Hey there, flavor chaser—thanks for stopping by! If you’re here, you’re probably into drinks that are colorful, tropical, and fun in every way. This little stunner, the Tropical Sunrise Shot, is exactly that.
With sweet coconut rum, vibrant melon liqueur, and tart pineapple juice, this mini cocktail gives you that lush island vibe. A splash of grenadine sinks to the bottom, creating a layered sunrise effect—and the strawberry on top? A perfect fruity finale.
It’s the kind of shot that gets attention at parties and disappears just as quickly. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Shot
- Tropical flavors that transport you straight to the beach
- Layered color effect—like a sunrise in a shot glass
- Fresh strawberry garnish adds visual flair and a sweet touch
- Easy to make, easy to sip, and perfect for any celebration
- Great for beach parties, birthdays, or a flirty pre-dinner shot
What It Tastes Like
This shot is juicy, fruity, and smooth. The coconut rum adds sweetness, the melon liqueur brings a bright pop of flavor, and the pineapple juice adds just the right tang. The grenadine gives it a candy-like finish that settles beautifully at the bottom—like the setting sun in your glass.
Ingredients
- ½ oz Coconut Rum (like Malibu)
- ½ oz Melon Liqueur (like Midori)
- ½ oz Pineapple Juice
- Splash of Grenadine
- Fresh Strawberry (for garnish)
- Ice (for shaking)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Glass
Grab your favorite shot glass and set it aside.
2. Mix the Base
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:
- ½ oz coconut rum
- ½ oz melon liqueur
- ½ oz pineapple juice
Shake well for about 10–15 seconds until nice and cold.
3. Layer the Shot
Strain the chilled mixture into the shot glass.
Carefully pour a splash of grenadine down the side or over the back of a spoon—it will sink and create that signature layered look.
4. Garnish
Top the rim with a fresh strawberry or place one on the side for a tropical finish.
Notes
- Want a bolder green? Add an extra dash of melon liqueur.
- For a larger crowd, multiply and mix the base ingredients in a shaker and strain into multiple shot glasses before adding grenadine individually.
- To keep your grenadine from mixing, pour slowly or use the spoon-layering trick.
Helpful Tips
- Chill your shot glasses beforehand for an extra crisp, refreshing sip.
- Use real pineapple juice for a fresh, tangier flavor—bottled works too but opt for 100% juice.
- Want to turn it into a mini cocktail? Serve it over crushed ice in a rocks glass.
Conservation and Storage
- This shot is best enjoyed immediately after layering.
- You can pre-mix the base (coconut rum, melon liqueur, pineapple juice) in advance and store chilled for up to 24 hours.
- Add grenadine and garnish right before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions
- Melon Liqueur: Swap for green apple schnapps for a sharper flavor
- Coconut Rum: Try banana rum or mango rum for a different tropical twist
- Grenadine: Use raspberry syrup or pomegranate molasses for a deeper flavor
Variations
- Add a splash of soda water on top for a fizzy version
- Layer a small dollop of whipped cream on top for dessert vibes
- Turn it into a mocktail shooter with coconut water, melon syrup, and juice—no booze needed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a batch of these for a party?
Yes! Shake up the base in batches and pour into shot glasses. Add grenadine and garnish each one just before serving.
Will the grenadine always sink?
Yes—it’s denser than the other ingredients, which creates the layered “sunrise” effect.
Can I serve it as a full-size cocktail?
Totally! Just triple the amounts and pour over ice in a rocks or highball glass. Still add grenadine last for that layered effect.
Conclusion
The Tropical Sunrise Shot is fruity, flirty, and full of beachy vibes in a tiny, colorful package. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and even more fun to drink. Whether you’re kicking off a tropical party or just want to feel like you’re on vacation, this layered shot brings sunshine to every sip.
Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 shot
- Category: Shots
- Method: Shaken + Layered
- Cuisine: Tropical / Party
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Keywords: tropical shot, melon liqueur, coconut rum shot, layered shooter, party drinks
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Shot glass
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Bar spoon (for layering)
- Knife (for cutting the strawberry)
Nutrition (Approx. Per Shot)
- Calories: ~95
- Sugar: ~8g
- Carbs: ~10g
- Fat: 0g
- Alcohol: ~1.2 oz
- Sodium: ~5mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Tropical Sunrise Shot: A Juicy Burst of Coconut, Melon
Description
Hey there, flavor chaser—thanks for stopping by! If you’re here, you’re probably into drinks that are colorful, tropical, and fun in every way. This little stunner, the Tropical Sunrise Shot, is exactly that.
Ingredients
-
½ oz Coconut Rum (like Malibu)
-
½ oz Melon Liqueur (like Midori)
-
½ oz Pineapple Juice
-
Splash of Grenadine
-
Fresh Strawberry (for garnish)
-
Ice (for shaking)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Glass
Grab your favorite shot glass and set it aside.
2. Mix the Base
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:
-
½ oz coconut rum
-
½ oz melon liqueur
-
½ oz pineapple juice
Shake well for about 10–15 seconds until nice and cold.
3. Layer the Shot
Strain the chilled mixture into the shot glass.
Carefully pour a splash of grenadine down the side or over the back of a spoon—it will sink and create that signature layered look.
4. Garnish
Top the rim with a fresh strawberry or place one on the side for a tropical finish.
Notes
Want a bolder green? Add an extra dash of melon liqueur.
For a larger crowd, multiply and mix the base ingredients in a shaker and strain into multiple shot glasses before adding grenadine individually.
To keep your grenadine from mixing, pour slowly or use the spoon-layering trick.