The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions
Buy Now →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
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
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
Tropical Rum Sunset Cocktail
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
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.
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