The Blue Hawaiian is a vibrant, tropical cocktail that brings the refreshing flavors of the islands right to your glass. Known for its striking blue color and deliciously sweet taste, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser at beach parties, summer gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a taste of the tropics. Made with rum, pineapple juice, and blue curaçao, the Blue Hawaiian is a fun, visually appealing drink that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful. With its tropical profile, this cocktail balances the sweetness of pineapple with the citrusy bite of blue curaçao, while coconut cream adds a smooth, creamy texture that ties everything together. The Blue Hawaiian not only offers a unique flavor experience but also a beautiful visual impact, making it perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply sipping while relaxing. Its light, tropical flavor is perfect for warm-weather occasions, though it can transport you to a sunny beach anytime you need a refreshing escape.
Ingredients
- 1 oz (30 ml) Light Rum
- 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao
- 2 oz (60 ml) Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz (30 ml) Coconut Cream (or coconut milk)
- Ice
- Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the Blue Hawaiian. You’ll need light rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream (or coconut milk), and ice. Additionally, having garnishes like a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry will enhance the drink’s presentation and make it more festive. Prepare your glassware in advance—typically, this drink is served in a hurricane or highball glass, but any tall glass will work.
Step 2: Add the Liquids to the Shaker In a cocktail shaker, pour in the light rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. The rum and blue curaçao provide the base for the drink, while the pineapple juice adds a refreshing tropical flavor, and the coconut cream gives it a creamy, smooth texture. The coconut cream is what makes the Blue Hawaiian feel indulgent and rich, so be sure to use a good-quality product. If you prefer a lighter option, coconut milk can also be used, though it will result in a slightly less creamy texture.
Step 3: Add Ice and Shake Add a generous amount of ice to the cocktail shaker. Place the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. The goal is to mix the ingredients thoroughly while also chilling the drink to the perfect temperature. Shaking the drink ensures that the coconut cream is fully integrated into the cocktail, giving it that signature smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 4: Strain into a Glass Carefully strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. A fine mesh strainer can be used to ensure the drink is smooth and free from any excess ice or pulp from the pineapple juice. Pour the mixture slowly to preserve the beautiful blue color and ensure the drink looks as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve To complete the look of your Blue Hawaiian, garnish the drink with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry on top. You can also add a small umbrella for a fun, tropical touch. The garnishes not only make the drink look more appealing but also add an extra layer of tropical aroma that enhances the overall experience.
Variation
The Blue Hawaiian is a versatile cocktail, and you can modify it to suit your preferences or to try a fun twist. Here are some variations:
Frozen Blue Hawaiian For a frozen version of the Blue Hawaiian, blend the ingredients with ice instead of shaking them. This will create a slushy, frosty version that’s perfect for hot summer days. Simply add all the ingredients and ice to a blender and blend until smooth.
Blue Hawaiian with Rum and Vodka If you want a stronger version of the Blue Hawaiian, you can add vodka in addition to the rum. This combination adds extra strength while maintaining the tropical flavor balance.
Non-Alcoholic Blue Hawaiian For a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version, omit the rum and blue curaçao. Instead, you can use additional pineapple juice and a splash of lemon or lime juice for some added citrus. Add coconut milk or coconut water for the creamy element and blend with ice for a refreshing, tropical mocktail.
Cooking Notes
- Use Fresh Juice: For the best flavor, opt for fresh pineapple juice or juice from freshly cut pineapple rather than canned juice. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant taste that pairs beautifully with the tropical ingredients in the cocktail.
- Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk: While coconut cream is typically thicker and richer, you can use coconut milk if you prefer a lighter texture. If using coconut cream, make sure to shake the can well before using it to ensure the cream is evenly distributed.
- Presentation: The Blue Hawaiian is as much about visual appeal as it is about taste. For the best presentation, consider using a tall glass to showcase the beautiful blue color. You can even add a small cocktail umbrella or tropical-themed stirrer for extra flair.
Serving Suggestions
The Blue Hawaiian is perfect for tropical-themed parties, beach vacations, or any event where you want to bring a taste of the islands to your guests. This cocktail pairs beautifully with light, tropical appetizers such as coconut shrimp, fruit platters, or ceviche. For a more substantial pairing, it goes well with grilled seafood or barbecue dishes, which complement the drink’s refreshing tropical flavors. Because of its creamy texture and sweet profile, the Blue Hawaiian is also an excellent choice for sipping by the pool or on a sunny afternoon, making it an ideal companion for warm-weather gatherings. If you’re hosting a summer celebration, consider serving the Blue Hawaiian alongside other tropical cocktails like Piña Coladas, Daiquiris, or Mai Tais to create a fun and festive drink menu. You can also pair it with light desserts, such as coconut cake, fruit sorbet, or key lime pie, to complete the tropical experience.
Tips
- Make It Stronger: If you prefer a stronger cocktail, you can increase the amount of rum in the drink. Just be sure not to overpower the tropical flavors—balance is key.
- Coconut Milk for a Lighter Option: If you’re looking for a less rich version of the Blue Hawaiian, use coconut milk instead of coconut cream. Coconut milk will provide the tropical flavor without the added creaminess.
- Blending for Frozen Version: If you prefer a frozen Blue Hawaiian, blend the ingredients with crushed ice. This will create a slushy texture that’s perfect for hot weather.
- Garnish with Fresh Fruit: While pineapple slices and maraschino cherries are the classic garnish, you can get creative with your decorations. Try adding a wedge of lime, a slice of kiwi, or even a small piece of toasted coconut to the top of your drink.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-cook recipe.
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.)
FAQs
Q: Can I make a Blue Hawaiian ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to serve the Blue Hawaiian immediately to preserve its fresh, vibrant color and creamy texture, you can pre-mix the ingredients (without ice) in a pitcher and chill them in the fridge. Just add ice and shake right before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of rum?
A: While light rum is the traditional choice for a Blue Hawaiian, you can experiment with dark rum or coconut rum for a different flavor. Dark rum will add a deeper, richer flavor, while coconut rum will enhance the tropical notes of the drink.
Q: How do I make a Blue Hawaiian for a crowd?
A: To make a Blue Hawaiian for a larger group, simply scale up the recipe. For every 4 servings, use 4 oz of rum, 4 oz of blue curaçao, 8 oz of pineapple juice, and 4 oz of coconut cream. Mix everything in a large pitcher or bowl and serve over ice in individual glasses.
Conclusion
The Blue Hawaiian is a tropical delight that combines sweet, creamy, and citrusy flavors in a visually stunning cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a beach-themed party, enjoying a summer afternoon, or just craving a refreshing tropical drink, the Blue Hawaiian is the perfect choice. Its beautiful blue color and deliciously balanced flavors will transport you to a paradise island with every sip. With its easy preparation and versatile variations, the Blue Hawaiian is an ideal cocktail to add to your repertoire. So next time you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to something indulgent and fun, mix up a Blue Hawaiian and enjoy a taste of the tropics wherever you are.
Print
Blue Hawaiian
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 oz (30 ml) Light Rum
- 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao
- 2 oz (60 ml) Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz (30 ml) Coconut Cream (or coconut milk)
- Ice
- Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the Blue Hawaiian. You’ll need light rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream (or coconut milk), and ice. Additionally, having garnishes like a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry will enhance the drink’s presentation and make it more festive. Prepare your glassware in advance—typically, this drink is served in a hurricane or highball glass, but any tall glass will work.
Step 2: Add the Liquids to the Shaker In a cocktail shaker, pour in the light rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. The rum and blue curaçao provide the base for the drink, while the pineapple juice adds a refreshing tropical flavor, and the coconut cream gives it a creamy, smooth texture. The coconut cream is what makes the Blue Hawaiian feel indulgent and rich, so be sure to use a good-quality product. If you prefer a lighter option, coconut milk can also be used, though it will result in a slightly less creamy texture.
Step 3: Add Ice and Shake Add a generous amount of ice to the cocktail shaker. Place the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. The goal is to mix the ingredients thoroughly while also chilling the drink to the perfect temperature. Shaking the drink ensures that the coconut cream is fully integrated into the cocktail, giving it that signature smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 4: Strain into a Glass Carefully strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. A fine mesh strainer can be used to ensure the drink is smooth and free from any excess ice or pulp from the pineapple juice. Pour the mixture slowly to preserve the beautiful blue color and ensure the drink looks as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve To complete the look of your Blue Hawaiian, garnish the drink with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry on top. You can also add a small umbrella for a fun, tropical touch. The garnishes not only make the drink look more appealing but also add an extra layer of tropical aroma that enhances the overall experience.
Notes
- Use Fresh Juice: For the best flavor, opt for fresh pineapple juice or juice from freshly cut pineapple rather than canned juice. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant taste that pairs beautifully with the tropical ingredients in the cocktail.
- Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk: While coconut cream is typically thicker and richer, you can use coconut milk if you prefer a lighter texture. If using coconut cream, make sure to shake the can well before using it to ensure the cream is evenly distributed.
- Presentation: The Blue Hawaiian is as much about visual appeal as it is about taste. For the best presentation, consider using a tall glass to showcase the beautiful blue color. You can even add a small cocktail umbrella or tropical-themed stirrer for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Sodium: 10mg
- Protein: 1g