Sunset Beach Bucket Blast – Bold Tropical Cocktail in a Bucket

Stuffani Borjat

June 7, 2025

Real Sunset Beach Bucket Blast cocktail with pineapple and candy

I grew up in a kitchen where joy was homemade, even on the busiest days. That’s why I love recipes like this Sunset Beach Bucket Blast—they’re not about fancy tools or perfect timing. They’re about fun.

This colorful cocktail was made for carefree afternoons and friends who don’t need a reason to celebrate. Just grab a bucket, toss in some punch, rum, and gummies, and you’ve got summer in your hands.

Simple, playful, and made to share—exactly the kind of recipe we live for here at Daily Easy Meals.

Table of Contents

How to Make Sunset Beach Bucket Blast

Ingredients Sunset Beach Bucket Blast

Ingredients for Sunset Beach Bucket Blast arranged with tropical juices and candies

Main Drink:

  • 1 cup tropical fruit punch (like Hawaiian Punch)
  • ½ cup coconut rum (Malibu or similar)
  • ¼ cup peach schnapps
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • ½ oz grenadine (for that layered sunset effect)
  • ¼ cup lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP)
  • Ice (enough to fill your bucket)

Optional Add-ins & Garnishes:

  • Gummy candies (Swedish Fish, peach rings, gummy sharks)
  • Orange slices or maraschino cherries
  • Candy skewers, sour straws
  • Mini shovel straw or cocktail umbrella

Step-by-Step Instructions: Sunset Beach Bucket Blast

1. Choose Your Bucket
Use a clean 32–40 oz plastic beach bucket (or any fun container). Make sure it’s well-rinsed and food-safe.

2. Fill with Ice
Add ice until the bucket is about ⅔ full. This keeps your drink cold and gives it structure.

Mixing ingredients for Sunset Beach Bucket Blast in a cocktail shaker

3. Mix the Cocktail Base
In a measuring cup or shaker, combine:
– 1 cup tropical punch
– ½ cup coconut rum
– ¼ cup peach schnapps
– ¼ cup pineapple juice
– ¼ cup orange juice
Stir well to mix.

4. Pour and Layer
Pour the mixed drink into your bucket over the ice. Then, carefully top with ¼ cup lemon-lime soda for fizz.

Pouring grenadine into cocktail to create sunset gradient

5. Create the Sunset Look
Gently pour ½ oz grenadine down the inside wall of the bucket. It’ll sink, giving that signature red-orange “sunset” look.

6. Decorate Like a Pro
Add gummy sharks, peach rings, or Swedish Fish on top. Toss in fruit slices or cherries. Want extra flair? Skewer candy straws or use a mini umbrella for that full beach-day vibe.

If you’re into vibrant party drinks, check out our Tropical Galaxy Mocktail or Malibu Mermaid Bucket Cocktail for even more color-packed sips.Sunset Beach Bucket Blast.

Customizing Your Sunset Beach Bucket Blast

Garnish Like You’re on Vacation

The beauty of the Sunset Beach Bucket Blast is in its visual wow factor—and that comes from the garnish. Once you’ve poured in your sunset layers, it’s time to dress it up like it’s headed to a beach party.

Use candy like Swedish Fish, peach rings, or gummy sharks to float on top like beach floaties. Skewer some sour straws and fruit slices for a fun rim-side treat. A cherry on top or a pineapple wedge? Yes, please. And don’t forget the paper umbrella or shovel-shaped straw—it’s not a bucket drink without one.

If you’re looking for garnish inspiration, see how we top the Bite Me Baby Shark Cocktail or the playful Caribbean Cloud Candy Cocktail.Sunset Beach Bucket Blast.

Tips to Make It Even Better

Make Ahead:
Mix the base (excluding soda and grenadine) and store it chilled. Add ice, soda, and garnishes just before serving.

Big Batch Version:
Hosting a party? Scale up the ingredients and use a punch bowl instead of a single bucket. Offer mini sand buckets for guests!

Peach Schnapps Substitute:
No schnapps? Try orange liqueur, apricot brandy, or simply add more orange juice for a mocktail-style base.

Sunset Effect Every Time:
To get that red-to-orange fade, pour the grenadine slowly along the inside of the bucket after the soda. It’s denser, so it’ll naturally settle.

Want something more dramatic? Pair this drink with frozen candy in the Coconut Lime Daiquiri Jello Shots to really wow your guests.Sunset Beach Bucket Blast.

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Questions Sunset Beach Bucket Blast

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?

    Yes! Mix all the liquids except the soda and grenadine, and keep it chilled. Add ice, soda, and garnishes just before serving to keep it fizzy and fresh.

  2. What’s the best substitute for peach schnapps?

    You can use apricot brandy, orange liqueur, or even more pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic version. The peach flavor adds sweetness, so choose something light and fruity.

  3. Can I use a real beach sand bucket?

    You can—but make sure it’s brand new, thoroughly cleaned, and food-safe. Look for BPA-free options or buckets labeled as safe for food and drinks.

  4. How do I get that layered “sunset” look?

    It’s all about gravity! Slowly pour the grenadine down the inside edge of the bucket after the soda. It’ll sink naturally, creating that beautiful gradient.
    If you’re into dramatic layers, try our Watermelon Lemon Drop Shots for another striking effect in a smaller glass.

Conclusion Sunset Beach Bucket Blast

The Sunset Beach Bucket Blast isn’t just a drink—it’s a mini vacation in your hands. It’s bright, bold, and packed with tropical flavor and fun. From summer BBQs to themed parties, it’s the kind of cocktail that turns a simple hangout into a celebration.

So grab a bucket, load it up with flavor, and toast to warm skies and cooler drinks. For more sunny sips, browse all our cocktail recipes here.

Print
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Real Sunset Beach Bucket Blast cocktail with pineapple and candy

Sunset Beach Bucket Blast – Bold Tropical Cocktail in a Bucket

  • Author: Stuffani Borjat
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large cocktail bucket (3240 oz) 1x
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A colorful beach-inspired cocktail with coconut rum, tropical punch, fizzy soda, and a splash of grenadine—served in a sand bucket and topped with candy garnishes.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup tropical fruit punch

1/2 cup coconut rum

1/4 cup peach schnapps

1/4 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup orange juice

1/2 oz grenadine

1/4 cup lemon-lime soda

Ice

Gummy candies (Swedish Fish, peach rings, gummy sharks)

Orange slices or maraschino cherries

Candy skewers or sour straws

Mini shovel straw or paper umbrella


Instructions

1. Choose a clean 32–40 oz beach bucket and rinse it well.

2. Fill the bucket about 2/3 full with ice.

3. In a shaker or cup, mix tropical punch, coconut rum, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, and orange juice.

4. Pour the mix over ice in the bucket.

5. Top with lemon-lime soda.

6. Slowly pour grenadine down the side for a sunset effect.

7. Add candies, fruit, and decorative garnishes on top.


Notes

Make the drink base ahead and refrigerate without soda or grenadine.

Scale up quantities for party servings.

Use a BPA-free or food-safe bucket.

Add grenadine last for the best sunset layer.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bucket
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Sunset Beach Bucket Blast, beach cocktail, tropical drink, summer drink

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