It’s sweet, it’s coconut-scented, and a little bit sunscreen scented: yes, it’s Malibu rum! This child of the 1980’s is actually not rum at all, but considered a coconut liqueur. Its sweet aroma was originally invented for making piña colada, but it’s got so many more uses! Use it for mixing up frozen beach drinks, or just to add some pizzazz to a Mojito. Here’s more about this popular liqueur.
What is Malibu rum?
Malibu is a coconut-flavored liqueur made with Caribbean rum. It’s not technically a rum because the alcohol level is low (21% ABV) and it’s made with added sugar. Rum must be 80 proof (40% ABV) to be legally considered rum, and it has no added sugar. Malibu was invented in 1982 as a way for bartenders to simplify making the Piña Colada. It’s now distributed by the Pernod Ricard company and is popular in the US, Canada, UK, Germany and France.
What does Malibu rum taste like?
Malibu tastes sweet, with notes of fruity rum and a finish of coconut and almond. Critiques of the coconut liqueur are that it is too sweet and lacks depth. Keep in mind its flavor profile when building a drink (a little goes a long way!). How much alcohol is in Malibu rum? It is 21% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a mid-range alcohol content that’s similar to liqueurs like Kahlua. Are there any Malibu substitutes? There are several brands of coconut rum on the market, including Capitan Morgan, Bacardi, Cruzcan, and so forth.
Why we like it
Malibu has a coconut essence that adds a bit of fun to any tropical drink! It’s delicious in beachy drinks like the Malibu Sunrise or Bahama Mama. Or just mix it with pineapple juice for a quick and easy, laid-back cocktail.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Malibu rum is low-priced. A 750 ml bottle costs about $15.
Most popular Malibu rum cocktails
There are several popular Malibu rum cocktails, or you can substitute it for rum in classic drinks for a sweet, coconut spin! Go to Top 10 Malibu Drinks for all the best ideas, or try these top cocktails:
More cocktail guides
Need more liquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending: Ingredients: Malibu, dark rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, ice Ingredients: Malibu, pineapple juice, cranberry juice Ingredients: Malibu, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine Ingredients: Malibu, pineapple juice 5 from 1 review
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