Almond Joy
The Almond Joy cocktail is a sweet, creamy, and indulgent drink with a rich chocolate flavor, nutty almond undertones, and a hint of tropical coconut. It is a smooth and velvety cocktail with a well-balanced sweetness.
Waikiki Cocktail Recipe
Jump to Recipe ⬇️
Waikiki Nutrition Facts
Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:0.5g
Carbohydrates:30g
Alcohol:8%
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
Contents
History
The Waikiki cocktail is a tropical and refreshing drink that originated in the beautiful island of Hawaii. Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Waikiki is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The Waikiki cocktail was created to capture the essence of this paradise, and has since become a favorite among those who enjoy fruity and exotic beverages.
- The name 'Waikiki' comes from the famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii
- The cocktail is believed to have been created in the 1960s, during the tiki culture craze
- It is often enjoyed at luaus, beach parties, and other festive occasions
How Waikiki Tastes?
The Waikiki cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. The combination of pineapple juice, orange juice, and lime juice creates a refreshing and zesty base, while the coconut rum and grenadine add a touch of sweetness and a hint of tropical flair. The result is a well-balanced and delicious drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
Interesting facts about Waikiki
- The Waikiki cocktail is sometimes referred to as a 'Hawaiian Mai Tai'
- The drink is often served in a tiki-style glass or a hurricane glass, adding to its tropical appeal
- The Waikiki cocktail is sometimes garnished with a pineapple wedge, cherry, or a cocktail umbrella for an extra touch of island flair
Ingredients
- Pineapple juice: 3 oz(90ml)
- Orange juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Coconut rum: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: As needed
- Pineapple wedge: 1
- Maraschino cherry: 1
Pineapple Juice
The pineapple juice adds tropical sweetness and a bit of tartness, which is essential for creating that island vibe. If you're scant, your Waikiki will lack its fruity backbone; too much, and it's aloha to balance! No pineapple? Try mango juice for a different tropical twist.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Juice
Orange juice gives a citrusy zing and boosts the tropical feel. Less would lose its sunny disposition, more could overshadow the other fruity players. Orange you glad there's flexibility? Swap with tangerine juice if you're feeling adventurous!
Alex Green
Lime Juice
The lime juice is the cocktail's tart referee, keeping the sweet flavors in check. Skimp on this, and it's a sugar rush; overdo it, and it's sour hour. If you don't have limes, lemons are a zesty understudy.
Emma Rose
Coconut Rum
Ah, coconut rum- the beach in a bottle. It adds a creamy, nutty flavor that's key to the Waikiki's charm. Too little? It'll whisper coconut. Too much? You're diving into a coconut cream pie. No coconut rum? Try vanilla-flavored rum for a cozy spin.
Mary Mitkina
Grenadine
Grenadine is the sunset in this tropical cocktail, adding color and a touch of sweetness. Not enough, and you miss the dusk; too much, and it could become syrupy. No grenadine? A splash of pomegranate juice might save the day.
Alex Green
Ice
It's not just ice - it's the arctic architect of this drink, making it cool and aiding in dilution. It's a Goldilocks scenario: just right is perfect. No ice means a warm wave instead of a cool breeze.
Emma Rose
Pineapple Wedge
The pineapple wedge is your edible garnish - the lei on your drink. It's a snackable visual cue that screams tropical. No pineapple wedge for your hula? A slice of orange will keep the party going.
Mary Mitkina
Maraschino Cherry
The maraschino cherry is the ruby red jewel atop the treasure that is your Waikiki. It adds a little kiss of sweetness. Forget it, and you've robbed the treasure chest; but if you're out, a raspberry can play the gem, too.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Waikiki Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, coconut rum, and grenadine
- Shake well until chilled and combined
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry
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 glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool for longer
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Tropical Fruit Salad: The sweetness of the cocktail would complement the natural sugars in a tropical fruit salad.
- Shrimp or Chicken Skewers: The acidity from the lime juice and the sweetness from the fruit juices will balance out the savory flavors of grilled skewers.
- Spicy Foods: The sweetness of the Waikiki cocktail can cut through the heat of spicy dishes.
Desserts
- Coconut-based desserts: A pairing that echoes the coconut in the rum.
- Fruit Tarts or Sorbet: Light and refreshing desserts to match the drink's refreshing quality.
Drinks
- Sparkling Water: To help cleanse the palate between sips of this sweet cocktail.
- Light Beers: They won't overpower the cocktail's flavors.
🍹 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 Waikiki
- Coconut rum can be replaced with regular white rum for a less sweet version
- If you don't have grenadine, you can use a dash of maraschino cherry juice
- Orange juice can be substituted with grapefruit juice for a more tangy flavor
Explore all drinks starting with W here
And of course - twists🍹
The Sunset Beach
Switch it up with a splash of soda water for a refreshing fizz. Add some muddled mint leaves for an herbal hint. Change: A spritz of bubbly will lighten the sweetness, and the mint will make you feel like you've got your toes in the sand.
The Volcanic Waikiki
Add a shot of spicy rum or a slice of jalapeño for an explosive kick. Change: The heat from the spice or jalapeño will contrast the cocktail's sweetness, like lava meeting ocean waves.
Aloha Sparkler
Replace half of the pineapple juice with sparkling pineapple wine or prosecco. Change: The effervescence from the sparkling wine will give the drink an elegant twist, dancing on your tongue like a luau under the stars.
In case you forgot basics how to make Waikiki
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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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 garnishingFind 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 Waikiki
What is the primary taste of a Waikiki cocktail?
The Waikiki cocktail primarily tastes sweet, tangy, and fruity. Its flavour mainly comes from the balance between the acidity of the juices (pineapple, orange, lime) and the sweetness from the coconut rum and grenadine. However, flavours can vary slightly depending on the brands of ingredients used.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Waikiki cocktail?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic or 'mocktail' version of the Waikiki by either skipping the rum or replacing it with a non-alcoholic alternative, such as coconut water or a coconut flavored beverage. Please note that this will change the taste of the cocktail.
How strong is a Waikiki cocktail?
The strength of a Waikiki cocktail depends on the amount of coconut rum used. In the standard Waikiki cocktail recipe, 1.5 oz of coconut rum is used. This, combined with the other ingredients, makes it a relatively light cocktail compared to other classic cocktails.
Is there a specific type of glass I should use when serving a Waikiki cocktail?
While the Waikiki cocktail is often served in a tiki-style glass or a hurricane glass, it can also be served in a tall glass or highball glass. The main thing is to ensure the glass is large enough to accommodate the cocktail and a good amount of ice.
Is the Waikiki cocktail similar to a Pina Colada?
While both cocktails incorporate pineapple and coconut flavors, they are different. The Waikiki cocktail uses coconut rum, whereas a Pina Colada uses rum and cream of coconut. Also, the Pina Colada is usually blended with ice to create a slushy consistency, while the Waikiki is served over ice.
More similar recipes to Waikiki!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
coconut rumPin It
Caribbean Breeze
The Caribbean Breeze cocktail offers a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juice creates a refreshing citrus base, while the coconut rum adds a hint of tropical sweetness. The grenadine provides a touch of tartness, balancing out the overall taste.
Maui
The Maui cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing drink with a hint of tartness. The combination of pineapple, orange, and cranberry juices creates a well-balanced and tropical flavor profile, while the coconut rum adds a smooth and creamy finish.
Lava Flow
The Lava Flow cocktail is a delicious combination of sweet, fruity, and creamy flavors. The drink is rich and velvety, with a hint of tanginess from the pineapple and a subtle coconut undertone. The strawberry puree adds a touch of tartness and a beautiful contrast in both taste and appearance.
Halekulani
The Halekulani cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The combination of pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine creates a refreshing and tangy base, while the rum and Cointreau add a smooth, warming kick. The result is a well-balanced, tropical taste that is both invigorating and soothing.
Hawaiian
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.
Planter's Punch
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Zombie
The Zombie cocktail is a complex, fruity, and potent drink. It has a sweet and tangy taste with a strong rum flavor, balanced by the tartness of citrus and the subtle spiciness of cinnamon.
Navy Grog
Navy Grog is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, yet refreshing, with a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. The rum provides a rich, warm base, while the citrus juices add a bright, tangy element. The honey and spices round out the flavor, giving the drink a touch of sweetness and depth.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Pink Lady
The Pink Lady has a delicate, fruity, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of tartness. The gin provides a subtle, herbal undertone, while the grenadine and egg white create a smooth, velvety texture.
Jack Rose
The Jack Rose cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The apple brandy provides a rich, smooth base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tanginess. The grenadine imparts a subtle sweetness and a beautiful rosy hue.
Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Galliano. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and subtle kick.
Screwdriver
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
Fuzzy Navel
The Fuzzy Navel is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing cocktail. It has a bright citrus taste from the orange juice, combined with the smooth and sweet flavor of peach schnapps. The drink is light and easy to sip, making it perfect for warm weather or a relaxing evening.
Bramble
The Bramble cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The blackberry liqueur and simple syrup bring a sweet, fruity balance to the drink.
Bellini
The Bellini is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the peach puree. The bubbles from the Prosecco add a pleasant effervescence, making it a perfect drink for warm weather and celebrations.
Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a refreshing and fruity cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The taste is a delightful combination of tangy citrus, sweet tropical fruits, and the warmth of spiced rum.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon cocktail has a sweet and tangy taste with a hint of citrus. It is light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm summer days. The combination of blue curaçao and lemonade gives it a unique, tropical flavor.
Blue Margarita
The Blue Margarita has a well-balanced taste, combining the tangy and sour flavors of lime and orange liqueur with the sweetness of blue curaçao. It is a strong and refreshing cocktail with a hint of tropical fruitiness.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.