Hawaiian Cocktail Recipe

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Hawaiian Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0.5g

Carbohydrates:25g

Alcohol:12%

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 Hawaiian cocktail is a tropical delight that originated in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. It is a popular choice among beachgoers and vacationers who want to enjoy a refreshing and fruity beverage while soaking up the sun. The cocktail is said to have been created by Donn Beach, the founder of the famous Don the Beachcomber tiki bar in the 1930s.

  • The Hawaiian cocktail is a symbol of the laid-back and carefree lifestyle of the Hawaiian Islands.
  • It is often enjoyed at luaus, beach parties, and tiki bars.
  • The cocktail has gained popularity around the world, with many variations being created to suit different tastes.

How Hawaiian Tastes?

The Hawaiian cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing drink with a hint of tartness. It has a well-balanced flavor profile, with the sweetness of the pineapple and orange juices complementing the tangy taste of the lemon juice. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.

Interesting facts about Hawaiian

  • The Hawaiian cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'Aloha Cocktail' or 'Tropical Delight'.
  • The cocktail is often served in a tiki mug or a hurricane glass, adding to the tropical vibe of the drink.
  • The Hawaiian cocktail is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed year-round, but it is especially popular during the summer months.

Ingredients

Light Rum

Used as the base spirit, light rum adds a subtle sweetness and a kick of alcohol without overpowering the cocktail. Using less would make a weaker drink; more might overshadow the delicate mix of fruit flavors.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

It's the tropical heart of the drink! It adds sweetness and a fruity punch. Leaving it out would deny the cocktail its Hawaiian credential and make it less tropical.

Alex Green

Orange Juice

Brings a citrusy zing and balances the sweetness of the pineapple juice. No orange juice would mean losing some tangy freshness.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

The tartness cuts through the sweetness, adding depth. Skipping lemon juice can make the cocktail too sweet.

Mary Mitkina

Grenadine

It gives that lovely sunset color and a hint of pomegranate sweetness. Without it, the visual appeal and the flavor complexity reduces.

Alex Green

Ice

Chills the drink, making it refreshing. Without enough ice, the cocktail would be lukewarm and not as enjoyable.

Emma Rose

Maraschino Cherry

The garnish that doubles as a treat at the end of the drink. It adds a touch of class and a whisper of cherry flavor.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Wedge

The garnish suggests tropical origins and allows for a delicious booze-infused snack.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Hawaiian Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the light rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and grenadine to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the mixture is well-chilled and combined.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge.

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Use freshly squeezed juices for a more authentic and refreshing taste.
  • Chill the glasses before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Foods

  • Grilled Seafood: The citrus notes in the Hawaiian cocktail complement the smoky flavors of grilled fish or shrimp.
  • Teriyaki Chicken: The sweetness of the pineapple in the cocktail pairs well with the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
  • Tropical Salads: A salad with mango, papaya, and a light vinaigrette would match the cocktail's tropical vibe.

Drinks

  • Coconut Water: Hydrating and fresh, pairing nicely with the Hawaiian cocktail without competing with its flavors.
  • Iced Tea: A non-alcoholic option that's refreshing and can balance out the sweetness of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Hawaiian

  • Light rum can be substituted with dark rum for a deeper flavor.
  • Pineapple juice can be replaced with mango juice for a different tropical twist.
  • Grenadine can be substituted with a dash of cranberry juice for a less sweet option.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Sparkling Hawaiian

  • Add 1 oz of sparkling water: This adds a bubbly effect to the cocktail, making it lighter and more refreshing.

Hawaiian Sunset

  • Swap grenadine for 0.5 oz of peach schnapps: Brings a different kind of sweetness and creates a smooth, peachy flavor profile.

Spiced Hawaiian

  • Include 0.5 oz of spiced rum: Adds warmth and spice that contrasts with the sweetness, giving the cocktail an extra layer of depth.

In case you forgot basics how to make 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 Hawaiian

Is Hawaii known for its cocktails?

Yes, Hawaii is well-known for its tropical and fruity cocktails. These are typically made using local ingredients like tropical fruits and rum, and are often enjoyed at beachside locales, luaus, and parties.

What can I serve with a Hawaiian cocktail?

A Hawaiian cocktail pairs well with a variety of dishes. Tropical, seafood, and Polynesian-inspired dishes like grilled shrimp, teriyaki chicken, and pineapple fried rice all complement the fruity and refreshing flavor of a Hawaiian cocktail.

Can I prepare Hawaiian cocktails for a party in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components of a Hawaiian cocktail in advance by mixing together the rum and juices. However, we recommend adding the ice just before serving to ensure the drink stays cold and does not become diluted.

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of rum?

While rum is the traditional alcohol used in a Hawaiian cocktail, you could try substituting it with vodka or tequila for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that this will alter the original taste of the cocktail.

Can I make a Hawaiian cocktail if I don't have a cocktail shaker?

Absolutely! If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you can mix the ingredients together in a large pitcher or jug. Just make sure to stir well to ensure everything is well combined.

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