Malibu Barbie Cocktail Recipe

Malibu Barbie Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:16g

Alcohol %:12%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Malibu Barbie is a fun and fruity cocktail that originated in the beach bars of Malibu, California. It's a favorite among those who enjoy tropical flavors and a hint of coconut. It's perfect for those who like their drinks sweet and refreshing. The Malibu Barbie is often associated with summer parties and beach vacations, making it a popular choice for those looking to bring a bit of sunshine into their lives.

  • Origin: Malibu, California
  • Ideal for: Summer parties, beach vacations

How Malibu Barbie Tastes?

The Malibu Barbie cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet and tropical flavors. The coconut rum adds a creamy sweetness, while the pineapple juice brings a tangy freshness. The cranberry juice adds a tart edge, balancing out the sweetness and adding depth to the cocktail. Overall, it's a light, refreshing, and fruity cocktail with a hint of coconut.

Interesting facts about Malibu Barbie

  • The Malibu Barbie is named after the popular Barbie doll, reflecting its fun and playful nature.
  • Despite its sweet taste, the Malibu Barbie can be quite strong due to the presence of coconut rum.
  • The cocktail is often served in a highball glass, garnished with a slice of pineapple or a cherry.

Ingredients

Coconut Rum

The 1.5 oz of coconut rum gives the 'Malibu Barbie' its signature tropical flair. Its sweet and nutty flavor provides a beachy backbone that makes us fantasize about sandy toes and sunscreen. Too much and you might feel like you’re drinking sunscreen; too little and the coconut becomes a whisper, lost in the sea of other flavors. Alternatives could include white rum for a less coconut-forward profile, or spiced rum to add some complexity.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

At 2 oz, pineapple juice is the life of the party here, bringing vibrant acidity and lush sweetness. It’s like the friend who ensures everyone’s glass is full and the vibes are high. Without it, the drink falls flat—and not just metaphorically, as pineapple juice adds a nice frothiness when shaken. An alternative could be mango juice which would make the drink sweeter and less tart.

Alex Green

Cranberry Juice

And then there's the 1 oz of cranberry juice, the subtle blush on Barbie's cheeks. It cuts through the sweetness with a hint of tartness and a rosy hue. Too much might turn the affair into a cranberry bog, and too little could be mistaken for a sunburn rather than a tan. If cranberry isn’t your jam, try pomegranate juice for a deeper sweetness and a richer color.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Malibu Barbie Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour the coconut rum over the ice.
  3. Add the pineapple juice and cranberry juice.
  4. Stir well to combine.
  5. Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh pineapple juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the ingredients beforehand for a colder cocktail.
  • Don't overdo the cranberry juice as it can overpower the other flavors.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The sweet and tropical notes of the 'Malibu Barbie' cocktail complement the smoky and slightly charred flavors of grilled shrimp.
  • Fruit Platter: A mix of tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and kiwi can harmonize with the fruity elements of the drink.
  • Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses, such as brie, mozzarella, or a mild cheddar, can offer a creamy contrast to the cocktail's refreshing taste.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken Salad: The light and zesty flavors of a grilled chicken salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette will pair nicely with the coconut and pineapple notes.
  • Fish Tacos: The citrusy and sweet profile of the cocktail can cut through the richness of fish tacos, especially when topped with a tangy slaw.

Desserts

  • Coconut Cream Pie: Enhance the coconut theme with a slice of silky coconut cream pie, matching the cocktail's creamy sweetness.
  • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: The caramelized pineapple in the cake echoes the pineapple juice in the 'Malibu Barbie'.

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What you could change in Malibu Barbie

  • Coconut Rum: Can be substituted with regular white rum and a splash of coconut milk for a less sweet version.
  • Pineapple Juice: Can be substituted with orange juice for a different tropical flavor.
  • Cranberry Juice: Can be substituted with pomegranate juice for a slightly sweeter and more tart flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Malibu Sunset

  • Replace cranberry juice with orange juice and a splash of grenadine.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe but use orange juice instead of cranberry and finish with a grenadine drizzle. It should create a sunset effect in the glass.
  • Flavor: This twist will have a sweeter and slightly less tart taste, with the grenadine adding a honey-like sweetness and a captivating gradient of color.

Barbies's Frozen Colada

  • Freeze the pineapple juice in cubes and blend with the rum and cranberry juice.
  • Recipe: Blend frozen pineapple juice cubes with coconut rum and cranberry juice until smooth.
  • Flavor: This will result in a frozen, slushy texture that's perfect for hot summer days, with bolder pineapple and coconut flavors.

Tropical Spice

  • Add a dash of cinnamon and cardamom with a splash of coconut milk.
  • Recipe: Prepare the original cocktail adding a pinch of ground cinnamon and cardamom, top with a splash of coconut milk and shake it well.
  • Flavor: The spices will add a warm, aromatic complexity to the drink, while the coconut milk makes it creamier and even more indulgent.

In case you forgot basics how to make Malibu Barbie

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Malibu Barbie

Is the Malibu Barbie cocktail suitable for vegan individuals?

Yes, the Malibu Barbie cocktail is suitable for vegans as it doesn't contain any animal products.

Can I use flavored rum instead of coconut rum?

Yes, you can, but remember, it could alter the cocktail's original taste.

Is it possible to make a non-alcoholic version of the Malibu Barbie?

Yes, you could substitute the coconut rum with coconut water or other non-alcoholic alternatives to replicate the flavors.

What other garnishes can I use?

Along with pineapple slice and cherry, you can also use a sprig of mint or any other fruit per your liking.

Does the type of ice (crushed, cubes, etc.) I use impact the taste of the cocktail?

The type of ice you use can impact how quickly your drink dilutes. For Malibu Barbie, cubes would be recommended to keep the drink cool without diluting it too quickly.

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