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.

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.

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.

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.

Sunset Beach Bucket Blast – 1 Bold Tropical Cocktail

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