Malibu Barbie Cocktail Recipe

The cultural zeitgeist as of late is highlighting all things Barbie, which means the more pink, the merrier. Whether you're dressing in pink, incorporating pink decor everywhere you see fit, or even finding new ways to eat and drink pink, the fashion doll's current revival is bigger than ever. While viewing the new "Barbie" movie might be first on your list, it's always fun to expand the many possibilities of adding more Barbie into your life. Tasting Table recipe developer Chanel Murphy-Lowe ran with this idea, creating a Malibu Barbie cocktail recipe you'll want to mix up whenever drinks are on the agenda. 

Murphy-Lowe shares that her inspiration was "to create a tropical and visually appealing pink drink." To do so, she relies on "pineapple juice and cranberry juice to provide a sweet and tangy flavor profile," also nothing that "Malibu rum adds a hint of coconut for a tropical twist." Meanwhile, the pièce de résistance — and Murphy-Lowe's favorite ingredient in the drink — is the hibiscus syrup, which she says "adds a floral and vibrant element to the cocktail." Whether you're looking to infuse your evening with a pop of pink or are in the mood for a fun new drink, this Malibu Barbie cocktail checks the boxes. 

To make this delightfully pink cocktail, you'll need to start by preparing hibiscus syrup with water, sugar, and dried hibiscus flowers. Murphy-Lowe explains that "the hibiscus syrup provides a layer of complexity to the cocktail, elevating it beyond a regular fruity drink." The floral notes, she says, "add depth and a subtle sophistication to the overall flavor profile. It's a unique twist that sets this Barbie cocktail apart from others and makes it memorable." 

Next, pink rimming sugar is a must in order to bedazzle your glass. The rest of the drink consists of pineapple nectar or juice, cranberry juice, Malibu rum, and Sprite for a fizzy touch. If you want to make your cocktail extra special, Murphy-Lowe suggests adding pineapple slices and leaves, as well as Maraschino cherries, as garnishes.

To enhance this drink beyond a mere rum cocktail, a bit of glitz and glitter is in order. Pour a few tablespoons of rimming sugar into a bowl and lightly dampen the rim of 2 cocktail glasses. Then, dip the rims one by one into the sugar in order to coat them in pink. Once the glasses are garnished with sugar, set them aside until you're ready to pour the drinks.

Next, set a small saucepan on the stovetop and add the water, sugar, and dried hibiscus flowers. Then, turn the burner to medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep stirring while you heat the contents for 5 minutes or so until the sugar dissolves. Then, take the saucepan off the stovetop and leave the hibiscus to steep in the syrup until the liquid becomes dark red. At this point, use a strainer to pour the syrup into a separate bowl, leaving the flowers behind. You'll want to set the syrup aside to cool completely before using it for the cocktail to avoid immediately melting the ice.

Next, add pineapple juice, cranberry juice, Malibu rum, and 2 ounces of hibiscus simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. As for the extra syrup, keep it handy to top up your glass or store it in a clean and sealed container in the fridge for later use. "When stored properly, the syrup can last for up to 2-3 weeks," Murphy-Lowe notes.

Fill the rest of the shaker with ice cubes and shake the contents vigorously to combine all the elements together. Next, add some ice to the sugar-rimmed cocktail glasses. Then, strain and distribute the cocktail mixture evenly between the two glasses.

Finish by pouring Sprite into each glass to top it off, then gently stir the contents. Murphy-Lowe clarifies that "the quantity of Sprite needed for 2 drinks can vary based on personal preference. As a general estimate, you can start by adding about 2-3 ounces of Sprite to each cocktail. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of fizziness and taste."

Finally, add 2 pineapple leaves, a slice of pineapple, and a Maraschino cherry to each glass as an extra garnish if desired, which will certainly transform this cocktail from ordinary to Barbie-worthy. "To round out the Barbie cocktail experience, you can serve tropical-themed snacks such as fresh fruit skewers, homemade coconut shrimp, or pineapple salsa with tortilla chips," Murphy-Lowe suggests. We're sure Barbie would approve!