MALIBU (DRINK): HISTORY, DISTILLATION AND RECIPES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The Malibu drink is a brand of white rum of Caribbean origin that is obtained from natural coconut. Its flavor is a mixture of coconuts, almonds and spices. It is a drink for those who like liqueurs and sweet spirits.

The Malibu brand is a 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 global liquor maker Pernod Ricard.

Malibu history

Malibu was created on the island of Curaçao, 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 make it easier for bartenders to prepare the piña colada cocktail. Pina colada is a sweet cocktail made with rum, cream or coconut milk and pineapple juice. It is usually served shaken or shaken with ice.

It can 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 its production was increased enough, the quality of the ingredients used improved and the rum distillation was brought to Barbados. Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum, as it has been producing this drink for more than 350 years.

The 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 to reach different countries on basically every continent. In 2008, Malibu received 8 medals in different international beverage competitions.

Different owners

Malibu, as a brand, has belonged to different liquor houses. After its creation by the West Indies Rum Distillery, it was acquired by global producer Diageo, who sold it in 2002 to its competitor Allied Domecq for US $ 800 million.

In 2005, Allied Domecq was acquired by the manufacturer Pernod Ricard, in a transaction for 14 billion US dollars. 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 flavors of coconut 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 a 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 step 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

Throughout its history, Malibu has been advertised as a "seriously lighthearted" brand. In TV commercials for the brand, people of Caribbean origin are typically used taking life seriously, as a parody of the Western lifestyle.

Added a voiceover explaining “if people in the Caribbean took life that seriously, 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 ever."

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 Malibu rum has a coconut flavor, however there are some variations that have been created in different markets and that have different flavors.

Versions of Malibu have been created with tropical fruit flavors (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 twice the strength called Malibu Black was created.

Recipes

Malibu is generally taken 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 tall glass add 1/3 of Malibu, ice to taste and 2/3 of apple juice. It mixes.

Sad heart

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Malibu
• Coconut cream
• 1 cup of pineapple juice
• 1 cup apple juice
• ¼ cup grenadine
• Sliced ​​pineapple

Preparation

In a shaker mix all the ingredients. Serve in cocktail glasses and garnish with a pineapple slice.

Pina Colada

Ingredients

• 1/3 of 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 a tall glass, decorated with a pineapple slice.