Green Hawaiian Cocktail Recipe

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Green Hawaiian Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:2g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:35g

Alcohol content:10%

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 Green Hawaiian is a tropical cocktail that's a vibrant twist on the classic Blue Hawaiian. It's a relatively modern concoction, gaining popularity for its exotic appearance and refreshing taste.

  • Origins: While the exact origins are unclear, it's believed to have been inspired by the colorful cocktails of the 1970s.
  • Popularity: This drink is a hit at summer parties, beach gatherings, and anywhere a splash of color and fun is needed.
  • Audience: It's particularly beloved by those who enjoy sweet, fruity cocktails with a tropical flair.

How Green Hawaiian Tastes?

The Green Hawaiian is sweet and creamy, with a tropical fruitiness that's balanced by a subtle tang. It's a light and refreshing drink with a playful punch from the rum.

Interesting facts about Green Hawaiian

  • The Green Hawaiian's color is achieved by using blue curaçao and adding a dash of yellow, often from pineapple juice, to create a vibrant green.
  • It's a variation of the Blue Hawaiian, which is known for its striking blue color.
  • The cocktail is often garnished with a cherry or a slice of pineapple to enhance its tropical presentation.

Ingredients

Light Rum

  • Why: At 1.5 oz, light rum lays the foundation for the cocktail, providing a smooth, subtle sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Without: Missing the rum would make it a non-alcoholic tropical punch—still nice, but not a cocktail!
  • Alternatives: Dark rum would bring a richer, molasses-like flavor, changing the cocktail's overall profile.

Emma Rose

Blue Curaçao

  • Why: The 0.5 oz of Blue Curaçao gives a vibrant blue hue and hints of citrus, which complements the tropical theme.
  • Without: The 'Green Hawaiian' would lose its signature greenish color and citrusy depth.
  • Alternatives: Triple sec or Cointreau could be used, but you'd sacrifice color for a clearer, more citrus-forward drink.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

  • Why: 3 oz is the perfect amount to balance the rum's kick with sweet and tart notes, embodying the tropical vibe.
  • Without: Say goodbye to the Hawaiian part of 'Green Hawaiian.'
  • Alternatives: Mango juice would add an exotic twist, creating a different tropical experience.

Alex Green

Cream of Coconut

  • Why: At 1 oz, cream of coconut enriches the cocktail with a silky texture and sweet flavor that's hard to resist.
  • Without: The drink becomes less creamy and more akin to a standard fruit-based cocktail.
  • Alternatives: Coconut milk can be a lighter stand-in but won't provide the same richness.

Emma Rose

Ice Cubes

  • Why: A cup ensures the drink is cold and refreshing, without diluting it too quickly.
  • Without: You'll end up with a lukewarm, uninspiring sipper.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Cherry

  • Why: That single cherry isn't just a pretty garnish; its sweetness adds a finishing touch to each sip.
  • Without: The drink loses a dash of color and a speck of flavor.

Alex Green

Pineapple Slice

  • Why: A slice on the rim invites you into the tropical mood before you even taste the drink.
  • Without: It's still a cocktail, but you'd miss that extra hint of Hawaiian flair.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Green Hawaiian Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 1.5 oz of light rum, 0.5 oz of blue curaçao, 3 oz of pineapple juice, and 1 oz of cream of coconut into the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
  4. Strain into a chilled highball glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of pineapple on the rim of the glass.

Pro Tips

  • For a more vibrant green, adjust the amount of blue curaçao and pineapple juice until you achieve the desired shade.
  • Chill the glass beforehand to keep the cocktail cooler for longer.
  • Use fresh pineapple juice if possible for a brighter flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Coconut Shrimp: The sweet flavor of the shrimp blends seamlessly with the tropical tones of the cocktail.
  • Chicken Satay: The hint of coconut in the cocktail complements the peanut sauce perfectly.

Desserts

  • Fruit Tart: The refreshing acidity of the cocktail contrasts well with the sweet, creamy dessert.
  • Lemon Sorbet: Cleanses the palate between sips and bites with its citrus zing.

Sipping Situations

  • Beachside Relaxing: This cocktail goes hand in hand with feeling the sand between your toes and a warm breeze.
  • Summer Parties: A vivid addition to any poolside gathering or backyard BBQ.

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What you could change in Green Hawaiian

  • Rum: If light rum isn't available, white rum can be used as a substitute.
  • Blue Curaçao: In a pinch, triple sec with a drop of blue food coloring can mimic the effect.
  • Cream of Coconut: Coconut milk mixed with a bit of sugar can replace cream of coconut if needed.

Explore all drinks starting with G here

And of course - twists🍹

Coconut Rum Hawaiian

  • Replace light rum with coconut rum for an extra coconut kick.
  • Ingredients: Coconut rum, Blue Curaçao, Pineapple juice, Ice cubes, Maraschino cherry, Pineapple slice.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but shake 1.5 oz coconut rum instead of light rum.
  • Taste Difference: Expect a more pronounced coconut taste throughout the drink.

Watermelon Hawaiian Breeze

  • Add 1.5 oz of fresh watermelon juice to the shaker.
  • Ingredients: Light rum, Blue Curaçao, Pineapple juice, Watermelon juice, Cream of coconut, Ice cubes, Watermelon slice, Pineapple slice.
  • Recipe: Along with the original ingredients, add watermelon juice before shaking.
  • Taste Difference: A refreshing, fruity twist that complements the tropical vibe with a hint of summer freshness.

Hawaiian Sunset

  • Swap Blue Curaçao with Grenadine for a red/pink hue, representing the famous Hawaiian sunsets.
  • Ingredients: Light rum, Grenadine, Pineapple juice, Cream of coconut, Ice cubes, Maraschino cherry, Orange wheel.
  • Recipe: Shake light rum, Grenadine, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut with ice. Serve with an orange wheel garnish.
  • Taste Difference: Expect a sweeter profile with a visual twist, reminiscent of the beautiful island sunsets.

In case you forgot basics how to make Green Hawaiian

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 Green Hawaiian

How do I measure the cocktail ingredients without a jigger?

You can use a tablespoon as a measuring tool. Generally, 1 oz is equivalent to 2 tablespoons.

Can I make the Green Hawaiian in a large batch for a party?

Yes, you can multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need and mix them in a large pitcher or bowl.

What is a good non-alcoholic substitute for light rum in this cocktail?

For a non-alcoholic version, you can use a rum-flavored syrup or extract and adjust the quantity to taste.

Is there a specific technique to garnishing the Green Hawaiian?

For an aesthetically pleasing presentation, cut a notch in the pineapple slice so it sits securely on the rim, and place the cherry on top of the ice.

How long does it take for a glass to chill in the freezer?

It typically takes about 10-15 minutes for a glass to chill in the freezer, but this can vary depending on the freezer's temperature settings.

Can I use a blender instead of a shaker for this cocktail?

Using a blender can give the cocktail a slushy texture if desired. Blend all the ingredients with ice until smooth, then pour into a glass.

What’s the best way to store Blue Curaçao once opened?

Blue Curaçao should be kept in a cool, dark place and tightly sealed. It generally has a long shelf life due to its alcohol content.

Is the Green Hawaiian suitable for vegans?

If the cream of coconut and garnishes used are free from animal products, then the Green Hawaiian can be suitable for vegans.

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