Blue Hawaii Cocktail Recipe

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Blue Hawaii Nutrition Facts

Calories:230

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:24g

Alcohol:13%

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.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Blue Hawaii cocktail was created in 1957 by Harry Yee, a bartender at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. This tropical drink was named after the 1961 Elvis Presley film 'Blue Hawaii'. It quickly gained popularity among tourists and locals alike, becoming a staple in tiki bars and tropical-themed parties.

  • The cocktail was originally created to showcase a new product, Blue Curaçao.
  • The Blue Hawaii is often confused with the Blue Hawaiian, which is a similar cocktail but with the addition of coconut cream.
  • The cocktail's vibrant blue color and refreshing taste make it a popular choice for beachside and poolside gatherings.

How Blue Hawaii Tastes?

The Blue Hawaii cocktail has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. The combination of pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and Blue Curaçao creates a fruity and tropical flavor profile, while the vodka and light rum add a subtle kick.

Interesting facts about Blue Hawaii

  • The Blue Hawaii's signature blue color comes from the Blue Curaçao, a liqueur made from the dried peels of the Laraha citrus fruit.
  • The cocktail is often served in a hurricane glass, which is designed to showcase its vibrant color and garnishes.
  • The Blue Hawaii is sometimes blended with ice to create a frozen version of the cocktail.

Ingredients

A few good options for Blue Hawaii are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

  • The vodka serves as a neutral base, allowing the other flavors to shine. Too much, and you'll be feeling more blue than Hawaii. Too little, and the cocktail loses its backbone.

Mary Mitkina

Light Rum

  • Light rum adds a little tropical love to the mix. Its subtle sweetness plays tag with your taste buds. Skip it and you'll miss the boat to flavor island.

Emma Rose

Blue Curaçao

  • Blue Curaçao gives our Blue Hawaii its signature azure allure. Not just for show, it adds a hint of orange flavor that's like sunshine in your glass. No Blue Curaçao? No Blue Hawaii—it's that simple.

Alex Green

Pineapple Juice

  • Pineapple juice is like the party host that introduces everyone. It's the heart of the tropical flavor. Less juice, and the drink tightens up; more, and it's a luau in your mouth.

Mary Mitkina

Sweet and Sour Mix

  • The sweet and sour mix is the yin and yang of the cocktail world. It balances all that's sweet with a touch of tart. Without it, the cocktail loses harmony. Too much, and you're puckering up more than kissing.

Emma Rose

Maraschino Cherry

  • The maraschino cherry is the proverbial cherry on top. It's that little extra something that makes you go, 'Oh! Fancy!' Forget the cherry, and it's like forgetting to smile in a selfie.

Alex Green

Pineapple Wedge Garnish

  • The pineapple wedge garnish says 'aloha' to your senses before you even take a sip. It's like a tropical high-five to your olfactory system. No wedge? The cocktail's charisma takes a hit.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Blue Hawaii Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the vodka, light rum, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice, and sweet and sour mix to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until chilled and combined.
  4. Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge.

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more refreshing taste.
  • Serve in a chilled glass to keep the cocktail cool for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Coconut Shrimp: The sweet tropical flavors of the Blue Hawaii cocktail complement the crispy sweetness of coconut shrimp.
  • Chicken Satay: The savory flavors of satay with a tangy peanut sauce can balance the sweet and fruity notes of the cocktail.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Fish Tacos: The light, fresh flavors of grilled fish tacos harmonize with the bright, citrusy notes of the Blue Hawaii.
  • Hawaiian Pizza: A playful pairing, the sweetness of pineapple on the pizza echoes the pineapple juice in the Blue Hawaii.

Desserts

  • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: The cake's caramelized pineapple topping pairs wonderfully with the tropical profile of the cocktail.
  • Mango Sorbet: A light and fruity sorbet complements the refreshing aspect of the Blue Hawaii.

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What you could change in Blue Hawaii

  • Blue Curaçao: Can be replaced with any other blue liqueur.
  • Light Rum: Can be replaced with dark rum for a deeper flavor.
  • Pineapple Juice: Can be replaced with orange juice for a different tropical flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Blue Maui

  • Ingredients: 1 oz Vodka, 1 oz Coconut Rum, 0.5 oz Blue Curaçao, 1 oz Lime Juice, 3 oz Pineapple Juice, Pineapple Leaf Garnish
  • Recipe: Just like the original, shake all ingredients and strain into an ice-filled glass. The coconut rum adds an extra tropical kiss, and the lime juice a zesty wink.
  • This twist is like taking a regular Hawaii and dressing it up in a grass skirt—a little more tropical, a little more fun.

Green Honolulu

  • Ingredients: 1 oz Vodka, 1 oz Light Rum, 0.5 oz Midori Melon Liqueur, 3 oz Pineapple Juice, 1 oz Sweet and Sour Mix, Melon Ball Garnish
  • Recipe: Follow the Blue Hawaii steps, but swap the Blue Curaçao for Midori. This creates a green gem that tastes like it's got a secret Hawaiian handshake.
  • The melon flavor takes the lead in this twist, creating a fresh and intriguing take on the classic.

Sparkling Lagoon

  • Ingredients: 1 oz Vodka, 1 oz Light Rum, 0.5 oz Blue Curaçao, 2 oz Pineapple Juice, 1 oz Sweet and Sour Mix, 1 oz Sparkling Water, Mint Sprig Garnish
  • Recipe: Shake all except sparkling water, pour over ice, then top with the fizz. The bubbles bring a refreshing effervescence, turning your sip into a bubbly beach party.
  • This version is for those who like a little sparkle with their surf—refreshing with a touch of celebration.

In case you forgot basics how to make Blue Hawaii

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

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Frequently Asked Questions on Blue Hawaii

What's the best kind of vodka and light rum to use for a Blue Hawaii cocktail?

While any type of vodka and light rum can be used, using premium liquors can enhance the overall flavor of the cocktail. Brands like Absolut and Grey Goose for vodka, and Bacardi for light rum are good choices.

Can I drink a Blue Hawaii if I'm allergic to pineapples?

Yes, you can still enjoy a Blue Hawaii without the pineapple juice. You can substitute it with another tropical juice like mango juice or guava juice.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Blue Hawaii cocktail?

Yes, a mocktail version of the Blue Hawaii can be easily made by omitting alcohol and replacing it with more fruit juice or non-alcoholic substitutes.

Can I use fresh fruits instead of bottled juice for a more natural flavor?

Yes, using fresh fruits can improve the taste of your cocktail and add a more natural sweetness.

What alcohol percentage does Blue Curaçao have?

Blue Curaçao usually has an alcohol content ranging from 15% to 40%, depending on the brand and type.

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