Malibu Rum and Coconut Rum: What They Are and How to Drink Them

What is Malibu rum?

Malibu is a coconut-flavoured spirit made with Caribbean rum and coconut flavour. It is lighter, sweeter and lower in alcohol than a standard rum, commonly bottled at around 21 percent ABV.

It is widely used in mixed drinks and is one of the best-known coconut rums in the world.

Explore: Shop rum

What is coconut rum?

Coconut rum is rum flavoured with coconut, either by infusing or by adding natural flavours, and usually sweetened. Some are rum liqueurs and some are flavoured rums with a higher alcohol content, so check the label.

The coconut character is creamy and tropical, which makes it a popular base for beach-style cocktails.

How is traditional rum made?

Rum is distilled from sugarcane juice or molasses, fermented and then aged for different lengths of time. White rum is light and clean, golden and dark rums are aged in oak for more flavour, and spiced rum is flavoured with spices and vanilla.

Coconut rum starts from this base and adds flavour. See our guide to white, spiced and dark rum for the main styles.

How do you make a piña colada?

A piña colada blends rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice with ice until smooth. Malibu or another coconut rum adds extra coconut flavour and softens the drink.

Serve it in a tall glass with a wedge of pineapple. Use fresh, cold ingredients for the best texture.

What are the best easy mixers for Malibu?

Pineapple juice is the classic partner, and cranberry juice, orange juice, lime and soda or lemonade also work well. Malibu and cola is another popular casual serve.

Use plenty of ice and a squeeze of fresh lime to balance the sweetness.

How strong is coconut rum?

Malibu is around 21 percent ABV, noticeably lower than a standard rum at 37.5 percent or more. Some other coconut rums are stronger, so check the label.

Even a lighter spirit is alcohol, so measure your serves and drink responsibly.

Which food goes with coconut rum drinks?

Coconut and pineapple drinks match well with grilled prawns, jerk chicken, fish tacos and barbecue. Their sweetness balances spicy and salty dishes.

For a party, serve them with fresh fruit, nuts and light snacks.

How should you store coconut rum?

Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place. Coconut liqueurs keep well when sealed, though flavour can fade over a long time once opened, so use the bottle within a year or so.

Keep it away from heat and direct sunlight.

How do you choose a rum?

Choose coconut rum for sweet, tropical drinks, white rum for mojitos and daiquiris, and dark or spiced rum for sipping and rum and cola. Check the ABV and the size.

See the current bottles in our rum collection. We deliver insured across Australia, and an adult (18+) must sign for every delivery.

What are some easy Malibu serves?

For a quick drink, pour a measure of Malibu over ice and top it with pineapple juice and a squeeze of lime. For a longer drink, use soda water or lemonade, or try Malibu and cola for a casual coconut cola.

Frozen versions blend Malibu with ice, pineapple and a little lime for a slushy summer drink. Taste as you go, because the liqueur is already sweet.

How is Malibu different from spiced rum?

Spiced rum is a stronger spirit flavoured with spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and clove, and it tastes warm and rich. Malibu is lighter, sweeter and tastes of coconut, which makes it a better match for fruit juices and tropical drinks. See our spiced rum collection to compare.

How do you buy online from Doctors of Whisky?

Doctors of Whisky is a Sydney-based online bottle shop. Browse the collection, add bottles to your cart and choose PayID, bank transfer, Bitcoin or USDT at checkout; paying with Bitcoin or USDT takes 12% off.

The minimum order is $300 AUD. Orders of $1,500 AUD or more ship free by express courier, and a flat $75 AUD fee applies below that. Delivery is insured, and an adult (18+) must sign for every parcel.

How can you drink responsibly in Australia?

The Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol, and the label on every bottle shows the number of standard drinks.

Pace yourself, eat before and while you drink, alternate with water, and never drive after drinking. You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol.