Sunset leans more towards coconut and pineapple flavors.
Conclusion: The Perfect Drink for Any Occasion
The Malibu Relaxer is a versatile, delicious cocktail that works for almost any occasion. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a summer BBQ, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, this tropical drink delivers just the right amount of sweetness and refreshment.
By using just a handful of ingredients and following the simple layering technique, you can create an impressive cocktail that will wow your friends and family. Plus, with customizable options like the mocktail version or added citrus, the Malibu Relaxer is sure to become your new favorite drink.
So next time you need a tropical escape, why not mix up a Malibu Relaxer and enjoy your personal paradise, one sip at a time?
Quick Recipe Recap:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Serves: 1
- Calories: 230
- Key Ingredients: Malibu rum, Peach schnapps, Pineapple juice, Cranberry juice, Grenadine
Serve chilled, garnish with an orange wedge, and enjoy responsibly!