The drink Malibu Is a brand of white rum of Caribbean origin that is obtained from natural coconut. Its flavor is a blend of coconuts, almonds and spices. It is a drink for those who like liqueurs and sweet spirits.
It is the global leader in rum based products and is currently marketed in more than 80 countries around the world.
Its alcohol content by volume is 21%. The brand is owned by the global liquor maker Pernod Ricard.
History of Malibu
Malibu was created on the island of Curacao, from natural coconut extracts. The product was created by the West Indies Rum Distillery Ltd. in 1893, a manufacturer that continues to produce different brands of rum today.
The original intention was to create a product that would facilitate to the bartenders the preparation of the cocktail piña colada. Pina Colada is a sweet cocktail made with rum, cream or coconut milk and pineapple juice. Usually beaten or shaken with ice.
It may be garnished with a slice of pineapple or a cherry. It is considered the national drink of Puerto Rico.
Malibu began to be successful and its popularity increased, as did its sales. When their production increased sufficiently, the quality of the ingredients used improved and distillation of the rum was carried out in Barbados. Barbados is considered the cradle of rum, since it has produced this drink for more than 350 years.
The company Twelve Island Shipping Company was in charge of distributing the rum originally to the 12 islands of the Antilles.
Subsequently, the distribution of Malibu grew until reaching different countries in basically all the continents. In 2008, Malibu received 8 medals in different international beverage competitions.
Different owners
Malibu, as a brand, has belonged to several liqueur houses. After its creation by the West Indies Rum Distillery was acquired by the global producer Diageo, who sold it in the year 2002 to its competitor Allied Domecq for 800 million US dollars.
In 2005, Allied Domecq was acquired by the manufacturer Pernod Ricard, in a transaction of 14 billion US dollars. Among the portfolio of brands acquired by Pernod Ricard included Malibu.
Distillation
Malibu owes its distinctive flavor to the precise blend of Caribbean rum with natural coconut flavors and high quality pure sugar cane. Its production combines traditional methods with cutting-edge technologies.
The production process begins with the extraction of molasses. Sugarcane is heated to high temperature to create unrefined dark sugar and molasses is a syrup that results from this process.
Subsequently, a mixture of water and yeast is added to the molasses to promote fermentation. This is followed by three consecutive distillation processes.
The light and clear white rum that is obtained after this process is transferred to oak barrels after being mixed with coconut. This gives Malibu its widely recognized flavor.
Malibu is easily recognizable thanks to its famous white bottle, illustrated with palm trees and a sunset in the background.
Positioning
During its history, Malibu has been advertised as a"seriously light"brand. In TV commercials for the brand, people of Caribbean origin are typically used to take their lives seriously, as a parody of the Western lifestyle.
A voiceover is added that explains"if the people in the Caribbean took such a serious life, they would never have created Malibu. Seriously lightly."
Starting in 2014, the advertising campaign has sought a new positioning for Malibu, motivating consumers to have"the best summer in history."
The current campaign includes TV ads and a YouTube campaign showing the difference between"you during the summer"versus"you the rest of the year".
Variations
The original version of rum Malibu has coconut flavor, however there are some variations that have been created in different markets and that have different flavors.
Malibu versions have been created with tropical fruit flavor (banana, pineapple, passion fruit, melon and mango).
There is also a version mixed with mint, known as Malibu Fresh. Another version is mixed with tequila and is known as Malibu Red. Finally, a version with double strength was created called Malibu Black.
Recipes
Malibu is usually mixed with other beverages such as juices, sodas and soft drinks. Simple or elaborate cocktails can be prepared. Here are some examples:
Caribbean Spirit
Ingredients
- Malibu
- Apple juice
- Ice
Preparation
In a long glass add 1/3 of Malibu, ice to taste and 2/3 of apple juice. It mixes.
Sad heart
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups of Malibu
- Coconut cream
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup apple juice
- ¼ cup grenadine
- Sliced pineapple
Preparation
In a cocktail shaker mix all the ingredients. Serve in cocktail glasses and garnish with a slice of pineapple.
Pina Colada
Ingredients
- 1/3 Malibu
- 1/3 cup coconut cream
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- Ice
- Sliced pineapple
Preparation
In the blender mix Malibu, coconut cream, ice and pineapple juice. It is served in tall glass, decorated with a slice of pineapple.