Name: Neon Sunset Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 🍊 2 oz orange juice – fresh squeezed preferred, for a tangy base; 🍍 1 oz pineapple juice – adds tropical sweetness; 🍹 1 oz coconut rum – gives a mellow, beachy flavor; 🥭 ½ oz passionfruit or mango liqueur – for fruity depth and exotic twist; 🍒 ½ oz grenadine – sinks to the bottom, creating the sunset effect; 🥤 2 oz lemon-lime soda or club soda – adds a fizzy finish; 🧊 Crushed ice or ice cubes – to chill and layer the drink; 🍊 Orange slices, maraschino cherries, or edible flowers – for garnish

Imagine the radiant glow of a tropical sunset captured in a glass, the Neon Sunset Cocktail brings that dream to life with a burst of color, a wave of fruity flavor, and a sparkle of exotic energy. This eye-catching drink is the kind of cocktail that demands attention, whether you’re serving it at a summer party, a beach-themed soirée, or simply treating yourself to a vacation moment in your own backyard. The name says it all: Neon for the electric, glowing hues that shift from deep orange to soft pink and red, and Sunset for the layered effect reminiscent of the sky’s grand finale. With a mix of citrus, tropical fruit liqueurs, and a subtle touch of fizz, this cocktail is equal parts refreshing, tangy, and sweet, exactly what you want when you’re unwinding under warm skies or festive lights.

Perfect for poolside lounging, sunset watching, or turning up the vibes at your next get-together, the Neon Sunset is a must-mix for cocktail lovers who crave color, creativity, and a taste of paradise.

Why is this recipe so popular?

Visual Appeal: The vibrant layered look of the Neon Sunset instantly makes it a social media star—perfect for Instagram-worthy moments.
Refreshing Flavors: Bright citrus juice, fruity liqueurs, and a splash of soda create a crisp, cool drink that’s easy to sip.
Tropical Vibes: It captures that beach-bar cocktail experience with flavors reminiscent of pineapple, orange, passionfruit, and grenadine.
Party-Perfect: Whether served in pitchers or single glasses, it’s a crowd-pleaser that wows guests with flavor and presentation.
Versatility: It’s easy to adjust the alcohol content or turn it into a mocktail version.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated bar tools or hard-to-find liquors—just layers of fruity joy in every sip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

🍹 Colorful Presentation: A layered ombré look mimics a glowing sunset, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
🍊 Bursting with Citrus: Orange juice and lemon-lime soda keep the drink light, tangy, and thirst-quenching.
🏝️ Tropical Fruit Notes: Passionfruit or mango liqueur adds exotic depth that takes you to an island escape.
🧊 Chilled & Refreshing: Served over crushed ice, it’s ultra-cooling and satisfying on hot days.
🎉 Fun to Make: Watching the grenadine sink and create a stunning gradient is a mini bartending magic trick.
🌿 Customizable: You can tailor the sweetness or alcohol level to your taste—or skip the booze entirely.

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:

🍊 2 oz orange juice – fresh squeezed preferred, for a tangy base
🍍 1 oz pineapple juice – adds tropical sweetness
🍹 1 oz coconut rum – gives a mellow, beachy flavor
🥭 ½ oz passionfruit or mango liqueur – for fruity depth and exotic twist
🍒 ½ oz grenadine – sinks to the bottom, creating the sunset effect
🥤 2 oz lemon-lime soda or club soda – adds a fizzy finish
🧊 Crushed ice or ice cubes – to chill and layer the drink
🍊 Orange slices, maraschino cherries, or edible flowers – for garnish

Preparation:

Step 1:
Fill a tall glass or hurricane glass with crushed ice to the top.

Step 2:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut rum, and passionfruit liqueur. Shake gently to combine.

Step 3:
Pour the mixture slowly over the crushed ice.

Step 4:
Gently pour grenadine down the side of the glass or directly into the bottom using a bar spoon—it will sink and create a beautiful reddish-pink layer.

Step 5:
Top the drink with lemon-lime soda or club soda for a fizzy finish.

Step 6:
Garnish with a slice of orange, a cherry, and a paper umbrella or edible flower for flair. Serve immediately.

Variation:

Mocktail Version: Skip the alcohol and use mango nectar or passionfruit juice in place of liqueur, plus a splash of coconut water.
Frozen Neon Sunset: Blend all ingredients (except grenadine) with ice, pour into a glass, then swirl in grenadine for a frozen effect.
Berry Twist: Use raspberry or cranberry juice instead of grenadine for a tangy finish.
Boozier Punch: Add a splash of vodka or peach schnapps for a stronger version perfect for parties.
Sparkling Wine Upgrade: Top with prosecco instead of soda for a brunch-worthy cocktail.

Cooking Note:

This cocktail doesn’t require cooking, but here are a few mixing tips for that perfect look and flavor:

Layer slowly: Pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass to create that gradient effect.
Use clear glasses: The visual appeal is part of the experience—choose a clear tall glass to showcase the colors.
Chill your glass: Pre-chilling ensures your cocktail stays colder longer.
Don’t stir after layering: Let the layers naturally shift as you sip.

Serving Suggestions:

🏖️ Serve at sunset parties, beach days, or poolside BBQs.
🍽️ Pair with shrimp tacos, grilled pineapple, or coconut chicken skewers.
🍹 Batch it up in a pitcher and serve in mason jars for rustic summer vibes.
🕯️ Add glowing LED coasters or colorful paper straws to enhance the “neon” theme.
🎨 Use garnishes that match the tropical theme—like mini umbrellas, skewered citrus, or edible flowers.

Tips:

For deeper layers, add grenadine last and don’t stir the drink.
Use fresh juice where possible—it makes a huge difference in flavor.
To impress guests, chill all ingredients beforehand and build the drink live.
Make a mocktail version with all the beauty but no alcohol for younger guests or daytime events.
Experiment with different fruit liqueurs (like guava or peach) to personalize the drink.

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Time:

None

Total Time:

5 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx):

Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugars: 18g
Alcohol: ~10–12% ABV
Sodium: 20mg
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this drink in advance?
A: You can pre-mix the juice and alcohol, but grenadine and soda should be added just before serving for the visual effect and fizz.

Q: What type of glass is best?
A: A tall clear glass like a hurricane, Collins, or even a stemless wine glass works great to show off the gradient colors.

Q: Is grenadine alcoholic?
A: No, grenadine is a sweet syrup made from pomegranate or cherry, and it’s non-alcoholic.

Q: What’s the best rum to use?
A: Coconut rum like Malibu is traditional here, but white rum or flavored tropical rums (mango, pineapple) also work well.

Q: Can I turn this into a large-batch punch?
A: Yes! Multiply ingredients by 6 or more, mix in a punch bowl, then let guests pour over ice and add grenadine individually for effect.

Conclusion:

The Neon Sunset Cocktail isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience. It’s sunshine in a glass, a celebration of vibrant color, and a tribute to the best parts of tropical living. With its easy preparation, stunning visual layers, and refreshing flavors, it’s the perfect cocktail to brighten up any evening, whether you’re hosting a summer bash or simply want to bring vacation vibes to your backyard. From its citrusy tang to its tropical twist, every sip feels like golden hour on a beach, warm, electric, and unforgettable. Whether you’re making a single glass or serving a whole crowd, the Neon Sunset guarantees smiles, compliments, and maybe even a few “Wow, how did you make that?” moments.

So grab your shaker, squeeze some juice, and paint your glass with a sunset.