Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with the glamorous Blue Hawaiian cocktail. This tropical concoction is bright blue in colour with a refreshing taste of sunshine. Sip on this blend of rum, blue curacao liqueur, pineapple juice and coconut cream.
Whether you are sitting poolside or dreaming of a sandy beach on an island, the Blue Hawaiian is the perfect drink to whisk you away from everyday life to an island destination. It’s the perfect poolside cocktail to share with friends. It’s a great choice for a summer drink.
Blue Hawaii vs Blue Hawaiian
Blue Hawaii and Blue Hawaiian are both tropical drinks that are very similar in the vibrant blue colour, however, there are very subtle differences between the two.
A Blue Hawaii is made with rum, blue curacao, pineapple, and sweet and sour mix. It is occasionally made with coconut rum or vodka depending on who is making it. The way to know the difference is by the creamier texture in the Blue Hawaiian because of the use of coconut cream. Top them off with a pineapple slice and some maraschino cherries.
The Ingredients
To craft the perfect Blue Hawaiian, you’ll need to assemble a few key ingredients that work together to create the signature flavour profile and visual appeal of this iconic cocktail. Let’s take a closer look at each of the essential components:
Rum
The foundation of the Blue Hawaiian is a high-quality rum, typically a light or gold rum. The rum provides a smooth, slightly sweet base that serves as the backbone of the drink. Many bartenders prefer to use a blend of light and dark rums to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Coconut
Coconut is a key player in the Blue Hawaiian, providing a rich, creamy texture and a tropical sweetness that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Traditionally, the coconut component comes in the form of coconut cream or coconut milk, which lends a luxurious mouthfeel to the cocktail.
Pineapple
Pineapple juice is another essential ingredient in the Blue Hawaiian, adding a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the coconut and rum. The pineapple juice also helps to balance out the potency of the alcohol, creating a refreshing and easy-to-sip cocktail.
Blue Curaçao
The star of the show, however, is the blue curaçao. This vibrant, electric blue liqueur is made from the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit, which is native to the island of Curaçao. The blue curaçao not only provides the signature color of the Blue Hawaiian, but it also imparts a subtle, orange-like flavor that ties the entire drink together.
When these ingredients are combined in the right proportions, the result is a truly captivating cocktail that is both visually stunning and deliciously refreshing. The coconut and pineapple provide a tropical sweetness, while the rum adds depth and complexity. The blue curaçao ties it all together, creating a harmonious and well-balanced flavour profile that is simply irresistible.
Recipe for a Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
The Blue Hawaiian cocktail is a true icon of tropical mixology, a drink that transports you to a sun-drenched island paradise with every sip. This vibrant, electric blue concoction has captured the imagination of cocktail enthusiasts and beachgoers alike, becoming a staple on menu boards from tiki bars to resort lounges.
Makes: 1 (easily double recipe)
Prep: 5 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 oz. blue curacao
- 2 oz. light rum
- 1 oz. coconut cream
- 4 oz. pineapple juice
- 1 pineapple wedge
- 1 maraschino cherry
- Ice
Kitchen Tools
- Cocktail shaker
- Glass
Instructions
The recipe for a Blue Hawaiian is easy to make and is ready to drink in just a few minutes:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice, ready to chill and mix our tropical concoction.
- Add the rum, blue curaçao liqueur, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut to the shaker. These exotic ingredients combine to create the signature flavours of the Blue Hawaiian.
- Securely place the lid on the shaker and give it a vigorous shake, as if dancing to the rhythm of steel drums, ensuring all the flavours blend harmoniously.
- Take a moment to gaze at the mesmerizing blue hue that will soon take you on a journey to an island oasis.
- Fill a hurricane glass or another tall glass with crushed ice, ready to receive this liquid treasure.
- Strain the vibrant elixir from the shaker into the glass, where it cascades over the ice, conjuring visions of cascading waterfalls and tropical beauty.
- Optional: Embellish your Blue Hawaiian with a juicy pineapple slice and a tempting maraschino cherry perched on the rim, like a tropical sun and its playful companion in the sky.
Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz. blue curacao
- 2 oz. light rum
- 1 oz. coconut cream
- 4 oz. pineapple juice
- 1 pineapple wedge
- 1 maraschino cherry
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add coconut cream, pineapple juice, light rum, and blue curacao.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Top with a wedge of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
Nutrition
Variations of Blue Hawaiian
While the classic Blue Hawaiian recipe is a beloved and time-honored cocktail, bartenders and mixologists have also experimented with various twists and variations on the theme. Here are a few of the most popular:
Frozen Blue Hawaiian
One of the most common variations is the frozen Blue Hawaiian, which takes the classic recipe and blends it with crushed ice to create a slushy, icy texture. This version is particularly popular during the hot summer months, as the frozen consistency provides an extra layer of refreshment.
Layered Blue Hawaiian
Another creative twist is the layered Blue Hawaiian, where the different ingredients are carefully poured into a glass to create a visually striking, multi-coloured cocktail. This version often features a base of blue curaçao, with layers of coconut cream, pineapple juice, and white rum stacked on top.
Blue Hawaiian Martini
For those who prefer a more spirit-forward take on the classic, the Blue Hawaiian martini is a popular option. This version substitutes vodka or gin for the rum, creating a slightly drier and more boozy rendition of the tropical favourite.
Blue Hawaiian Margarita
By swapping out the rum for tequila and the pineapple juice for lime juice, bartenders have also created a Blue Hawaiian-inspired margarita. This variation maintains the iconic blue hue while offering a different flavour profile that appeals to tequila enthusiasts.
Non-Alcoholic Blue Hawaiian
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, there are also alcohol-free versions of the Blue Hawaiian that still capture the vibrant colour and tropical flavours. These mocktails typically use a blend of fruit juices, coconut water, and blue food colouring to recreate the signature look and taste.
No matter which variation you choose, the Blue Hawaiian remains a versatile and endlessly customizable cocktail that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or a unique twist, there’s a Blue Hawaiian out there to suit every taste and occasion.
Blue Hawaiian cocktail
With your tropical masterpiece complete, take a moment to savour the delightful combination of flavours. Each sip will transport you closer to swaying palm trees, warm ocean breezes, and the laid-back rhythm of island life. Relax, unwind, and enjoy the Blue Hawaiian cocktail – a true taste of paradise in a glass. Remember, as you embark on this tropical escape, drink responsibly, and let the Blue Hawaiian be your passport to a blissful state of mind.
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