If could bottle up tropical paradise vibes and serve it in a champagne flute at your next Sunday brunch it would taste just like this cocktail. It’s a fun summer twist on the mimosa but it’s still simple, approachable and great for sharing.
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Meet the Coconut Pineapple Sunrise Mimosa.
This isn’t your average, everyday brunch cocktail. While a classic mimosa is delicious, this tropical upgrade brings layers of vibrant color and a burst of exotic flavor that will instantly transport your guests to the islands. With a stunning layered effect that mimics a beachside sunrise, it’s just as beautiful to look at as it is to drink.
Whether you’re hosting a bridal shower, a summer backyard bash, or just want to elevate your weekend breakfast, this easy 4-ingredient cocktail is guaranteed to be a hit.
Tools and Ingredients You Will Need
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need an expensive home bar setup or a long list of ingredients. Here is everything you will need to assemble:
Equipment:
- Champagne flutes
- A liquid measuring cup or jigger (for accurate ounces)
- A spoon (optional, for pouring the grenadine)
Ingredients:
- Coconut Rum: Brings that distinct, sweet island flavor.
- Pineapple Juice: Opt for 100% pure pineapple juice for the best flavor and color.
- Champagne, Prosecco, or Sparkling Wine: The bubbly backbone of our drink.
- Grenadine: For a beautiful “sunrise” red layer at the bottom.
- Garnish: Fresh pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries (optional)
What is Coconut Rum?
Coconut rum is a sweet, liqueur-like spirit infused with natural or artificial coconut flavors. The most famous brand you’ve likely seen on liquor store shelves is Malibu, but there are plenty of great options available today. It’s a staple in tropical mixology because it pairs beautifully with fruit juices.
Pro-Tip / Alternative: If you want the tropical taste without the extra alcohol percentage, or if you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can substitute coconut rum with a splash of high-quality coconut syrup (like Monin or Torani) mixed into your juice.
What is a Mimosa?
Traditionally, a mimosa is a simple, elegant cocktail consisting of equal parts sparkling wine (usually Champagne) and chilled citrus juice, most commonly orange juice. It was popularized in the 1920s and has since become the most popular brunch drink.
The beauty of the mimosa lies in its versatility. You can swap out the orange juice for any other fruit juice, add a spirit of choice or a syrup for a different flavor and color.
What is Grenadine?
A common misconception is that grenadine is cherry-flavored syrup. In reality, traditional grenadine is made from pomegranate juice reduced with sugar. It is prized in bartending for its deep red color and tart-sweet flavor profile.
Because grenadine is dense and heavy with sugar, it sinks straight to the bottom of the glass when poured. This weight difference is what creates the beautiful gradient, layered “sunrise” look in our mimosa.
Should I Use Champagne, Prosecco, or Sparkling Wine?
When standing in the wine aisle, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose the best bubbly for your budget and palate:
- Champagne: True Champagne comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France. It tends to be dry, crisp, and has complex notes of brioche and almond. While delicious, it can be an expensive option for mixing with juices and rum.
- Prosecco: This Italian sparkling wine is generally a bit sweeter and fruitier than Champagne. Because it naturally carries notes of green apple and pear, Prosecco is our top recommendation for this tropical mimosa. Plus, it’s usually very affordable.
- Sparkling Wine: Any dry (labeled “Brut”) sparkling wine from California, Spain (Cava), or elsewhere will work well. Just avoid anything labeled “Extra Dry” or “Demi-Sec” unless you prefer a very sweet cocktail.
The Mocktail Version (Non-Alcoholic)
No one should have to miss out on the fun! You can easily adapt this recipe into a stunning mocktail that looks exactly like the original.
- The Rum Swap: Instead of 1 oz of coconut rum, use ½ oz of coconut syrup.
- The Bubbly Swap: Instead of champagne, use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, plain club soda, or a flavored sparkling seltzer (pineapple or coconut flavors work best for this one).
- The Assembly: Fill the glass halfway with pineapple juice and your coconut syrup, top it off with your sparkling seltzer, and drop the ½ oz of grenadine down the side to create the sunrise effect.
Pro Tipes
- Keep it Chilled: Ensure your pineapple juice and sparkling wine are thoroughly chilled before making this drink. Do not add ice to a champagne flute.
- Do Not Stir: If you stir the drink after adding the grenadine, you will lose the beautiful layered “sunrise” effect! Let your guests look at the layers first, they will mix naturally as they sip.
Coconut Pineapple Sunrise Mimosa
Ingredients
- 1 oz coconut rum
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 3 oz champagne or prosecco chilled
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- 1 pineapple wedge for garnish
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the coconut rum and pineapple juice into a champagne flute.
- Top the glass with the chilled champagne or prosecco, leaving a little room at the top.
- Gently pour the grenadine down the inside edge of the glass. It will sink to the bottom to create the sunrise layer.
- Garnish the rim of the glass with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.
Get 40 fresh seasonal cocktail recipes in my new book, Sips of the Seasons. With recipes for holidays and hosting.
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