Blue Hawaiian Cocktail Recipe

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Blue Hawaiian Nutrition Facts

Calories:260

Fat:5g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:34g

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.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Blue Hawaiian cocktail is a tropical and refreshing drink that was created in the 1950s by Harry Yee, a bartender at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and tropical flavors, and it is often served at beachside bars and pool parties.

  • The Blue Hawaiian is a popular choice for those who enjoy the flavors of pineapple, coconut, and citrus.
  • This cocktail is often associated with the tiki culture and tropical vacations.
  • The vibrant blue color of the drink is due to the addition of blue curaçao, a liqueur made from the dried peels of the Laraha citrus fruit.

How Blue Hawaiian Tastes?

The Blue Hawaiian cocktail has a sweet, fruity, and tropical taste with a hint of citrus. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and blue curaçao creates a refreshing and exotic flavor profile.

Interesting facts about Blue Hawaiian

  • The Blue Hawaiian is sometimes confused with the Blue Hawaii, which is a similar cocktail but made with vodka instead of rum.
  • The Laraha citrus fruit used to make blue curaçao is native to the island of Curaçao in the Caribbean.
  • The Blue Hawaiian is often served in a hurricane glass, which is a tall and curvy glass that showcases the vibrant blue color of the drink.

Ingredients

Light Rum

Light rum serves as the backbone of the Blue Hawaiian, providing a smooth, subtle alcohol base that allows the other flavors to shine. It's important not to overpower the drink; otherwise, the tropical notes might be masked. For a non-alcoholic version, you could omit the rum, although the cocktail will lose its kick.

Mary Mitkina

Blue Curaçao

This vibrant blue liqueur not only gives the cocktail its signature color but also a slight orangey flavor which complements the tropical fruits beautifully. Omitting it would result in a less visually striking and flavourful cocktail. An alternative could be using a non-colored orange liqueur with a drop of blue food coloring.

Alex Green

Cream of Coconut

Cream of coconut adds a silky texture and sweet tropical flavor. It's fundamental for the creamy profile of the drink. Without it, the cocktail would be less rich and lose some of the coconut's sweetness. A possible substitute is coconut milk, but expect a thinner consistency and lighter coconut taste.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice brings sweetness and acidity, balancing the creaminess and adding to the tropical feel. Less juice would make the cocktail stronger in alcohol taste; more could make it too sweet and dilute the rum. No real substitutes if you want to keep the same flavor profile.

Mary Mitkina

Crushed Ice

The ice is there to chill and dilute the drink slightly, giving it a refreshing quality and slushy texture when blended. No ice would result in a warmer and stronger cocktail, not as refreshing or enjoyable.

Alex Green

Pineapple Slice & Maraschino Cherry

Used for garnish, these fruits add a pop of color and hint at the tropical flavors within the drink. They also contribute to the overall experience with their aromatic and flavor qualities when used as a garnish.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Blue Hawaiian Drink

  1. In a blender, combine the light rum, blue curaçao, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice.
  2. Add the crushed ice and blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the mixture into a hurricane glass.
  4. Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.

Pro Tips

  • To make the drink more visually appealing, you can rim the glass with shredded coconut.
  • For a stronger cocktail, you can use dark rum instead of light rum.

Perfect Pairings

Tropical and Light Fare

Appetizers:

The sweet and fruity nature of a Blue Hawaiian is a perfect match for light and tropical-inspired appetizers. Consider pairing with coconut shrimp, fresh ceviche, or a mango avocado salsa. The acidity in the citrus-based dishes will balance the sweetness of the cocktail.

Main Course:

For a main dish, lean towards seafood or grilled chicken. The light flavors won't overwhelm the drink. Think grilled mahi-mahi with a pineapple salsa or a citrus marinade chicken skewer that will complement the Blue Hawaiian's tropical notes.

Desserts:

For dessert, you can't go wrong with tropical fruits like a fruit tart with kiwi, pineapple, or mango. The natural sweetness of the fruits pairs superbly with the coconut and pineapple flavors of the drink.

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What you could change in Blue Hawaiian

  • Light Rum: You can substitute with vodka for a Blue Hawaii cocktail.
  • Blue Curaçao: You can use orange curaçao or triple sec, but the color of the cocktail will be different.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Green Hawaiian

Swap Blue Curaçao for Midori (melon liqueur) to get a Green Hawaiian. This twist will introduce a new layer of melon flavor and a vibrant green color. Reduce the cream of coconut by half to balance the added sweetness from Midori.

Coconut-less Blue Hawaiian

Replace the cream of coconut with coconut water for a lighter, less sweet version. This variation is for those watching their sugar intake but still craving the tropical sensation of the Blue Hawaiian.

Spiced Blue Hawaiian

Add a dash of spicy bitters or a small chunk of fresh ginger to the blender before mixing. This gives the Blue Hawaiian a warm, spicy undertone that contrasts with its chilled, sweet nature.

In case you forgot basics how to make Blue Hawaiian

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 Hawaiian

What other beverages can be made with Light Rum?

Light Rum is versatile and can be used in various cocktails such as Mojito, Cuba Libre, and Daiquiri.

Why is the rum in a Blue Hawaiian substituted with vodka to make a Blue Hawaii?

The substitution alters the taste slightly. Vodka has a neutral taste which allows the tropical fruit flavors to shine a bit more.

Can I have a Blue Hawaiian if I'm allergic to coconuts?

Cream of Coconut is a main ingredient in a Blue Hawaiian. If you're allergic to coconuts, it's best to avoid this cocktail.

Where can I find Blue Curaçao?

Blue Curaçao can be found at most liquor stores or online. It's a sweet-blue liqueur used in many cocktails for flavor and color.

Is there a recommended brand of Light Rum to use?

The brand of rum is dependent on personal preference. However, popular choices for light rum include Bacardi or Captain Morgan.

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