Malibu rum — with its signature coconut flavor and laid‑back Caribbean vibe — is a staple for beachy cocktails, parties, and summer get-togethers. As we move through 2025, many consumers in the United States are curious: What is the price of Malibu rum in different U.S. cities? What bottle sizes are available? And how strong is the alcohol? In this guide, we’ll answer all these questions and more, giving you a full breakdown of Malibu rum pricing, variants, and important details.
What Is Malibu Rum? A Brief Background
Before we dive into price and availability, let’s cover some basics about Malibu rum — its origins, its founder, and what makes it unique.
- Founder / Origin: Malibu was created in 1978 by Tom Jago of International Distillers & Vintners.
- Manufacturer: Today, Malibu is owned by Pernod Ricard, a major player in the spirits world.
- Production: The rum base is produced in Barbados at the West Indies Rum Distillery.
- Official Website: According to Pernod Ricard, Malibu’s brand site is under the Pernod Ricard umbrella.
Malibu is widely referred to as a flavoured rum or a liqueur, depending on local laws, because its alcohol by volume (ABV) is lower than many “classic” rums.
Alcohol Content & Variants of Malibu Rum
One of the common questions people ask is: “How strong is Malibu rum?” The alcohol content (ABV) varies depending on the variant. Below is a table summarizing the key Malibu variants, their alcohol percentage, and proof (U.S.):
| Malibu Variant | Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | Proof (U.S.) | Flavor Profile / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu Original (Coconut) | 21% | 42 proof (21 × 2) | Classic sweet coconut-flavored liqueur. |
| Malibu Pineapple | 21% | 42 proof | Tropical pineapple + coconut. |
| Malibu Mango | 21% | 42 proof | Ripe, sweet mango twist. |
| Malibu Passion Fruit | 21% | 42 proof | Tangy passion fruit flavor. |
| Malibu Strawberry | 21% | 42 proof | Sweet, fresh strawberry. |
| Malibu Black | 35% | 70 proof | Bolder rum, less sweetness, toasted coconut, more classic rum character. |
The most common Malibu flavors (coconut, pineapple, mango, passion fruit, strawberry) maintain the 21% ABV, while Malibu Black is a notable exception with significantly higher alcohol content.
Malibu Rum Bottle Sizes & Availability in the USA (2025)
Malibu rum is sold in a variety of bottle sizes in the U.S., giving consumers flexibility. The commonly seen sizes include:
- 90 ml (mini or nip)
- 180 ml
- 375 ml (half‑bottle)
- 750 ml (standard)
- 1 L (liter)
Below is a responsive table (adaptable for different devices) that shows typical availability and average price ranges for Malibu rum in various major U.S. cities in 2025.
Note: Prices can vary widely depending on state liquor laws, retailer margin, local taxes, and whether you’re buying from a state-controlled store, private liquor shop, or large chain. The table below lists approximate ranges based on recent data.
| City | 90 ml | 180 ml | 375 ml | 750 ml | 1 L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | ~$3–5 | ~$6–9 | ~$11–13 | ~$20–24 | ~$24–28 |
| Los Angeles, CA | ~$3–5 | ~$7–10 | ~$12–14 | ~$21–25 | ~$25–29 |
| Chicago, IL | ~$4–6 | ~$8–10 | ~$11–13 | ~$19–23 | ~$23–27 |
| Houston, TX | ~$3–5 | ~$6–9 | ~$10–12 | ~$18–22 | ~$22–26 |
| Miami, FL | ~$3–5 | ~$7–10 | ~$11–14 | ~$20–24 | ~$24–28 |
| Seattle, WA | ~$4–6 | ~$8–11 | ~$12–14 | ~$22–26 | ~$26–30 |
| Atlanta, GA | ~$3–5 | ~$7–9 | ~$11–13 | ~$19–23 | ~$23–27 |
| Denver, CO | ~$3–5 | ~$7–10 | ~$11–13 | ~$21–24 | ~$25–28 |
Sources & Example Pricing
- According to the RSVP Discount Beverage price list (October 2024), a 750 ml Malibu is priced at $18.99, and a 1 L is listed at $22.99.
- The North Carolina ABC Board’s pricing list (Q3 2025) shows Malibu Coconut 0.75 L priced at about $16.95 (plus markup) for supplier cost, with a recommended retail of roughly $20.70.
- In Utah, a 750 ml Malibu Coconut is listed in their ABC control‑state price list at $19.99, and 1,000 ml (1 L) at $21.99.
These examples illustrate how prices change from state to state, especially between control states (with government-run liquor stores) and open-market states.
Factors Influencing Malibu Rum Price Across U.S. States
Why does the price of Malibu rum vary so much across different U.S. cities and states? Here are some key factors:
- State Liquor Laws & Control Boards
- In “control states,” the government sets and regulates spirit pricing, leading to limited fluctuations.
- In “license states,” private liquor stores compete, which can drive prices down or up depending on local competition.
- Taxes
- Excise taxes, state-level alcohol taxes, and local sales taxes all figure into the final retail price.
- Some states have higher surcharges or markup than others.
- Wholesale & Distributor Cost
- Wholesale rates differ by region, and distributors may add their own margin.
- Volume discounts and promotional deals can impact how much a store pays and passes on to you.
- Retailer Markup & Overheads
- Local overhead (rent, staffing) affects how much a retailer adds on.
- In high-rent cities or premium stores, prices may be slightly higher.
- Supply & Demand / Stock
- In some cities, demand for Malibu may be seasonal (beach locales, tourist spots).
- Import, shipping, and storage costs can also factor in.
Malibu Rum Variants – Which Ones Are Usually Available?
As mentioned, Malibu has grown beyond just its classic coconut flavor. Here are some of the variants you’re likely to find in U.S. liquor stores in 2025, and how their pricing or availability may differ:
- Malibu Coconut (Original) — The most common, widely available in all major sizes (90 ml to 1 L).
- Malibu Pineapple — Often priced similarly to the original in major markets, especially in 750 ml and 1 L sizes.
- Malibu Mango — Similarly available; popularity has risen, particularly in warmer or coastal areas.
- Malibu Passion Fruit / Strawberry — These are more flavor‑specialty variants; sometimes only offered in 375 ml and 750 ml.
- Malibu Black — The higher-proof version (70 proof). Usually slightly more expensive given the stronger alcohol content and niche positioning.
Because flavor availability can vary from store to store, it’s best to check local retailers or online liquor vendors for stock and pricing.
Founding, History & Brand Story
Understanding the story behind Malibu rum gives more context to why it’s so beloved. Here’s a more detailed look:
- Inception (1978)
- The drink was invented by Tom Jago, who was working with International Distillers & Vintners.
- The idea was to create a simple, tropical drink base — especially to make drinks like the piña colada easier for bartenders to mix.
- Production in Barbados
- Originally, Malibu was made from fruit spirits flavored with rum and coconut in Curaçao.
- Later, production moved to Barbados at the West Indies Rum Distillery Ltd., improving quality and scaling up.
- Ownership by Pernod Ricard
- In 2005, the brand became part of Pernod Ricard, a global spirits group.
- Today, Malibu is one of Pernod Ricard’s key flavored spirit brands, known for its beachy, summer-inspired image.
- Brand Identity & Marketing
- Malibu has positioned itself as a laid-back, fun, tropical brand — perfect for cocktails, parties, and summer.
- Its signature label, palm tree imagery, and tagline (“Get your island on”) have become iconic in popular culture.
Malibu Rum Price Trends & Predictions for 2025
Looking at recent price lists, control board documents, and retail trends, here are some observations and predictions for Malibu rum pricing in 2025:
- Stable or Slight Increase in Most States
Given inflation, rising shipping costs, and potential increases in excise taxes, Malibu’s price in many states may see a modest increase over 2024. However, in control states with regulated pricing, changes should remain relatively steady. - Promotions & Discounts
- Liquor stores often run promotions or bundle deals (buy 6, get a discount) — this is likely to continue.
- Seasonal discounts (e.g., summer sales) could make 1 L bottles more affordable during peak “beach season.”
- Flavor Variants Gaining Traction
- As fruity Malibu variants (mango, passion fruit) continue growing in popularity, their availability and competitive pricing may improve.
- Malibu Black may remain niche but could see expanded distribution as more consumers look for higher-proof options.
- Online & Direct-to-Consumer Sales
- In regions where state laws allow, online retailers and direct-to-consumer wine & spirits websites might offer occasional price dips.
- However, shipping costs and taxes will remain a hurdle in many states, limiting deep discounts.
Tips to Buy Malibu Rum Smartly in the U.S.
Here are some practical tips if you’re looking to buy Malibu rum in 2025 and want the best deal:
- Compare Prices Across Stores
- Use apps or websites that compare liquor prices locally.
- Visit multiple retailers (big chains, local shops, state stores) to spot deals.
- Leverage State Price Lists
- In control states, check the quarterly wholesale or retail price lists published by your state’s liquor board — these often show baseline costs. (E.g., North Carolina’s ABC list.)
- Use these lists to understand markups and verify if a deal is genuine.
- Look for Promotions
- Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions (e.g., summer, holidays) when Malibu variants may go on sale.
- Ask your local liquor store for volume discounts or case deals if you’re buying more than one bottle.
- Consider Size Choices
- Smaller bottles (90 ml or 180 ml) are great for sampling different flavors or for portability.
- Larger sizes (1 L) often give better value per milliliter, if storage and transport are not an issue.
- Check Availability for Variants
- Not all stores carry all Malibu flavors. If you’re looking for something like Malibu Black, call ahead.
- Specialty liquor shops or stores in beach / tourist regions may have a wider range of flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Malibu Rum
Here are some common questions people ask about Malibu rum, along with clear answers:
Q1: Why is Malibu’s alcohol content so low (21%)?
A: Malibu is technically a flavored rum liqueur rather than a traditional full‑strength rum. Its ABV of 21% (42 proof) makes it smoother, sweeter, and more approachable — perfect for cocktails like piña coladas.
Q2: Is Malibu Black just a stronger Malibu?
A: Yes, Malibu Black is a higher-proof variant with an ABV of 35% (70 proof) and a bolder flavor profile — more rum-forward, less sweet, and ideal for stronger mixed drinks.
Q3: Can I find Malibu in every U.S. state?
A: Availability varies by state and city. Most major cities and liquor retailers carry Malibu in common sizes. However, in control states, selection might depend on the state store’s inventory.
Q4: Is Malibu cheaper in larger bottles (like 1 L)?
A: Generally, yes. Larger bottles often give better value per ml. For example, in Utah, the 1 L Malibu was listed at $21.99 according to their price list.
Q5: Are the flavored variants (pineapple, mango, passion fruit) more expensive?
A: Not necessarily. In many stores, the flavored variants are priced similarly to the original coconut version, especially in common sizes like 375 ml and 750 ml. But this can vary depending on local demand and how well stocked a store is.
Q6: Does Malibu have an age requirement?
A: Yes, like all spirits in the U.S., you must be 21 years or older to purchase Malibu rum legally.
Q7: How should I store Malibu rum?
A: Since Malibu is a flavored liqueur, store it upright in a cool, dark place — avoid direct sunlight or extreme heat. Once opened, it’s best consumed within a reasonable period to preserve flavor.
Q8: Is Malibu suitable for cocktails other than piña coladas?
A: Absolutely. Malibu works well in many tropical and mixed drinks: Malibu Bay Breeze, Malibu Sunset, daiquiris, and even with soda or cola. The flavored variants (mango, passion fruit) add extra versatility.
Malibu rum continues to be one of the most popular and accessible flavored rum options in the United States in 2025. Whether you’re grabbing a 90 ml mini for portability or stocking up with a 1 L bottle for your next beach party, understanding the price landscape and what factors influence it can help you get the best value.
From its origin with Tom Jago in 1978 to being part of the Pernod Ricard family now, Malibu has built a strong identity as a fun, tropical, and easy-to-drink spirit. Its lower ABV makes it less intimidating than traditional rums, while variants like Malibu Black satisfy those looking for more punch.
If you’re shopping for Malibu rum this year, use state pricing lists, scout local stores, and consider your size options to make a smart purchase. And of course, drink responsibly.
Cheers to finding your perfect bottle of Malibu rum — and enjoying that taste of island sunshine, no matter where you are in the U.S.
