Paul Kushner
The Mango Sunset Cocktail is a tropical, fruit-forward drink that’s as pretty as it is refreshing. It combines sweet mango juice with citrusy lime and a splash of grenadine to create a layered “sunset” effect in the glass. Often made with rum or vodka, it’s smooth, juicy, and just the right amount of sweet. The grenadine slowly sinks to the bottom, giving the drink its signature look. It’s a great choice for summer get-togethers, beach vibes, or any time you want something colorful and easy to sip. Garnish with a slice of mango or a cherry to finish it off.
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Tasting Notes
The Mango Sunset Cocktail delivers a juicy, tropical experience with every sip. Creamy mango purée brings ripe, sun-drenched sweetness, while orange and lime juices provide a bright citrus punch. White rum adds a smooth kick without overpowering the fruit-forward flavors. A drizzle of grenadine finishes the drink with a dramatic visual and a subtle berry-like sweetness, creating the perfect “sunset” gradient. This cocktail is luscious, tangy, and slightly sweet with a tropical heart and vibrant color—ideal for summertime vibes, beach-themed parties, or whenever you crave a liquid golden hour in a glass.
Equipment and Glassware
To make this cocktail, you’ll need a shaker to combine and chill the ingredients, and a jigger for accurate measuring. A bar spoon or back of a spoon is essential for layering the grenadine without disrupting the drink’s golden gradient. A fine mesh strainer ensures a silky texture, especially if your mango purée contains pulp. Serve in a hurricane glass, stemless wine glass, or highball glass to showcase the layered effect. Garnish options like a lime wheel or mango slice enhance presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 oz mango purée
- 1 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 0.5 oz grenadine
- Optional garnish: mango slice or orange wheel
Instructions
- Shake: Add mango purée, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and white rum to a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled.
- Strain: Pour into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Layer: Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom.
- Garnish: Add a slice of mango or orange to the rim, if desired.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe, fresh mango purée or high-quality frozen mango blended smooth for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill all ingredients ahead of time to reduce dilution.
- For a stronger citrus pop, substitute fresh-squeezed orange juice.
- If layering the grenadine, pour it gently over the back of a spoon so it sinks gracefully.
- Want to add fizz? Top with a splash of soda water.
- For extra flair, rim the glass with chili salt or garnish with a mango flower twist for tropical elegance.
When to Serve
The Mango Sunset Cocktail is ideal for summer gatherings, tropical-themed parties, sunset happy hours, and beach vacations. Its bright flavor and beautiful gradient make it a perfect fit for Instagram-worthy moments, brunch menus, and cocktail receptions. Serve it as a signature drink at weddings or events with a vibrant color scheme. This is a feel-good, crowd-pleasing cocktail made for sipping slowly as the sun goes down.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Choose a crisp, smooth white rum like Bacardí Superior, Don Q Cristal, or Flor de Caña Extra Dry for a clean finish.
- Use fresh mango purée or high-quality bottled versions from brands like Perfect Purée or Monin.
- For grenadine, go with Liber & Co., Stirrings, or homemade for a deeper pomegranate flavor.
- Always opt for fresh lime juice and cold-pressed orange juice to brighten and balance the drink.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz mango purée
- 1 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 0.5 oz grenadine
- Optional garnish: mango slice or orange wheel
Instructions
- Shake: Add mango purée, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and white rum to a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled.
- Strain: Pour into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Layer: Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom.
- Garnish: Add a slice of mango or orange to the rim, if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a smoother texture, strain the mango purée before mixing.
- Use crushed ice for a more dramatic gradient effect.
- Don’t stir after adding grenadine if you want to preserve the layered look.
