This Pineapple Vanilla Rum Cocktail will transport you straight to the Caribbean! It’s perfectly sweet and tropical with rich vanilla undertones and a smooth, creamy finish. A simple, delicious cocktail that tastes just like dessert in a glass!

This Pineapple-Vanilla Breeze Cocktail is like sunshine in a glass! It's deliciously sweet, tropical, and bursting with creamy vanilla flavor. The perfect drink for spring, summer, or anytime you need a little sunshine in your life!

Back in my early 20’s I traveled to the Caribbean, to the Island of Dominica. I spent about a week there, living with a Dominican family, enjoying the sunshine and the culture the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.

I ate the most deliciously fresh tropical fruits, tried amazing new Caribbean dishes, and… I learned just how much the Caribbean people like their rum. I’m pretty sure I drank rum punch like it was going out of style… as did they. (I had to keep up with the natives, right?)

Well, ever since that trip I’ve had a special place in my heart for rum cocktails. And there’s something about this Pineapple Vanilla Breeze that brings me right back. A simple combination of Malibu rum, pineapple juice, and bourbon vanilla extract, it’s everything you’d want in a tropical drink, with a creamy sweetness and rich flavor of vanilla.

It’s the perfect well-balanced cocktail, which has me wondering. Are vanilla rum cocktails truly the way to go for a unique twist on your favorite classic rum cocktail!? Vanilla Mojito? Vanilla Piña Colada? Vanilla Rum Punch? It all sounds delicious to me!

what you’ll need for this recipe

This simple yet flavorful drink has a short but sweet ingredient list:

Rum – This drink starts with a base of rum. I used Malibu, which is a sweet coconut flavored rum. Substitute regular rum (light or dark) for more of a traditional rum taste.

Pineapple juice – I used 100% pineapple juice, but a pineapple-orange blend would also be delicious.

Bourbon vanilla extract – Just a splash of vanilla extract brings out the vanilla notes of the rum and has a big impact on the overall flavor of the drink.

Pineapple – A fresh pineapple wedge makes the perfect simple garnish.

Recipe Variations

Add lime juice for a twist on a classic daiquiri
Add vanilla syrup to emphasize the vanilla flavor profile
Add any of your favorite flavored syrups
Add a spoonful of crushed pineapple
Use orange juice, cranberry juice, or any fruit juice for a fun flavor twist
Add simple syrup for extra sweetness (particularly if you use regular rum)
Substitute vodka for the rum OR make it a mocktail without alcohol
Add a splash of cream for an extra creamy cocktail
Add spices like a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon
Use more or less vanilla to taste (find your perfect balance of flavors!)

how to make a pineapple vanilla rum cocktail

Combine the ingredients. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the Malibu, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract.

Shake. Shake well to chill.

Strain. Strain into a cocktail glass with ice cubes OR serve it up in a chilled martini glass.

Garnish. Garnish with fresh pineapple wedge.

make a pitcher of it

This cocktail is sure to be a hit among guests, so I would definitely recommend making a pitcher of it for easy entertaining! In a large glass pitcher, combine 4 cups pineapple juice, 2 cups Malibu, and 2 1/2 Tablespoons vanilla extract. Chill and serve over ice.

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