
The Drunk Bunny transforms simple ingredients into a playful cocktail that balances sweetness with tropical coconut notes. This vibrant pink drink offers a whimsical addition to Easter celebrations while delivering serious cocktail satisfaction. The combination of coconut rum and strawberry lemonade creates a refreshing, fruit-forward beverage that appeals to both casual cocktail drinkers and enthusiasts looking for something festive yet uncomplicated to serve at spring gatherings.
I stumbled upon this cocktail creation during an impromptu Easter gathering when traditional mimosas felt too predictable. With only a few ingredients on hand, I combined strawberry lemonade with coconut rum and garnished with a marshmallow Peep for humor. What began as a lighthearted experiment quickly became the talk of the party, with guests requesting the recipe before leaving. Now it's become something of a tradition among my friend group, with everyone looking forward to their 'Drunk Bunny' each spring season.
Ingredients List
- 2 ounces Malibu Rum: Provides the tropical coconut backbone of the cocktail.
- 3 ounces Strawberry Lemonade: Balances tart lemon with sweet strawberry for a vibrant pink color.
- Fresh ice: Ensures proper chilling and slow dilution for the best flavor.
- Garnish elements: A lemon wedge, fresh strawberry, and a Peep marshmallow for festive flair.
Mixing Method
- Prepare Your Glass:
- Chill a rocks glass for an extra-refreshing presentation.
- Add Quality Ice:
- Fill glass two-thirds full with fresh ice.
- Pour Measured Spirits:
- Add 2 ounces of Malibu coconut rum over the ice.
- Add Strawberry Lemonade:
- Pour 3 ounces of strawberry lemonade, allowing natural mixing.
- Stir Gently:
- Use a bar spoon to stir for 5-7 seconds.
- Garnish Thoughtfully:
- Add a lemon wedge, fresh strawberry, and a Peep marshmallow.
- Present With Flair:
- Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer for convenience.

The first time I served these at an Easter brunch, I underestimated how quickly the Peeps would begin dissolving in the cocktails! Now I always place them on the rim or use cocktail picks to suspend them above the liquid until people are ready to enjoy their drinks. My brother-in-law, typically a beer-only guy, surprised everyone by requesting a second Drunk Bunny, claiming the 'perfect balance' won him over. Since then, we've experimented with different colored Peeps for various holidays, creating a whole family of 'tipsy animal' cocktails that make appearances throughout the year.
Creative Variations
Blend ingredients with ice for a frozen version. Use fresh strawberry puree and lemonade with a prosecco float for sophistication. Make a non-alcoholic 'Sober Bunny' with coconut water and strawberry lemonade.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with savory brunch dishes like ham and cheese quiche or smoked salmon canapés. Serve at a cocktail station alongside mimosas and Bloody Marys. Offer as a liquid dessert alternative after Easter dinner.

The Drunk Bunny has become something of a signature creation in my entertaining repertoire, making appearances well beyond Easter whenever a mood-lifting cocktail is needed. There's something undeniably cheerful about the combination of the bright pink color, tropical coconut notes, and the whimsical garnish that transcends seasonal boundaries. While the name and Peep garnish certainly reference Easter tradition, the delicious flavor pairing of coconut rum and strawberry stands proudly on its own merits year-round. I've found that sometimes the most memorable cocktails come from simple combinations presented with a touch of humor and creativity rather than complex mixology techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade strawberry lemonade for this cocktail?
- Absolutely! Homemade strawberry lemonade works wonderfully and allows you to control the sweetness. Simply blend or muddle fresh strawberries into regular lemonade for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- → What can I substitute for Malibu rum?
- If you don't have Malibu, you can use any coconut rum. For a non-coconut option, try white rum or vodka with a splash of coconut cream. For a non-alcoholic version, use coconut water or cream of coconut.
- → How can I make this cocktail for a crowd?
- To make a pitcher, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed (using a 3:2 ratio of lemonade to rum). Mix in a pitcher, refrigerate until ready to serve, then pour over ice. Add garnishes individually to each glass.
- → What other garnishes work well with this cocktail?
- Fresh mint leaves, basil, coconut flakes, or a small skewer of fresh strawberry chunks and pineapple make excellent garnishes that complement the flavors in this cocktail.
- → Can I make a frozen version of this cocktail?
- Yes, for a frozen version, blend the strawberry lemonade, Malibu rum, and about 1 cup of ice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more ice or liquid as needed. Serve with a straw and the same garnishes.