The Ocean Wave cocktail is a tropical masterpiece that captures the essence of paradise in every sip. This smooth, refreshing, and visually stunning drink blends the creamy richness of coconut rum and coconut cream with the vibrant citrus notes of blue curaçao and freshly squeezed lime juice. The sweetness of pineapple juice balances everything perfectly, creating a harmonious fusion of exotic flavors. With its deep blue hue, reminiscent of the ocean’s rolling waves, and garnished with a pineapple wedge and cherry, this cocktail is perfect for beach parties, summer gatherings, or simply unwinding at home with an island vibe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Ocean Wave cocktail isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a flavor-packed tropical escape that delivers a perfect balance of creamy, citrusy, and refreshingly fruity flavors. Whether you’re lounging under the sun or hosting a themed party, this drink guarantees an instant vacation in a glass. Here’s why you’ll love it:
🌊 Visually Stunning – Its deep blue hue mimics the tranquil ocean, making it a show-stopping cocktail that’s perfect for Instagram and impressing guests.
🍍 Tropical Flavor Explosion – The silky coconut rum and rich coconut cream blend seamlessly with zesty lime juice and sweet pineapple, creating a harmonious mix of creamy and citrusy flavors that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
🍹 Easy to Make – No complicated bartending skills required! With just a few ingredients and simple mixing techniques, you can enjoy a bar-quality cocktail at home in minutes.
🌞 Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, throwing a summer luau, celebrating a tropical-themed party, or simply craving an island escape, this drink brings vacation vibes to your glass no matter where you are.
🔧 Customizable to Your Taste –
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Want it less sweet? Add a touch more lime juice for extra brightness.
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Prefer a frozen version? Blend it with crushed ice for a smooth, slushy texture.
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Need a non-alcoholic twist? Swap the rum for coconut water or a tropical soda for a mocktail everyone can enjoy.
With its breathtaking presentation, tropical aroma, and unbeatable taste, the Ocean Wave cocktail is a must-try drink that will transport you straight to paradise.
Ingredients
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1 ½ oz coconut rum
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1 oz blue curaçao
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2 oz pineapple juice
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1 oz coconut cream
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½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
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Ice cubes
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Pineapple wedge and cherry (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Start by placing your preferred cocktail glass (hurricane or highball glass) in the freezer for a few minutes. This keeps your drink refreshingly cool for longer.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
Step 3: Shake it Up
Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This ensures all the flavors blend smoothly and the drink reaches the perfect chilled temperature.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture into your chilled glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry for the perfect tropical touch. Insert a straw, take a sip, and let the ocean breeze take over! 🌊🍹
Variations
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Frozen Ocean Wave – Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a smooth, slushy texture.
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Stronger Version – Add ½ oz of white rum for an extra kick.
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Mocktail Version – Skip the alcohol and use coconut water instead of coconut rum for a delicious non-alcoholic treat.
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Extra Citrus Punch – Add an extra ½ oz of lime juice for a tangier experience.
Cooking Note
For the creamiest, most luscious texture, be sure to use coconut cream, not coconut milk. Coconut cream is thicker and richer, providing the signature smooth and velvety mouthfeel that makes this cocktail truly indulgent.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Consistency:
✔ Shake or Stir Coconut Cream Before Using – If using canned coconut cream, stir it thoroughly before measuring, as it tends to separate into solid and liquid layers. A smooth, well-mixed consistency ensures even blending.
✔ Shake Vigorously – A strong shake (at least 15 seconds) helps fully emulsify the ingredients, preventing separation and creating a beautifully smooth drink.
✔ Use Freshly Chilled Ingredients – This keeps the cocktail cool and refreshing while maintaining its creamy consistency without excess dilution.
✔ Strain If Needed – If you prefer an ultra-smooth finish, strain the cocktail through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve in a hurricane or highball glass to showcase the beautiful blue hue.
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Pair with grilled seafood, tropical fruit platters, or coconut shrimp for a full island-inspired experience.
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Add an edible flower for an extra exotic presentation.
Tips
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Use chilled ingredients to prevent excessive dilution.
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Shake well to fully mix the coconut cream for a smooth consistency.
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Adjust sweetness by adding or reducing simple syrup if desired.
Prep Time : 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~210 kcal
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Protein: ~1g
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Sodium: ~15mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make the Ocean Wave ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can mix all the ingredients (except ice) and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, give it a good shake or stir, then pour over ice to maintain its freshness and vibrant flavor.
Q: Can I substitute the coconut rum?
A: Absolutely! While coconut rum enhances the tropical flavors, you can use white rum for a cleaner taste, vanilla rum for added sweetness, or even spiced rum for a bolder twist. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, swap the rum for coconut water or a splash of cream soda for a similar tropical feel.
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: To reduce sweetness, you can:
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Omit or reduce the simple syrup.
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Use fresh pineapple juice instead of store-bought, as pre-packaged juices often contain added sugar.
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Add a little extra lime juice to brighten the flavors and cut through the sweetness.
Q: Can I make a big batch for a party?
A: Yes! The Ocean Wave makes a fantastic party cocktail. Simply multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings and mix everything in a large pitcher or punch bowl. If serving over time, keep it chilled and serve over fresh ice to prevent dilution. For a frozen version, blend with ice just before serving for a slushy, beachside feel.
Q: What’s the best way to achieve the perfect blue color?
A: To get that stunning ocean-blue hue, be sure to:
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Add the blue curaçao last and stir lightly to maintain the layered effect.
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Use clear or light-colored mixers (e.g., white rum and fresh pineapple juice) to avoid muddying the color.
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Serve in a clear glass to showcase the vibrant blue shade.
Conclusion
The Ocean Wave cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a tropical escape in a glass. With its refreshing coconut-pineapple flavor, stunning ocean-blue color, and creamy texture, it’s the ultimate vacation-inspired beverage that brings a taste of paradise wherever you are. Every sip delivers a smooth, fruity, and slightly tangy experience, making it perfect for summer nights, beachside lounging, or simply unwinding after a long day.
Beyond its delicious flavor, the Ocean Wave is a show-stopping cocktail that adds an element of fun and sophistication to any occasion. Its vibrant blue hue and tropical garnishes make it a visually striking centerpiece, whether served at a pool party, a luau, or a casual get-together with friends. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it into a frozen slushy, a stronger cocktail, or even a non-alcoholic mocktail to suit any preference.
So, whether you’re soaking up the sun, reminiscing about island getaways, or just looking to impress your guests with a stunning cocktail, the Ocean Wave is guaranteed to hit the spot. Grab your shaker, mix up this tropical beauty, and let the waves of flavor wash over you. 🌊🍹 Cheers to paradise in a glass!
PrintOcean Wave Cocktail
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
-
1 ½ oz coconut rum
-
1 oz blue curaçao
-
2 oz pineapple juice
-
1 oz coconut cream
-
½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
-
Ice cubes
-
Pineapple wedge and cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Start by placing your preferred cocktail glass (hurricane or highball glass) in the freezer for a few minutes. This keeps your drink refreshingly cool for longer.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
Step 3: Shake it Up
Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This ensures all the flavors blend smoothly and the drink reaches the perfect chilled temperature.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture into your chilled glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry for the perfect tropical touch. Insert a straw, take a sip, and let the ocean breeze take over!
Notes
For the creamiest, most luscious texture, be sure to use coconut cream, not coconut milk. Coconut cream is thicker and richer, providing the signature smooth and velvety mouthfeel that makes this cocktail truly indulgent.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Consistency:
✔ Shake or Stir Coconut Cream Before Using – If using canned coconut cream, stir it thoroughly before measuring, as it tends to separate into solid and liquid layers. A smooth, well-mixed consistency ensures even blending.
✔ Shake Vigorously – A strong shake (at least 15 seconds) helps fully emulsify the ingredients, preventing separation and creating a beautifully smooth drink.
✔ Use Freshly Chilled Ingredients – This keeps the cocktail cool and refreshing while maintaining its creamy consistency without excess dilution.
✔ Strain If Needed – If you prefer an ultra-smooth finish, strain the cocktail through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sodium: 15mg
- Protein: 1g