malibu rum

BeveragesYear-round. As a manufactured spirit, Malibu rum is produced and distributed continuously without seasonal variation.

Malibu rum contains approximately 90 calories per 1.5 oz serving with no significant protein, fiber, or micronutrients. It is primarily a source of alcohol with added sugars from the coconut flavoring.

About

Malibu rum is a coconut-flavored liqueur produced in Barbados and owned by the Pernod Ricard group. It is a blend of Caribbean white rum infused with fresh coconut extract, resulting in a spirit with an alcohol content of 21% ABV. The product emerged in the 1980s and has become one of the most widely distributed coconut liqueurs globally. Its pale, translucent appearance and smooth, approachable flavor profile—balancing coconut sweetness with subtle rum undertones—make it distinct from traditional aged rums or spiced rum varieties.

Culinary Uses

Malibu rum is employed primarily in mixed drinks and cocktails rather than consumed neat, reflecting its role as a flavoring liqueur. It forms the base of numerous tropical and beach-themed cocktails, notably the Piña Colada when combined with coconut cream and pineapple juice, and the Blue Hawaiian with blue curaçao and pineapple juice. Beyond beverages, it serves in dessert preparations, marinades for pork and seafood, and as a flavoring component in baked goods and frozen desserts. The liqueur's approachable sweetness and coconut character make it popular in casual entertaining and resort-style drink culture.

Forms & Preparations

  • Bottled spirit (standard) — The original liquid form at 21% ABV, ready for direct consumption or mixing; widely available in 750 mL and 1 L formats.
  • Bottled spirit (flavored variants) — Extended product line including Malibu Pineapple, Malibu Mango, and other tropical fruit infusions with similar alcohol content.
  • Mixed cocktail preparations — Pre-mixed bottled cocktails containing Malibu rum blended with juices or other ingredients, requiring minimal preparation.

Substitutes

  • Unknown — Direct functional substitute with similar coconut flavor and alcohol content; use in equal ratio, though flavor intensity may vary slightly by brand.
  • Unknown — Combine equal parts white rum and coconut extract or fresh coconut cream to approximate Malibu's flavor profile; adjust proportions to taste.
  • Unknown — Higher sweetness and richer texture; use at 75% of the specified amount to avoid oversweetening cocktails.
  • Unknown — Blend homemade toasted coconut syrup with white rum for a fresher flavor; useful in gastronomy applications and desserts.

Used In

Recipes Using malibu rum (4)

RCI-BV.005.0005.001

Almond Joy

Contributed by [http://www.thebartendingschool.net/ The Bartending School]

RCI-BR.003.0138.001

Coco Loco Banana Daiquiri Bread

A moist, luscious banana bread with a touch of coconutty Malibu rum and a sprinkling of shredded coconut within! The original recipe is from the Sugar In The Raw website, but I changed it to add the Malibu rum, shredded coconut and allspice.

RCI-BV.004.0153.001

Southern Pink Flamingo

Contributed by [http://www.thebartendingschool.net/ The Bartending School]

RCI-BV.004.0162.001

Staten Island Ferry

Staten Island Ferry from the Recidemia collection