The Stunning Rainbow Paradise Rum Cocktail Recipe

How about a refreshing summer cocktail that looks as amazing as it tastes? The Rainbow Paradise Cocktail makes a wildly colorful addition to any party or summer day.

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With Malibu coconut rum, pineapple juice, blue Curaçao and grenadine, it’s a perfect drink for a summer party!

The flavors here are a delicious mix of pineapple and coconut with orange and berry. The layering may look intimidating, but you just have to learn how to layer a cocktail.

And it’s a great choice for a Pride Month cocktail!

Tastes Like Summer

So what does it taste like? Absolutely delicious, but a more specific answer depends on whether guests sip from the top or use a straw, and whether they stir first.

If you sip from the top, your first taste is mostly just the orange of the blue curacao. If you poke a straw down into the glass, you’ll get the berry grenadine flavor first, with hints of coconut, pineapple and orange.

Honestly, I suggest asking guests to stir it right before they drink. Get all those delicious flavors mixed together and ready to enjoy.

And the notes that will hit you this way are coconut followed by pineapple, and then orange and berry competing at the finish.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this drink, so be sure you have these ingredients on hand.

Pineapple Juice

Fresh is generally best, but not if all you can get are sour pineapples. You can use bottled juice or even the juice from a can of pineapple pieces.

Malibu Coconut Rum

This delicious coconut rum should be in every home bar at all times, as far as I’m concerned.

Grenadine Syrup

If you’ve had the bright red syrup from grocery stores and didn’t like it, try a handcrafted small batch bottle.

Blue Curacao

Another home bar staple, this orange liqueur is what gives a blue color to most any cocktail that’s blue or green.

How to Build the Layers

This cocktail makes use of a technique called layering, and we’ve got a post + video on how to layer a cocktail. That’s how you get the red later at the bottom, the yellow in the middle, the blue at the top and sometimes orange and green in between.

The whole trick to layering is to pour very slowly. This drink is a little more forgiving because there’s ice in the glass. And that’s going to hide any imperfections between the layers.

Besides, if the layers blend together a little, it’s just going to create orange and green layers and be even prettier.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Mix pineapple juice and Malibu coconut rum together in a separate cup or glass.

2. Mix the blue curacao and water in a separate cup or glass.

3. Pour in the grenadine into the hurricane glass first, before you even put in the ice. This is because if you put the ice in first, the grenadine will stick to it on the way down.

4. Next put the ice in the glass.

5. Now slowly pour the pineapple juice mixture straight down the middle of the glass. It will float on top of the grenadine, and if it does mix a little, that gives you a beautiful orange layer.

6. Finally, put a spoon against the glass and pour the blue curacao mixture slowly over the back of the spoon so it floats on top of the pineapple juice mixture.

Glassware

The hurricane glass is one that’s always associated with partying. And that makes it perfect for any drink that has this festival look.

It also shows off the layers, wonderfully and has that tiki cocktail look to it.

A tall collins glass will also look fantastic if you prefer it. You can dress up any glass with a cocktail umbrella or edible flowers, too.

Tips for Serving and Enjoying

Presentation makes a difference when serving cocktails like this one. Use a clear hurricane glass or tall collins glass so everyone can see the colorful layers. Add fun garnishes like citrus slices or cocktail umbrellas to make it festive.

When serving, remind guests to stir their drink before sipping if they want all the flavors mixed together. If they prefer tasting each layer separately, they can sip from the top or use a straw at different depths.

This drink is great for outdoor parties, BBQs, pool days, or any time you want something bright and refreshing. It also works well for celebrations like Pride Month because of its rainbow colors.

Pairing Suggestions

If you’re planning to serve this for a party, the Rainbow Paradise Cocktail pairs well with light and fresh foods. Here are some ideas:

• Grilled shrimp or fish tacos
• Tropical fruit salad
• Light chicken dishes with citrus glaze
• Chips with mango salsa or guacamole
• Cheese platters with mild cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack

Because this cocktail is sweet and fruity, avoid heavy or spicy foods that might overpower its delicate flavors.

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