Name: Coconut Rum Sunrise
Prep time: 4 min
Ingredients: 2 oz Coconut rum; 2 oz cream of coconut; 3 oz orange juice; 1 oz grenadine syrup; Garnishes: orange slice and maraschino cherry

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The Coconut Rum Sunrise cocktail is a tropical twist on the classic tequila sunrise, delivering creamy coconut flavor with a vibrant, layered presentation. Cream of coconut adds a rich, silky base, blending smoothly with Malibu coconut rum and the bright citrus notes of orange juice. A splash of grenadine syrup sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating the iconic “sunrise” effect with a burst of sweet red hue. Served over crushed ice and garnished with a fresh orange slice and maraschino cherry, this cocktail is a visual and flavorful escape to paradise—perfect for beach days, brunches, or sunset happy hours.

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Tasting Notes

The Coconut Rum Sunrise cocktail is a creamy, tropical twist on the beloved Tequila Sunrise, offering layers of sweet citrus and rich coconut flavor. Cream of coconut delivers a velvety texture and indulgent sweetness, while Malibu coconut rum brings signature beachside flair. Orange juice adds fresh brightness, and a slow pour of grenadine creates a gorgeous sunrise gradient. Garnished with a fresh orange slice and maraschino cherry, this cocktail tastes like a beach vacation in a glass—sweet, smooth, fruity, and refreshing with every sip.

Equipment and Glassware

To build this Coconut Rum Sunrise cocktail, you’ll need a jigger to measure each ingredient precisely. A cocktail shaker is helpful for blending the cream of coconut, orange juice, and rum, ensuring a smooth, even texture. A bar spoon will help layer the grenadine for that signature sunrise effect. Serve it in a hurricane glass or tall highball glass filled with crushed ice to show off the drink’s color gradient. Use a garnish pick to skewer a maraschino cherry, or slice a fresh orange wheel for a tropical finishing touch.

Ingredients

2 oz Coconut rum
2 oz cream of coconut
3 oz orange juice
1 oz grenadine syrup
Garnishes: orange slice and maraschino cherry

Instructions

Build: In a glass filled with crushed ice, add cream of coconut, coconut rum, and orange juice. Stir to combine.
Layer: Slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon to create a sunrise effect.
Garnish: Top with a fresh orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Pro Tips

Use chilled ingredients to keep the crushed ice from melting too quickly and diluting the drink.
Shake the cream of coconut thoroughly before use to prevent separation—brands like Coco Lopez or Real Cream of Coconut offer consistent texture.
Pour grenadine slowly for the best layering effect.
Want it less sweet? Use fresh-squeezed orange juice and a lighter hand with the grenadine.
For an extra tropical flair, rim the glass with toasted coconut flakes or add a splash of pineapple juice to the mix.

When to Serve

The Coconut Rum Sunrise Cocktail is perfect for summer brunches, beach parties, tropical-themed gatherings, or poolside lounging. Its eye-catching gradient and creamy, fruity flavor make it ideal for celebrations like birthdays, bridal showers, or cocktail hour before a luau-style dinner. It’s also a hit at brunch or as a festive welcome drink at summer barbecues. With its tropical vibe and sunset look, it brings a dose of vacation energy to any occasion.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

For coconut rum, Malibu is the go-to for its sweet, mellow tropical flavor.
Use Coco Lopez or Real brand cream of coconut for smooth texture and consistent sweetness.
Choose fresh-squeezed orange juice for a brighter, more natural citrus note, and Rose’s Grenadine or Liber & Co. for rich, deep color and flavor.
Fresh navel oranges and maraschino cherries complete the garnish and give this cocktail its signature island-inspired flair.

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