Name: Electric Beach Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 oz coconut rum; 1 oz pineapple juice; 1 oz orange juice; ½ oz Blue Curaçao; Splash of grenadine; Ice cubes; Pineapple slice; Maraschino cherry (optional but iconic)

The Electric Beach cocktail is more than a beverage—it’s a vibrant celebration of tropical escape captured in a glass. With its eye-catching layers of blue, orange, and red, it brings the spirit of an island sunset to any occasion. Blending the smoothness of coconut rum with juicy citrus notes and a hint of pineapple sweetness, this cocktail offers an electrifying burst of flavor that will transport you to sun-kissed shores and sandy toes. Whether you’re planning a beach party, a summer-themed soirée, or just want to sip something that feels like a mini vacation, Electric Beach is the ultimate tropical treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tropical Vibes All the Way

If you’re yearning for sandy shores, sunshine on your skin, and the sound of crashing waves, the Electric Beach cocktail delivers that vacation feeling straight to your glass. Every ingredient is chosen to evoke that tropical escape—from the rich, mellow sweetness of coconut rum to the bright burst of citrus from pineapple and orange juice. It’s like sipping a beach day, no travel required.

Gorgeous, Gradient Aesthetic

One of the first things you’ll notice about this cocktail—before the first sip even hits your lips—is how stunning it looks. The vibrant hues layer beautifully, transitioning from a golden, citrusy orange to a deep, oceanic blue thanks to the Blue Curaçao. A gentle splash of grenadine settles at the bottom, creating a glowing pink-to-red sunset effect. It’s a drink that’s not just delicious but also an instant eye-catcher—ideal for Instagram-worthy moments, party presentations, or just making your solo happy hour feel extra special.

Refreshing and Fruity

This cocktail is delightfully fruity without being overpoweringly sweet. The tropical trio of juices—orange, pineapple, and a touch of lime (if you like)—combine with the coconut rum and Blue Curaçao for a bright, zingy flavor that stays balanced. It’s refreshing, crisp, and perfect for sipping slowly on a warm evening. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or dancing under the stars, this drink delivers pure liquid sunshine.

No Fancy Tools Needed

You don’t need to be a professional bartender or stock a full bar to pull off this tropical masterpiece. A simple shaker (or even a mason jar), some ice, and a basic cocktail glass will do the trick. Layering the drink might look impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy to achieve—no special skills required. Even if you’re a total cocktail newbie, you’ll nail this recipe with ease.

Customizable and Fun

One of the best things about the Electric Beach is how adaptable it is. Want a sweeter flavor? Add a little extra grenadine or a touch of coconut cream. Want more of a kick? Increase the coconut rum or float a splash of dark rum on top. Prefer your cocktails frozen? Blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a tropical slushie. You can easily turn this drink into a mocktail too by using coconut water, juices, and a splash of non-alcoholic blue syrup. The possibilities are endless—and always delicious.

Ingredients

For 1 Serving:

1 oz coconut rum
1 oz pineapple juice
1 oz orange juice
½ oz Blue Curaçao
Splash of grenadine
Ice cubes

Garnish

Pineapple slice
Maraschino cherry (optional but iconic)

Preparation

Step 1: Fill the Glass with Ice
Start by filling a tall glass (like a hurricane or highball glass) with ice cubes. This will help keep the drink cold and support the beautiful layering effect.

Step 2: Shake Up the Juices and Rum
In a cocktail shaker, combine the coconut rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice. Shake briefly to mix and chill.

Step 3: Pour Over Ice
Pour the juice-rum mixture gently over the ice in the glass.

Step 4: Add the Blue Curaçao
Slowly pour the Blue Curaçao over the back of a spoon or directly into the glass. It should settle between the orange layer and the grenadine (to come later), creating a beautiful layered gradient.

Step 5: Splash of Grenadine
Next, gently pour a splash of grenadine into the glass. Since grenadine is denser, it will sink to the bottom, creating that electric, sunset-like effect.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top the drink with a fresh pineapple slice on the rim and drop in a maraschino cherry for that extra tropical touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the view before sipping.

Variation

Frozen Electric Beach
Want a slushy version? Blend all the ingredients (except grenadine) with ice. Pour into a glass and drizzle grenadine over the top for a dramatic frozen effect.

Sparkling Electric Beach
Top with soda water or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy lift that lightens the drink and gives it a sparkling personality.

Electric Tequila Beach
Replace the coconut rum with silver tequila for a zesty variation with more bite and a citrusy, agave twist.

Electric Blue Lemonade
Swap orange juice for lemonade and add more Blue Curaçao to create a brighter, tangier version that still delivers those tropical vibes.

Cocktail Note

The trick to getting that perfect layered look is all in the pour. Use the back of a spoon or pour slowly along the side of the glass to maintain separation between layers. Presentation is key here—it’s what gives the drink its “electric” aesthetic. Chill all your ingredients beforehand to avoid too much melting, which can muddy the colors.

Serving Suggestions

Glassware: Serve in a hurricane or highball glass to show off the beautiful gradient.
Occasions: Perfect for summer parties, beach-themed events, poolside lounging, or vacation-style brunches.
Pairings: Goes great with tropical fruit platters, shrimp tacos, or grilled skewers.
Playlist: Add a beachy playlist—think reggae, chill house, or Jack Johnson—for full vibe immersion.

Tips

Use fresh juices for the brightest flavors and clearest layering.
Chill your glass before serving for a crisp, cold presentation.
Don’t stir once layered—you’ll lose the beautiful gradient.
Make it a mocktail by subbing rum and Curaçao for flavored syrups and using soda water.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)

Calories: ~170
Sugar: ~18g
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): ~10–12%
Sodium: ~10mg

FAQs

Can I make Electric Beach in advance?
Yes, you can definitely get a head start by pre-mixing the coconut rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice and storing them in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld and also saves time when serving guests. However, for that signature layered “sunset” look, it’s best to add the Blue Curaçao and grenadine just before serving. This ensures the vivid color separation and visual wow factor remain intact when poured over ice.

What’s a good substitute for Blue Curaçao?
If you’re missing Blue Curaçao, there are a few great alternatives. For a non-alcoholic version, use blue raspberry syrup or a blue-colored tropical drink like Gatorade or Kool-Aid to replicate the hue. For those wanting to retain the orange liqueur flavor, a splash of triple sec mixed with a drop or two of blue food coloring does the trick quite well. It keeps the citrus profile while maintaining that signature electric blue glow.

Can I make it stronger?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to turn up the volume on this beachy sipper, there are a couple of options. You can simply increase the amount of coconut rum, or float a half-ounce of dark rum on top for added depth and strength—this also creates a layered look with a richer, slightly spiced undertone. Just remember, stronger doesn’t mean better for everyone—so taste-test before scaling it up for guests.

Does it have to be layered?
Not at all. While layering gives it that beautiful beach-at-sunset visual effect, stirring everything together still delivers the same delicious flavor. It may not have the eye-catching ombré tones, but it tastes just as tropical and refreshing. Go layered if you want to impress—stirred if you’re going for quick and casual.

What’s the best coconut rum to use?
Malibu is the go-to for many, thanks to its accessibility and sweet, smooth profile. But there are other great options out there if you want a more authentic or nuanced coconut flavor. Look for rums that use real coconut extract instead of artificial flavoring—brands like Kōloa, Sugar Island, or even Parrot Bay offer unique alternatives, depending on your preference for sweetness or strength.

Can I batch this for a party?
Yes, and it’s perfect for entertaining! Simply scale the recipe and mix the coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and Blue Curaçao in a pitcher or drink dispenser ahead of time. Keep it chilled until ready to serve. When pouring into glasses, add a splash of grenadine last to each one for that individual layered “sunset” look, then garnish with pineapple, cherries, or something extra fun. It’s a huge crowd-pleaser!

How can I garnish it creatively?
Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries are classics, but don’t stop there! For a true tropical showstopper, try rimming the glass with colored sugar, adding edible flowers like hibiscus or orchids, or even slipping in a tiny paper umbrella or flamingo stirrer for that beach bar vibe. Want to go the extra mile? Freeze pineapple or citrus juice into ice cubes and let them melt into the drink—flavor and style in one.

Conclusion

The Electric Beach cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s a full-on summer vibe encapsulated in a glass. From its radiant, beachy colors to its crisp citrus burst and lush, creamy tropical undertones, every element is crafted to whisk you away to a carefree paradise. Whether you’re swaying in a hammock beneath the palms, dancing barefoot on the sand, or hosting an upbeat rooftop party at golden hour, this cocktail becomes an experience—visually stunning, refreshingly vibrant, and delightfully smooth. It’s the kind of drink that turns ordinary moments into vacation memories, effortlessly impressive yet simple enough for anyone to make. The layered look offers a visual wow factor that pairs beautifully with the sweet, tangy flavor profile, making it the perfect showstopper at summer gatherings, poolside hangouts, or festive brunches. With every colorful pour and zesty sip, you’ll feel a rush of tropical bliss that recharges your spirit and brings a splash of sunshine to any setting. So grab your glass, unleash your inner beach lover, and let the Electric Beach cocktail light up your senses with its bold, breezy charm and unforgettable glow.

Electric Beach Cocktail

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 5 minutes

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Ingredients

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