Bali Hai Cocktail Recipe

Bali Hai Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:3g

Protein:0.5g

Carbohydrates:30g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

August 9, 2023

History

The Bali Hai cocktail is a tropical drink that originated in the 1960s at the Bali Hai restaurant in San Diego, California. The restaurant was known for its Polynesian theme and exotic cocktails. The Bali Hai cocktail quickly became a favorite among patrons who enjoyed its fruity and refreshing taste.

  • The Bali Hai restaurant was named after the song 'Bali Ha'i' from the musical 'South Pacific'
  • The cocktail was created to complement the restaurant's Polynesian theme and cuisine
  • The Bali Hai cocktail is still served at the restaurant today, and has become a popular drink in tiki bars around the world

How Bali Hai Tastes?

The Bali Hai cocktail is a sweet and fruity drink with a hint of tartness. It has a tropical flavor profile, with notes of pineapple, coconut, and citrus. The drink is well-balanced, with the sweetness of the fruit juices being offset by the tanginess of the lime and the slight bitterness of the rum.

Interesting facts about Bali Hai

  • The Bali Hai cocktail is often served in a tiki mug or a hurricane glass, adding to its tropical appeal
  • The drink is sometimes garnished with a pineapple wedge, cherry, or an edible flower for an extra touch of island flair
  • The Bali Hai cocktail is a great drink for summer parties and gatherings, as it is refreshing and easy to make in large batches

Ingredients

Recipe. How to make Bali Hai Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the light rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and lime juice
  3. Shake well until chilled and combined
  4. Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass or tiki mug filled with fresh ice
  5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more authentic tropical flavor
  • Chill the glasses before serving to keep the cocktail cold for longer

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Bali Hai

  • Light rum: Can be substituted with vodka for a less sweet taste
  • Dark rum: Can be substituted with bourbon for a smoky flavor
  • Pineapple juice: Can be substituted with orange juice for a different tropical twist
  • Cream of coconut: Can be substituted with coconut milk for a lighter version

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Bali Hai

Can the Bali Hai cocktail be turned into a mocktail?

Yes, you can create a mocktail version of the Bali Hai by substituting the light and dark rum with pineapple or coconut soda.

How can the flavors be enhanced in the Bali Hai cocktail?

To enhance flavors, you can muddle some fresh pineapple or use freshly squeezed lime juice. Also, let the mixture sit for a few minutes before shaking, this allows the flavors to meld together.

What are the typical foods paired with a Bali Hai?

Given its tropical nature, the Bali Hai cocktail pairs well with seafood dishes, particularly ones with a sweet and sour or spicy profile. Grilled shrimp, fish tacos or a tropical salad with mango and avocado would complement this cocktail.

What alternatives can be used if I don't have a cocktail shaker?

If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a lid or simply stir the ingredients together in a pitcher. The key is to make sure all of the ingredients are well combined.

Can I switch rum with non-alcoholic substitutes?

Yes, you can substitute the rum with non-alcoholic alternatives such as non-alcoholic rum flavoring, apple or grape juice for a fruity flavor, or peppermint or vanilla extract for a unique twist.

More similar recipes to Bali Hai!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Extra information to help you make Bali Hai

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Please rate this recipe