Ingredients
- 1 oz Coconut Rum
- .5 oz Almond Liqueur
- 3 oz Cranberry Juice
- 3 oz Apple Juice
Instructions
Fill Glass with Ice:
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
Add Coconut Rum:
- Pour 1 oz of coconut rum over the ice.
Add Almond Liqueur:
- Add 0.5 oz of almond liqueur to the glass.
Add Cranberry Juice:
- Pour in 3 oz of cranberry juice.
Add Apple Juice:
- Top off the drink with 3 oz of apple juice.
Stir:
- Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This tropical concoction is a child of the late 20th century, likely born in American bars or resorts during the 1980s or 90s. Its name hints at a fusion, but its roots are firmly planted in the era of popular bottled liqueurs and sweet, easy-drinking cocktails. Think poolside bars and cruise ship menus.
The Malibu Italian Surfer is essentially a sweetened highball, a cousin to drinks like the Pina Colada or the Amaretto Sour. What sets it apart is the specific trifecta of coconut rum, almond liqueur, and pineapple. It is not a classic in the historical sense, but a popular modern invention built for broad appeal.
You would typically find or serve this drink in casual, relaxed settings. Picture beach bars, backyard barbecues, or any spot where the vibe is chill and the sun is shining. It is a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy sweeter, fruit-forward cocktails and want something straightforward.
What it tastes like
Expect a wave of tropical sweetness. The Malibu brings a distinct coconut flavor, light and sugary. Amaretto layers in a nutty, sweet almond note, which blends surprisingly well with the coconut. Pineapple juice rounds it out with a bright, tangy sweetness, making the whole thing taste like a dessert you can drink.
This drink typically lands in the 9-10% ABV range, depending on your pour. To put that in perspective, a single Malibu Italian Surfer has a bit less pure alcohol than a standard 12-ounce, 5% ABV beer. However, it is usually served in a smaller glass and goes down much faster, so sip accordingly.
The technique
Building this drink is about as simple as it gets. Grab a highball or Collins glass, add ice, then pour in your Malibu, Amaretto, and pineapple juice. Give it a quick stir to combine everything. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or a cherry if you are feeling fancy. No shaker, no strainers, just pour and serve.
The one technique tip that matters most here is balance. Do not drown the liqueurs in too much pineapple juice. You want the coconut and almond notes to come through, not just taste like a sugary juice box. A quick taste test before serving can prevent an overly diluted drink.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Malibu Coconut Rum
- Use
- The original Malibu Coconut Rum is the standard. Its specific sweetness and light coconut flavor are key.
- Skip
- Avoid other flavored rums or plain white rum unless you are aiming for a different drink. Malibu is a liqueur, not just rum.
- Why
- Malibu provides the foundational coconut sweetness and a lower proof that makes this drink so approachable and easy to sip.
Amaretto
- Use
- Brands like Disaronno, Lazzaroni, or Luxardo work well. Any decent quality amaretto will do the trick.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with almond extract directly, it is too concentrated and lacks the sweetness and body of the liqueur.
- Why
- Amaretto contributes a crucial sweet, nutty almond note that gives the "Italian" part of the drink its character and depth.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Italian Surfer
- The non-Malibu version
- Swap the Malibu for a light or gold rum to keep the tropical vibe but reduce the overt coconut flavor, letting the amaretto shine more.
Pina Colada
- The classic coconut and pineapple
- While similar in flavor profile, a Pina Colada adds cream of coconut and is typically blended, offering a richer, thicker texture.
Amaretto Sour
- Focus on the almond
- This variation highlights the Amaretto, pairing it with lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup, often with an egg white for texture.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a combination of white rum and a splash of coconut cream or coconut syrup to replicate the flavor and texture.
A tiny dash of almond extract with some simple syrup can mimic the almond flavor, but it will lack the liqueur's body and sweetness.
Orange juice or passion fruit juice can offer a different but still tropical and sweet profile.
A standard tumbler or any tall glass will work just fine. Presentation is secondary to taste here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Malibu Italian Surfer?
A Malibu Italian Surfer typically contains Malibu Coconut Rum, Amaretto liqueur, and pineapple juice.
Is the Malibu Italian Surfer a strong drink?
It is moderately strong, usually around 9-10% ABV, making it less potent than a standard 12-ounce beer but still very easy to drink.
Is the Malibu Italian Surfer a sweet drink?
Yes, it is definitely on the sweeter side, thanks to the coconut rum, amaretto, and pineapple juice.
What kind of rum is Malibu?
Malibu is a coconut-flavored rum liqueur, meaning it is a spirit with added sugar and flavoring, and usually a lower alcohol content than traditional rum.
Can I make a Malibu Italian Surfer less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can slightly decrease the amount of pineapple juice or add a small squeeze of lime juice for balance.
What does Amaretto taste like?
Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur with a distinct almond flavor, often with hints of vanilla and other nuts.
Is the Malibu Italian Surfer a tiki drink?
While it shares tropical flavors, it is not a traditional tiki drink. It is a more modern, simplified tropical cocktail.
When is the best time to drink a Malibu Italian Surfer?
It is best enjoyed in warm weather, at casual gatherings, by the pool, or whenever you are in the mood for a sweet, tropical escape.
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