Tropical Rum Sunset Cocktail

The Tropical Rum Sunset is a dreamy, fruit-forward cocktail that layers luscious coconut and dark rum with tropical juices and a splash of grenadine to create a stunning sunset effect in your glass. With every sip, you’ll taste warm Caribbean vibes, tropical fruit, and just a hint of tart citrus. It’s vacation mode, shaken and poured.

Whether you’re lounging poolside, hosting a backyard luau, or just wishing you were on an island somewhere, this cocktail delivers paradise in every colorful layer.

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz Coconut Rum
  • 1 oz Dark Rum
  • 2 oz Pineapple Juice
  • 1 oz Mango Juice
  • ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • ½ oz Grenadine
  • Ice Cubes

Garnish (Optional):

  • Orange slice
  • Maraschino cherry

Instructions

1. Fill the Shaker

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Add the Spirits & Juices

Add to the shaker:

  • 1½ oz coconut rum
  • 1 oz dark rum
  • 2 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz mango juice
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
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3. Shake It Up

Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled and slightly frothy.

4. Strain

Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.

5. Create the Sunset

Slowly pour ½ oz grenadine along the inside of the glass—it will sink to the bottom and create that beautiful sunset gradient.

6. Garnish & Serve

Top with an orange slice and cherry, and serve immediately with a straw or stir stick.

Notes

  • Use fresh lime juice for a brighter, more balanced finish.
  • Let the grenadine settle before serving to preserve the visual “sunset.”
  • Want it extra tropical? Add a splash of passion fruit or guava juice.
  • For a stronger drink, float an extra ½ oz of dark rum on top before garnishing.

Helpful Tips

  • Chill your glass ahead of time for an extra-refreshing drink.
  • Pour grenadine slowly and close to the inside edge of the glass to control the sunset effect.
  • If you want to batch this drink, multiply the ingredients but add the grenadine per glass to maintain the look.
  • Serve with tropical straws, paper umbrellas, or fresh flowers for maximum vacation vibes.

Conservation and Storage

  • Best served fresh.
  • You can pre-mix everything except the grenadine and store in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  • Shake well before serving and add the grenadine right before pouring.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

  • Mango Juice: Use passion fruit, guava, or peach nectar
  • Coconut Rum: Try spiced rum for a warmer profile
  • Grenadine: Swap for pomegranate syrup or raspberry purée for a twist

Variations

  • Make it a frozen cocktail by blending all ingredients (except grenadine) with crushed ice
  • Top with soda water or ginger beer for a sparkling version
  • Add a float of 151 rum for a tiki-style kick
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in advance for a party?

Yes! Pre-mix the base and store it in a pitcher. Shake or stir individual servings, then add grenadine per glass.

Is it strong?

It’s medium-strength—sweet and fruity with 2.5 oz of rum, balanced by juice and ice.

Can I turn this into a mocktail?

Absolutely! Use coconut water + tropical juice blend, and replace the rum with pineapple soda or non-alcoholic rum alternative.

Conclusion

The Tropical Rum Sunset is your go-to cocktail when you want beauty, balance, and a burst of beach flavor. Whether you’re sipping it by the water or just dreaming of waves, this drink brings sunshine to your glass every time.

Details

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail
  • Category: Cocktails / Tropical
  • Method: Shaken & Layered
  • Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian
  • Keywords: rum sunset cocktail, tropical rum drink, layered cocktail, mango pineapple rum cocktail

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Tall glass (highball or hurricane)
  • Bar spoon or stir stick
  • Citrus juicer
  • Ice cube tray

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~250
  • Sugar: ~18g
  • Carbohydrates: ~21g
  • Alcohol: ~2.5 oz
  • Sodium: ~5mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Print
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Tropical Rum Sunset Cocktail


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz Coconut Rum

  • 1 oz Dark Rum

  • 2 oz Pineapple Juice

  • 1 oz Mango Juice

  • ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice

  • ½ oz Grenadine

  • Ice Cubes

Garnish (Optional):

  • Orange slice

  • Maraschino cherry


Instructions

1. Fill the Shaker

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Add the Spirits & Juices

Add to the shaker:

  • 1½ oz coconut rum

  • 1 oz dark rum

  • 2 oz pineapple juice

  • 1 oz mango juice

  • ½ oz fresh lime juice

3. Shake It Up

Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled and slightly frothy.

4. Strain

Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.

5. Create the Sunset

Slowly pour ½ oz grenadine along the inside of the glass—it will sink to the bottom and create that beautiful sunset gradient.

6. Garnish & Serve

Top with an orange slice and cherry, and serve immediately with a straw or stir stick.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice for a brighter, more balanced finish.

Let the grenadine settle before serving to preserve the visual “sunset.”

Want it extra tropical? Add a splash of passion fruit or guava juice.

For a stronger drink, float an extra ½ oz of dark rum on top before garnishing.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaken & Layered
  • Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired

Keywords: rum sunset cocktail, tropical rum drink, layered cocktail, mango pineapple rum cocktail

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