Thoughtfully Cocktails, Mix and Match Mini Sampler Cocktail Mixer Set
Buy Now →Bring golden hour to your glass with the Summer Sunset Cocktail, a fruity, layered rum drink that tastes just like a beachside escape. With white rum, pineapple juice, orange and lime, and a final float of grenadine for that fiery-red sunset swirl, this cocktail is pure summer in a glass.
Whether you’re sipping poolside, mixing drinks for brunch, or hosting a backyard bash, the Summer Sunset sets the mood with its tropical flavor and glowing layers.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh-squeezed citrus juice for a bright, natural flavor that sings.
- Add a few mint leaves or a splash of coconut rum for a twist!
- For extra drama, chill your glasses in the freezer beforehand.
- This cocktail is perfect for sunset selfies—don’t forget to tag it!
Conservation and Storage
- Best served fresh.
- You can pre-mix the rum and juices ahead of time (no ice or grenadine) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Add ice, grenadine, and soda just before serving.
Ingredients
- 4 oz white rum
- 6 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz grenadine
- ½ cup club soda (optional, for extra fizz)
- Ice, for serving
Garnish:
- Orange slices
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the Cocktail
- Fill two tall glasses with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine:
- White rum
- Pineapple juice
- Orange juice
- Lime juice
- Shake well for 15 seconds, until fully chilled.
2️⃣ Pour & Layer
- Strain the mixture evenly into the ice-filled glasses.
- Slowly pour ½ oz grenadine into each glass.
It will sink to the bottom, creating a stunning sunset effect.
3️⃣ Top & Garnish
- If desired, top with club soda for a refreshing sparkle.
- Garnish with orange slices and maraschino cherries for a tropical finishing touch.
Serve immediately and enjoy the beauty and the buzz of your very own liquid sunset.
Notes
- Pour grenadine slowly to get that iconic layered “sunset” look.
- Chill all ingredients ahead of time for the coldest, most refreshing result.
- Want a lighter version? Use half the rum and add more soda or juice.
- Turn it into a mocktail: Skip the rum and use coconut water or lemon-lime soda instead.
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 cocktails
Category: Cocktails / Summer Drinks
Method: Shaken & Layered
Cuisine: Tropical / Caribbean-Inspired
Diet: Gluten-Free
Keywords: summer rum cocktail, layered tropical drink, pineapple orange rum cocktail, sunset drink, fruity beach cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tools
- Two tall glasses (highball or hurricane style)
- Bar spoon (optional for layering)
- Straw
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
Calories: 240
Sugar: 19g
Carbs: 21g
Fat: 0g
Alcohol Content: ~12–14% ABV
Sodium: 10mg
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap white rum for coconut rum or spiced rum for added depth.
- No grenadine? Use raspberry syrup or pomegranate juice concentrate.
- Make it a frozen slushie by blending everything (except grenadine and soda) with crushed ice.
Storage Instructions
- Store pre-mixed base (rum + juices) in a sealed jar in the fridge.
- Shake before using, then add grenadine and soda per glass when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the layers separated?
Chill your base mix and pour grenadine very slowly over the back of a spoon. It’s heavier than the juice, so it’ll sink on its own.
Is this very sweet?
It’s sweet, but the lime juice and soda help keep it balanced and refreshing.
Can I make a pitcher for a party?
Yes! Just scale up the ingredients and pour into individual glasses with grenadine and garnish at serving time.
Conclusion
The Summer Sunset Cocktail is sunshine in a glass—vibrant, refreshing, and tropical to the core. With juicy pineapple, tangy orange and lime, smooth rum, and that signature red swirl of grenadine, it’s a drink that’s both a showstopper and a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for those golden hour vibes, poolside hangs, or just celebrating the season.
More Summer Sippers You’ll Love:
- Blue Hawaiian Swirl
- Frozen Mango Coconut Daiquiri
- Strawberry Rum Lemonade
Made your own sunset? Tag it!
Use #SummerSunsetCocktail on Instagram or Pinterest—I can’t wait to see your beautiful beachy creations!
Summer Sunset Cocktail
Description
Bring golden hour to your glass with the Summer Sunset Cocktail, a fruity, layered rum drink that tastes just like a beachside escape. With white rum, pineapple juice, orange and lime, and a final float of grenadine for that fiery-red sunset swirl, this cocktail is pure summer in a glass.
Ingredients
-
4 oz white rum 🥂
-
6 oz pineapple juice 🍍
-
2 oz fresh orange juice 🍊
-
1 oz fresh lime juice 🍋
-
1 oz grenadine 🍓
-
½ cup club soda (optional, for extra fizz) 🫧
-
Ice, for serving
Garnish:
-
Orange slices 🍊
-
Maraschino cherries 🍒
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the Cocktail
-
Fill two tall glasses with ice.
-
In a cocktail shaker, combine:
-
White rum
-
Pineapple juice
-
Orange juice
-
Lime juice
-
-
Shake well for 15 seconds, until fully chilled.
2️⃣ Pour & Layer
-
Strain the mixture evenly into the ice-filled glasses.
-
Slowly pour ½ oz grenadine into each glass.
It will sink to the bottom, creating a stunning sunset effect.
3️⃣ Top & Garnish
-
If desired, top with club soda for a refreshing sparkle.
-
Garnish with orange slices and maraschino cherries for a tropical finishing touch.
Serve immediately and enjoy the beauty and the buzz of your very own liquid sunset.
Notes
Pour grenadine slowly to get that iconic layered “sunset” look.
Chill all ingredients ahead of time for the coldest, most refreshing result.
Want a lighter version? Use half the rum and add more soda or juice.
Turn it into a mocktail: Skip the rum and use coconut water or lemon-lime soda instead.