Blue Hawaiian classic cocktail recipe

THIS PAGE MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE.

The Blue Hawaiian is akin to the Pina Colada, based on rum, pineapple juice and cream of coconut. It promises a little taste of tropical paradise. The big difference is the color: as the name suggests, it’s blue. Specifically, it’s the color of a sparkling pool on a clear, sunny afternoon.

But there is one other difference between the Blue Hawaiian and its tropical cousin: the flavor of orange. The blue Curaçao adds a distinct note of orange to this drink. It certainly doesn’t overwhelm the pineapple and coconut flavor. It just adds another wonderful sweet, tart layer to the taste of the drink.

This is a drink designed to make you feel like it’s summer no matter where you are or what the weather’s like. Not only does it taste like the tropics, it also looks like them. Cocktails are about visual appeal as well as taste. You can garnish this one with a simple cocktail umbrella, or you can spear a pineapple, a cherry, or both.

You can make this cocktail a blended drink, by mixing everything together with ice in a blender. Or you chill it and pour, or pour it over ice. The most common method is probably to shake it with ice and pour it into an empty glass. But on a hot day, you may welcome the addition of some ice – and this cocktail can take it. It’s got enough flavor not to just water down into nothing.

Blue Hawaiian Recipe

1 ounce Blue Curacao
1 ounce white rum
3 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce sweetened coconut cream

There are a few options for how you mix this drink. You can shake everything with ice in a shaker, then strain it into the glass. Or you can leave the ice in when you pour it into the glass. You can also put the ingredients and the ice into a blender and make it a blended drink.

Blue Hawaii Cocktail

Recipe by diner524

people discussing

Top Review by

people discussing

Blue Hawaii Cocktail

SERVES:

Ingredients Nutrition

3 ⁄₄ ounce light rum
3 ⁄₄ ounce vodka
1 ⁄₂ ounce blue curacao
3 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce prepared sweet-and-sour mix

Directions

Combine all ingredients and mix well. If using ice, mix the ingredients in a blender. Serve in a tall glass. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

get the genius kitchen app.

Watch on your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV.

get the genius kitchen app.

Watch on your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV.

Join the Conversation

all
reviews
tweaks
q & a

Attach Photo

Would you like to attach a photo to your submission?

Browse
Cancel

Attach Photo

The image has been attached to your submission.

Report this post?

Are you sure you want to report this post for review?

Yes, report it.
Oops! Cancel!

You must be logged in to interact with the activity feed.

Log in now
Cancel

Missing Input

Please enter a rating or review before submitting.

Missing Input

Please enter a reply before submitting.

Please enter your before submitting.

Your reply has been submitted for moderation.

There was an error processing your submission. Please refresh and try again!

Nutrition Info

Serving Size: 1 (130 g)

Servings Per Recipe: 1

Amt. Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 145.6 Calories from Fat 0 1% Total Fat 0.1 g 0% Saturated Fat 0 g 0% Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Sodium 2.1 mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 11 g 3% Dietary Fiber 0.2 g 0% Sugars 8.6 g 34% Protein 0.3 g 0%

Blue Hawaiian Recipe

Blue Hawaiian Recipe Transport yourself somewhere sunny and relaxing with this tropical pineapple and coconut cocktail. The most refreshing summer cocktail around!

No summer plans? No problem! This Blue Hawaiian Recipe will transport you straight to a place of pale white sand and softly crashing waves. A place where you have nothing to do and all day to do it.

My Blue Hawaiian Recipe tastes like the tropics with delicious pineapple and coconut flavor. The blue color is also gorgeous!

Best of all there are only 3 ingredients(plus ice!), and no prep work involved! Easy breezy! It can be prepared in under 5 minutes: perfect for relaxing after work or for enjoying a casual weekend dinner with friends.

This Blue Hawaiian Recipe only makes one drink, but it can easily be doubled, tripled, or made into a whole pitcher. Just multiply your ounces by the number of people you’re having!

Don’t drink alcohol or making this for the kiddos? Try substituting blue gatorade for the blue curacao, and coconut extract for the coconut rum.

1 Ounce Coconut Rum
1 Ounce Blue Curacao
2 Ounces Pineapple Juice
1 Cup Crushed Ice
Fresh Pineapple and Maraschino Cherries, If Desired For Garnish

Combine first 4 ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour in glass.
Garnish with pineapple and maraschino cherries if desired.

What do you think of this Blue Hawaiian Recipe? What’s your favorite summer cocktail?

14 comments on “Blue Hawaiian Recipe”

My absolute favorite drink! LOVE IT!

Krystal E recently posted…Gelish MINI Watch Your Step, Sister!

Delicious! This is one of my favorite drinks! Can’t wait to be sitting on the deck with one in my hand!

Tina Marie recently posted…Jello Jiggler Deviled Eggs

Hope those days come sooner, rather than later!

What a stunning shade of blue!

Ashley – Baker by Nature recently posted…Oven Baked Sesame Chicken

Thanks Ashley! Have you ever tried Blue Curacao? It looks so pretty!

I could use this right now! It’s almost 5pm in LA! Ha! 🙂

This looks so refreshing! I love the pretty blue color!

You had me at rum … but the color of this drink really puts it over the top!! Pinned!

Thanks for pinning Lauren! 😀

I love the color! It makes me crave warm weather and a beach!

Serena recently posted…Honey Mustard Chicken

I wanna be transported someplace tropical. love this!

So full of color – what fun and yum!

Courtney recently posted…Easter Party Plan and Recipes | Celebrating Pascua

Blue Hawaiian Cocktail: A Beautiful Tropical Rum Drink

3 mins
Prep: 3 mins,
Cook: 0 mins
Yield: 1 Serving

The Blue Hawaiian is a fantastic and fun tiki drink. It's filled with rum, pineapple, and coconut and, best of all, it's blue!

There's something alluring about blue cocktails. They're exciting and exotic and they're almost always tropical, which is exactly why we love them. The Blue Hawaiian fits all of these descriptions perfectly.

In essence, this is a blue version of the popular Pina Colada. It simply splits up the coconut to allow room for the blue curacao, which is an orange-flavored liqueur that is responsible for the drink's color.

You have two options when it comes to mixing this tropical summer cocktail. Shake it or blend it up, either way, it's a very easy one to make.

What You'll Need

1 1/2 ounces rum
3/4 ounce blue curaçao
3/4 ounce creme de coconut
2 ounces pineapple juice
Garnish: maraschino cherry
Garnish: pineapple wedge

How to Make It

Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
Stir well.
Strain into a collins glass filled with ice cubes.
Garnish with the cherry and pineapple.

For the frozen version, simply pour the ingredients into a blender with 1 cup of cracked ice. This will be enough for two drinks, so be sure to share it with a friend.

How Strong is the Blue Hawaiian?

Let's assume that you pour an 80-proof rum for your Blue Hawaiian and follow the recipe exactly.

It will delight you to know that this boozy tiki drink is not so boozy. It's actually surprisingly light at right around 15% ABV (30 proof). If you toss it into the blender, you will have an even softer drink that's around 6% ABV (12 proof).

Blue Hawaii Cocktail

Need a vacation? Try one of these Blue Hawaii Cocktails and pretend you’re laying on a beach somewhere!

I mentioned last week that my daughter was making a cocktail for a baby shower and the Blueberry Mojito I did was simply not blue enough. So I took some expert advice from my friend Karen who used to be a bartender and my other friend Google who seems to have all the answers and I found the perfect drink for their event; the Blue Hawaii.

Not to be confused with the Blue Hawaiian either which includes coconut milk; Emily wanted something both pretty and refreshing and this fit the bill. I admit, I was nonplussed about Blue Curacao but after making it and sipping it, I can’t deny that I enjoyed it. Was it sweet. Yep. Sort of girly? That too. But it was for a baby shower; isn’t that sort of perfect?

The Blue Hawaii cocktail was first made in the Hilton Hawaiian Village bar in 1957 when their bartender was asked by a sales rep from the Dutch distiller to create a drink using their Blue Curacao liqueur. While today’s version is a bit different, the main elements remain of the signature blue color, pineapple and cocktail umbrella. I eschewed the umbrella simply because I could not find any in my supplies but I think it looks just as tropical nonetheless! We used their recipe as the base for our drink but with some modifications.

Emily wanted to keep the alcohol level light; guests were driving in from all over to Em’s part of town so she decided to eliminate the vodka. She has also heard me talk about my new ‘thing’ for Cruzan Rum and I suggested she look for their brand in the liquor store. Even better than just white rum; she found some that was flavored with natural coconut. This was meant to be!

Emily’s friend from college, Colleen, and her husband Ryan have been waiting for what seems like FOREVER to get the good news that a baby would be joining their family. That the news would come while they were on vacation in Hawaii? Priceless huh? Luckily there was no frantic scurrying home; LittleM was not yet born but his birth was imminent and now will forever be wound into all that is Hawaii. So a theme was born. It would be blue of course, and some whales were involved and it was indeed appropriate to have a blue, tropical and so aptly named cocktail served when everyone got together to share in the new family’s joy this past weekend.

I admit I considered making my own sweet and sour mix. After tasting the finished cocktail I decided that since Em had found a good sweet and sour product with natural ingredients (that’s my girl!) that some times and some places really can benefit from the ease of using a ready made product and a baby shower sure fit that bill! The name kills me but Dr. Swami and Bone Daddy does it right and given the same set of circumstances I would use them too.

I decided to use Emily’s patio again for this shoot and this is Emily’s dog Ginny. I would like to say she was my assistant or something really smart but the truth is she is just a little beggar and always underfoot. Still, she was true to the cause and as a reward got a cherry. We tried very hard to get her to be still and pose but it was Ginny and she is ALWAYS moving. What can I say; I love this crazy Corgi dog!

All my best to the new parents and their adorable baby!

Blue Hawaii Cocktail

Preparation 5 min

Total Time 5 mins

Ingredients

1 oz rum (We loved coconut rum!)
1 oz vodka (for our party, we decided not to but I do typically include it)
1 oz blue curacao
3 ozs pineapple juice
1/2 oz sweet and sour (I used Dr. Swami and Bone Daddy brand)
Fresh pineapple cubes and maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions

Blend all ingredients except garnish together and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Fill glasses with ice, pour cocktail mixture into glasses and garnish with pineapple and maraschino cherries.

Recipe Notes

The recipe as shown includes proportions for making the cocktail with vodka but if you want to lighten it up a bit and not add the vodka? Change the pineapple juice proportion to just 2 ounces too.

Creative Culinary is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Mine is a darker blue for some reason. Not sure why?

Eroni. Ragusuloto says

Thank you so much for this recipe, is has made me proud after the party at home this weekend..after the the gold coast sevens my friends all enjoyed.

Congrats to the Cool Blue parents!! What a beautiful cocktail!! Love coconut rum 😀

Creative Culinary says

I hesitated because it was blue but it’s funny; it turned out so pretty and was sort of perfect for the event; sweet, fruity and light on the booze. I might have to try it with the vodka next time! 🙂

What a beautiful drink ! Congratulations to the Cool Blue Parents 🙂

Creative Culinary says

It is pretty isn’t it? Why are you so far away.

So pretty! And my favorite color 🙂 I have a bottle of Blue Curacao meant for a 4th of July concoction just waiting for this refreshing sip of Hawaii. Thanks for sharing the history of the Blue Hawaii and Colleen’s story. And I see a cute little Corgi that looks a lot like ours 🙂 Is Ginny a tri-color like our Tank?

Creative Culinary says

I would have to ask Em about Ginny…she’s just tan and white so maybe not a tri-color. I went with Emily to the breeder to pick a newborn pup that was a tri-color but 8 week old Ginny simply would not leave us alone…she is stubborn that way. I think I could hear her say, ‘Pick me, pick me’ and so, even though Emily could not have her at her place for 2 months, we picked her. She lived with me until Emily was roommate free so we have a very special bond. One that for some reason includes running into my lap and licking my right ear. 🙂

The classic Blue Hawaii has developed a bit of a bad reputation since its artful beginning in 1957. Sadly it’s been reduced to a bottled mix of whatnot and a catchall for vagrant grocery store juice sloshed together with blue food dye and a grade of rum that could gag a pirate. But not in your hands. Thanks for bringing back the art to this blue beauty. GREG

Creative Culinary says

Aw thanks Greg…I was a bit hesitant about actually trying it but, even though a tad sweet (PERFECT for the girls), I have to admit I sort of liked it. Very fruity and I’m not kidding about Cruzan…they’re making some nice products at a great price point. That ‘all natural’ stuff matters to me and it makes a difference in the end result too.

This is one of my favorites! On my (first) honeymoon, I was in Jamaica. I said to the bartender: “I want something that’s an unnatural color, in a coconut shell and an umbrella… that has a kick” and this is what he gave me. Love.

Creative Culinary says

Hehe…you made me chuckle; it’s the unnatural color business…isn’t that the truth?

LOL, love the puppy enjoying the cherry…. and what a great retro cocktail.

Creative Culinary says

Isn’t she cute…she lay there, in my way, ever so patiently just hoping for something to fall to the floor. I could not help but to reward her for that…and cause, well, I love her just a bit!

Great story! And these drinks sound yummy too.

Creative Culinary says

Thanks Melanie…and thanks for stopping by!

I love this story and this cocktail! I am not really a “sweet cocktail” kind of girl, but I might just have to make an exception!! Gorgeous. Oh, and Congratulations to the soon to be new parents.

Creative Culinary says

I’m with you, but it was a fun sipping drink on a hot day; no complaints from me!

Cooking In Stilettos says

I LOVE this cocktail (and the fact it’s cruzan coconut – Barb – you are tempting me!) Looks amazing 🙂

Creative Culinary says

I have really been impressed with their rum, even the flavored ones Aly…we seem to have embarked on a good partnership; even when I’m buying the bottle!

I do love the colour of this cocktail and the back story behind it. It must have gone over really well at the shower. Congratulations to the new parents. Your non-assistant is adorable, great photos:)

What a festive and fun drink! Brings back terrific memories –

Creative Culinary says

Isn’t it interesting how foods and drinks can be so tied to experiences…so glad to have rekindled some of yours!

Great picture! I’m doing this cocktail later this month, although the traditional vodka version (what can I say? I’m a classic cocktail sort, even though I”m not exactly sure I’d call this a classic!). Super food styling, most excellent background. And a pretty good recipe, too. Fun post – thanks.

Creative Culinary says

Yeah…hard call on whether this is a classic but I think it fits some sort of criteria to be classified as such. It was born in Hawaii a long time ago; that makes it work for me! The vodka wasn’t missed; I’m sure it would have added some punch to the drink but we wanted to keep that ‘punch’ business to a minimum!

I am sure this drink was a hit at the baby shower, what a wonderful reason to have a celebration! I can’t remember trying this drink even when we lived in Hawaii. It looks so refreshing and makes me miss the beach and ocean…

Creative Culinary says

It was perfect for the shower; a younger crowd and a not so boozy libation to boot. I would probably have said…where is the vodka?? 🙂

I love hearing about the family and seeing Emily’s dog. What a cutie. however, that drink is lovely. Who isn’t humming Elvis songs now?

Creative Culinary says

I know right? I bet as a girl listening to Elvis I only dreamed of someone handing me this cocktail on a beach with the ‘Pelvis’ himself nearby!

I love any cocktail that is blue, purple or any color for that matter but this is especially pretty. It could only be better if sipped on a beach in Maui. I can just taste it.

Creative Culinary says

I did this for you and Emily and was not unhappy with the end result at all. Still have a bit even; want to join me? 🙂

Beautiful Blue Hawaii cocktail, B! It truly is the perfect cocktail for a baby shower full of women who would appreciate a refreshing, tropical girly blue drink in celebration of a baby boy. I know how important it is for you concerning all-natural ingredients. I am the very same way. In fact, I had to order in a spirit for my next post and just picked it up last night. (Whew!) So, quick photo shoot and post for me today…going live at some point late in the day. But, the wait is so worth it! Once again, a gorgeous cocktail. Thanks for sharing! Pinning everywhere! xo

Trackbacks

[…] Blue Hawaiian on Culinary Creative […]

[…] Blue Hawaii Cocktail, a blend of pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix (limes, lemons and sugar) and again, a shot of Blue Curacao. Use Cocktail Picks to add pieces of fresh fruit! […]

[…] A Mai Tai uses orange curaçao, not blue curaçao, and no pineapple or cherry (but here’s the recipe for this “Blue Hawaii” from Culinary […]

[…] problem – the correct recipe of her favorite alcoholic beverage. This task was solved on this blog where everything described so […]

[…] how about a drink? Since I’m always cheering for the home team, we’re making Blue Hawaii cocktails in honor of the lovable and magical Genie from Aladdin. (Be sure to plan ahead with this particular […]

[…] Blue Hawaii: rum, vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix. […]

[…] Frozen Lemonade Blue Hawaii […]

[…] Source and recipe by Creative Culinary […]

[…] Blue Hawaii Cocktail – | Creative Culinary – The Blue Hawaii Cocktail is a sweet and festive cocktail reminiscent of Hawaii. […]

[…] Blue Hawaiian on Culinary Creative […]

[…] Blue Hawaii by Creative Culinary […]

[…] from Creative Culinary made a Blue Hawaii Cocktail that is beyond gorgeous – seriously, go to her site and look at that photography. When it comes […]

Cocktail recipes

Blue Hawaii

It takes no genius to figure out the birthplace of this cocktail. This cocktail was invented in Hawaii but its Aloha vibe has spread around the world. This tasty drink, representing Hawaii, should be drunk in the company of others to emote good feelings to one another. The true Aloha spirit!

Ingredients

1 part White rum
1 part Senior Genuine Blue Curaçao
2 parts Coconut cream
Pineapple juice (fill to top)
Ice cubes
Garnish: Pineapple wedge (cherry optional)

Blender
Hurricane glass

How to prepare

Fill the Hurrican glass with ice. Add all the ingredients in order. Pour them into the blender and blend all the ingredients together. Pour the cocktail into the glass and add the garnish.

Visit only if you are over legal drinking age.

How to Make a Blue Hawaii

Originated from a bartender in Hawaii, this is a drink that can be made anywhere in the world and make a person feel like they're in paradise.

Ingredients Edit

Steps Edit

Community Q&A

Video Edit

Things You'll Need Edit

Related wikiHows Edit

Make a Beachcomber Cocktail

Make Berry Good Daiquiri

Make a Comfortably Numb Cocktail

Make a Lazy Afternoon Cocktail

Make a Paradise Cocktail

Make a Rum Runner

Make Puerto Rican "Coquito" (Coconut Cream Drink) for Christmas

Mix a Coconut Rum and Cola

Make a Strawberry Daiquiri

Make a Mai Tai Cocktail

Made Recently

Upload a picture for other readers to see.

About This Article

The wikiHow Video Team tested these instructions during filming, and everything worked perfectly.

Blue Hawaii

Cocktail recipe

#22 / 752 in Vodka Cocktails
|
see all.
#8 / 243 in Pineapple Juice Cocktails
|
#13 / 153 in White Rum Cocktails
|
#1 / 48 in Sour Mix Cocktails
|
#3 / 200 in Bols Blue Curacao Cocktails

5 Ingredients

2 cl Vodka 2 cl Vodka 2 cl Vodka 20 ml Vodka 2 cl Vodka 0.67 oz Vodka
5 Pineapple Juice 5 Pineapple Juice 5 Pineapple Juice 5 Pineapple Juice 5 Pineapple Juice 5 Pineapple Juice
2 cl White Rum 2 cl White Rum 2 cl White Rum 20 ml White Rum 2 cl White Rum 0.67 oz White Rum
2.5 cl Sour Mix 2.5 cl Sour Mix 2.5 cl Sour Mix 25 ml Sour Mix 2.5 cl Sour Mix 0.83 oz Sour Mix
1.25 cl Bols Blue Curacao 1.25 cl Bols Blue Curacao 1.25 cl Bols Blue Curacao 12.5 ml Bols Blue Curacao 1.25 cl Bols Blue Curacao 0.42 oz Bols Blue Curacao

Original
cl
ml
oz

Microbadges (Expand)

Featured in a user list on the site

Received 10 or more positive votes on the site

Featured in 10 or more lists on this site

We have a photo of this cocktail

Has a comment on this site

" > Comment Cocktail Of The Day

Has been featured as cocktail of the day on this site

" > Cocktail Of The Day Classic

Is categorised as a 'classic' cocktail on this site

Found In Lists

Thankyou for your email, we'll look at the issue as soon as we can.

Activity on this cocktail

Can you make this?

Personalise your bar and see what cocktails you can make

Elsewhere on the net

The Blue Hawaii is a tropical cocktail made of Rum, Vodka, Pineapple Juice, and Blue Curacao. Watch Epic Guy Randy show you how to make this tropical . ">How to make a Blue Hawaii Cocktail | Epic Guys Bartending https://www.youtube.com/embed/oveXQv6Zny4

How to make a Blue Hawaiian Cocktail For full Cocktail Recipe details visit: http://www.drinklab.org/blue-hawaiian-cocktail/ Ingredients to make a Blue Hawaiian . ">Blue Hawaiian Cocktail - How to make a Blue Hawaiian Cocktail Recipe by Drink Lab (Popular) https://www.youtube.com/embed/fHjqp6upC68

You don't know tropical and fun until you've tried. THE BLUE HAWAIIAN! We love Mad Men! And we especially love all the old, classic cocktails the characters . ">How to make the Blue Hawaiian Cocktail - Tipsy Bartender

[ajax call='elsewhere_on_the_net' args='typee:web,cid:6785,title:Blue Hawaii']

You might also like

Vodka Sour

Sex on the Beach

Recent searches

No searches made.

Add to a list

You need to be a member in create and edit lists. Register here

Already a member? Login.

Add to basket

2 cl Vodka Vodka ( )

5 Pineapple Juice Pineapple Juice ( )

2 cl White Rum White Rum ( )

2.5 cl Sour Mix Sour Mix ( )

1.25 cl Bols Blue Curacao Bols Blue Curacao ( )

Add to My Bar

2 cl Vodka Vodka

5 Pineapple Juice Pineapple Juice

2 cl White Rum White Rum

2.5 cl Sour Mix Sour Mix

1.25 cl Bols Blue Curacao Bols Blue Curacao

Email the recipe

Text the recipe

Badges & Reputation

Advertising

Privacy Policy

T&C

FAQ

About

Subscribe

Contact

Copyright © 2017 Make me a cocktail. All Rights Reserved.

Enter your email address and we'll send you a free Ebook of cocktail recipes.

As well as receiving weekly updates packed with our latest drink and cocktail related content.

And . done! Awesome.

Your 'Top 50 Cocktails' book is whizzing through the old t'internet as we speak, and should be with you soon.

Elvis and The Blue Hawaii Cocktail on Waikiki Beach

Which came first, the movie or the cocktail? Either way, make the Blue Hawaii drink and dream of the beach.

Was The Elvis Movie ” Blue Hawaii” named after the tropical drink? Image: Hilton

Have you visited the smooth crescent of sand at the end of Waikiki Beach in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort ?

So many cool things happen here. This is where some scenes of Elvis’ Blue Hawaii movie ( 1961) were shot, the new Hawaii 5-0 frequently films at the Hilton, President Kennedy stopped here and so have movie stars and royalty. Back to the Blue Hawaii cocktail though. It was invented way back in 1957 by a Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort bartender Harry Yee.

Mr. Yee was asked by a representative of Bols to create a new drink using the company’s new Blue Curacao liqueur. After several variations, Yee settled on a version somewhat different than the most popular version today, but with the signature blue color, pineapple wedge and cocktail umbrella. The Blue Hawaii was born. Now the question remains, if the drink was invented on the spot where the movie was filmed and the movie was made after the drink was invented, and Elvis was known to like his cocktails, is there a good case for the name of this iconic Elvis movie to have been named for the drink? Sip on one and get back to me.

¾ oz. light rum

¾ oz. vodka

½ oz. Blue Curacao

3 oz. pineapple juice

1 oz. sweet & sour mix

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

If using ice, mix the ingredients in a blender.

Serve in a tall glass or hurricane glass.

Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

Michelle M. Winner

Michelle was born with a fork in her hand. As a culinary travel writer and confirmed foodophile she delights in the world-wide discovery of new flavor profiles, spices, salts and herbs. Based in one of the world's foodie meccas; Portland, Oregon, not far from "Pinot Noir Heaven" Michelle shares food news and chef's recipes. Her photography has appeared in Saveur Magazine and she has contributed culinary travel articles to Forbes online, WSJ online, Business Insider, Condé Nast Digital Media, Islands magazine and many others. A confirmed globetrotter, she still keeps her bags packed and fork in hand (well . . . except through airport security.)

Blue hawaii cocktail

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Blue Hawaii Cocktail

Recipe: The Blue Hawaii Cocktail

1½ ounces vodka (can substitute light rum; see Notes)

¾ ounce blue curaçao (see Notes)

2 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice (I buy this juice in little cans since I use it only to make cocktails)

¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

¼ ounce simple syrup (optional; try the drink without first — if you find it too sour, then add the syrup)

½ teaspoon cream (not traditional, but excellent; see Notes)

garnish of pineapple spear or wedge and maraschino cherry (optional but fun)

Procedure

Combine all ingredients (except the garnish) in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake until the drink is nicely chilled (10 to 20 seconds, depending on how vigorously you shake; the shaker will be frosted when the drink is cold).

Strain into an ice-filled tall glass (such as a Collins or hurricane glass) or a double rocks glass (traditional for this drink, although I prefer a tall glass). Garnish with the pineapple and cherry, and serve.

You can use either vodka or light rum in this drink (the original recipe contained both, as discussed below). I’m not generally fond of vodka in cocktails, but I prefer it in this particular drink. You might feel otherwise.

Curaçao is orange-flavored liqueur. Most varieties are either colorless or amber-hued (like Grand Marnier, which is a premium curaçao). Blue curaçao, which was invented by the Dutch distiller Bols, gets its color from dye.

The Blue Hawaii Cocktail was created at the request of a Bols sales representative, who asked Harry Yee to invent a drink using blue curaçao (Bols was trying to boost sales of the liqueur, and needed to showcase some drinks that used it). Yee experimented with several variations of the Blue Hawaii, finally settling on a mix of ¾ ounce light rum, ¾ ounce vodka, ½ ounce blue curaçao, 3 ounces pineapple juice, and 1 ounce of sweet-and-sour mix.

This original recipe wasn’t bad — but it’s better if you reduce the pineapple juice to 2 ounces. And use real citrus rather than sweet-and-sour mix (which is vile); just substitute 2 parts lemon juice to 1 part simple syrup.

Even better than the original, IMO, is a recipe from The Internet Cocktail Database that uses lime instead of lemon. This recipe calls for 2 ounces vodka, 1½ ounces blue curacao, 2 ounces fresh lime juice, and a float of ½ ounce Galliano. You can lose the Galliano if you want — it’s pleasant enough, but not really necessary.

People who like coconut flavor in the Blue Hawaii sometimes use coconut-flavored rum. If the idea appeals to you, Barb at Creative Culinary has a recipe that’s interesting.

And if you fancy a frozen drink, try the Blue Hawaiian: 1 ounce light rum, 1 ounce blue curaçao, 1 ounce Coco Lopez, and 2 ounces pineapple juice. Add all these to a blender, along with a cup of cracked ice, and whirl until you have a nice slushy mix.

Beachbum Berry’s recipe for the Blue Hawaii (the one featured in this post) uses a touch of cream. It provides some of the same mouth-feel as coconut cream, but without the heavy flavor. His recipe tastes fine without the cream, but adding just that little touch improves the drink considerably. The Bum knows his stuff.

Tiki Month, from the Top

96 comments:

My kind of cocktail John! There are two blue hawaiis? O.o That's indeed very confusing. So which one was the first created? That would be the one who earned the name, no? ^.^ anyhow.. I would enjoy it now!

Hi Helene, I assume the Blue Hawaii was the first drink, the Blue Hawaiian the second - but it is confusing! Love the color of it! Thanks for the comment.

I saw the name of the cocktail in my email and instantly started humming. :)

Hi Maureen, I spend more time that I care to admit finding just the right Elvis bobblehead! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

You said you would and you did! All in the interest of scientific experiment of course, I added some vodka to some of the leftover cocktail and admit. I prefer it that way myself. This was fun. aloha!

Aloha, Barb! Always important to experiment with cocktails, isn't it? Mrs K R and I really did have a whole lineup that we sampled. Didn't finish them all, of course, but it was fun taste testing. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Love this. It's one of those drinks I order the most when I go out, I don't too tipsy and I have a beautiful cocktail in my hand..Pretty one.

Hi Asha, it's really a fun drink - love that color! Thanks for the comment.

Haha omg this is so much fun :D

And the little cute Elvis makes it even better!

Hi Uru, I couldn't resist the Elvis bobblehead! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

I came to posting for Hawaii's statehood anniversary, John. (Aug. 21st) I'm soooooo glad i didn't. Now I get to bookmark this post and save it for next year, lol. who wouldn't want to have The Blue Hawaii as a cocktail stash anyway:) I've never experienced one in person so it will give me lots of time to take note and "play."

Hi Louise, I'm really sorry to see Tiki month come to a close, too! Maybe another next year? Who knows! I've always wanted to do a suckling pig. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Great post! I definitely learnt a lot more about this wonderful cocktail reading your post. I can definitely imagine sipping it and being transported immediately to Hawaiian shores.

Hi Amanda, it's basically a vacation in a cocktail! Lots of fun. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

A little pineapple, a little cream, and that picture of Elvis strumming his ukelele transports me John! Thank you for sharing!

Hi Monet, isn't that little Elvis awfully cute? I couldn't resist using it in some of the photos! Thanks for the comment.

Blue Hawaiians are my favorite drink of all time!! I love the color, the taste, everything about them :)

Hi Ashley, that blue is really interesting, isn't it? Loads of fun! Thanks for the comment.

Love the figurine and the themed cocktail. Makes me want to watch "The Descendents'' all over again. Well, plus, George Clooney is in it. So how can you go wrong? LOL

Hi Carolyn, that was a fun movie! And this is a fun drink. You don't see that many electric blue ones. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Oh what a beautiful drink . just take me away on a gentle wave . thanks for a terrific Tiki month and so glad there's one more drink to go . thanks for sharing :).

Hi Nee, no worries about the drinks - I usually do a drink a month. But for the Summer Sippin' Series, it was a drink a week. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Fun post with some fun information :) Insanely beautiful images :)

And this Blue drink is just the right 'thing' to tickle my fancy :)

Hi Nusrat, this post was so much fun to write! And to photograph. ;-) Fun drink, too. Thanks for the comment.

I used to watch Elvis movies religiously growing up :) Just because of that, I am interested in this drink, though I am not into blue drinks much. Next trip to the liquor store will include that ingredient on the list. Feel like there is limited time to drink this before the fall gets here. Last sips of summer :)

Hi Ilke, it's a fun drink. Not the best I've ever had, but it just screams summer. You should Neflix Blue Hawaii as you sip your drink. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

I'd love to jet off to Hawaii for a while. I have never been there, but this drink may be a good start! Yum.

Hi Amy, I've never been to Hawaii either, but would love to go sometime. And I agree this drink is a good start! Thanks for the comment.

I love this retro drink! I have already started singing in my head that song by Linda Ronstadt. "

Where the folks are fine

And the world is mine

Where those fishing boats

With their sails afloat

If I could only see

That familiar sunrise

Through sleepy eyes

Hi Bam, I haven't thought of that song in years! I'm going to miss Tiki Month, too. :-( But there so much else to cook and write about! Glad you've enjoyed it, and thanks for the comment.

How fun, John! I have a thing for both pink desserts and blue cocktails! I didn't know there was a connection between curacao and grand marnier! But this looks fantastic. I really love the tropical flavors. a mini vacation in a hurricane glass! And I'm not even going to ask where you got the bobblehead! Great post!

Hi Anne, they're both the same essential flavor, although Grand Marnier has much better quality. This is a fun drink. And I actually know a pink dessert or two that I need to make sometime. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Oh my! This is such a gorgeous cocktail. I don't think I've ever tried the blue curaçao before. But I love all kinds of orange liqueur. This is truly a brilliant Hawaiian cocktail. Gotta give this a try this weekend.

Hi Amy, isn't it pretty? And although it looks much better than it drinks, it's not at all a bad cocktail - fun to try. Thanks for the comment.

It's amazing how just a small bit of blue curaçao can create such an intense blue color. A gorgeous drink and I'll definitely go for the one with the coconut. Love fruity drinks with a coconut flavor.

Hi MJ, I'm guessing there must be pretty strong dye in those bottles! Great shade of blue, though. And coconut is always good. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

I agree with you both, Tiki Month has been fun. The Blue Hawaii is as fitting a cocktail in the series as any you've shared. Just look at that color! The only place you'll find that shade of blue is in a tiki cocktail -- or on the tongues of those sipping them. I admire your restraint, too. Writing a post dealing with 60's Hawaii and no mention of Arthur Godfrey or Don Ho. Well done, sir. ;)

Hi John, there are other Hawaii-themed cocktails that I may or may not want to discuss in the future. ;-) Plenty of time to get more Hawaiian lore in! And that blue really is wonderful - it's so unreal! Thanks for the comment.

What a gorgeous drink John! I don't think I have ever had blue curaçao but I have had Grand Marnier. :) This sounds like my kind of drink when I'm vacationing somewhere beach-y. Looks delicious!

Hi Anne, this really is a great vacation drink! One of those slow sippers that is so welcome when you're putting in quality pool or beach time. ;-) Thanks for your comment.

What an absolutely gorgeous blue color! Love the little figure of Elvis in a Hawaiian shirt, how cute! As always, the photo against the black background is gorgeous, so I pinned that one, but I also had to pin Elvis and the drink against the white background. :) Too cute.

Hi Julia, black really makes colors pop, but who can resist Elvis? ;-) Thanks for the comment.

such a cool blue cocktail. it sure makes us remember the blue oceans of hawaii. beautifully presented and gorgeous snaps as always. :-)

Hi Kumar, isn't that blue wonderful? I totally love it! Thanks for the comment.

I will get extra attention from my kids if I am drinking this cocktail - what are you drinking, why your drink is blue. LOL. It looks mysterious and I love the color! I'd imagine I was in Hawaii and drink this. )

Hi Nami, I think it's pretty much a given that if I ever get to Hawaii I'll have one of these. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Hahaha, I'm loving the bobblehead prop. Such a tropical drink. I imagine I'll be keeping this one in my arsenal of makeshift sunny happiness during the snowy New York winter.

Hi Irina, this would be a great drink to chase away a gloomy NY winter! Thanks for the comment.

I'm not a big cocktail drinker, I think I never have the patience/time to really make them when a glass of wine or a beer is so much easier. But this one? It's making the "I must have it" list. It not only looks delicious, it's so pretty, too!

Hi Kim, this really is a pretty cocktail - that blue is amazing! Thanks for the comment.

I think every time I watch 'Blue Hawaii' I absolutely must have a cocktail in hand. I know it's a cheesy film but it is a major source of escapism and reminds you of a wonderful time in the world - America at its finest! xx

Hi Charlie, I haven't seen that movie in ages - need to again! Thanks for the comment.

I've enjoyed the Tiki series. nice cocktails and delicious drinks. Now I have to shake the sand out of my shoes. :)

Hi Karen, sorry about that sand! Tiki Month has been loads of fun for me, and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I know I'll have another Summer Sippin' Series next year, but haven't yet decided if I'm going to do a theme month - plenty of time to decide, though! Thanks for the comment.

This cocktail is not only super pretty but it also sounds great. I love that you've introduced me to so many new cocktails to try, thanks John!

Hi Nancy, this cocktail really does have great looks - who won't love that blue?! Glad you enjoyed the cocktails, and thanks for the comment.

Nice back story with the Blue Hawaiian cocktail. Summer days seems to be over, we are getting lots of rain.

Hi Shibi, don't cocktails have interesting history? I can't get enough! Send some rain our way - it's blazing hot, and we've had maybe an inch of rain in the last 6 weeks (although it's raining all around us). Thanks for the comment.

John I enjoyed this story so much and your conversation at the end with Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. However, you forgot to share your Blue Hawaiian!

Hi Vicki, look again - the Blue Hawaiian recipe is there. It's under Notes, second bullet from the end. I remember drive-ins! It's been ages since I've been to one. There are still a few around, but they're a dying breed. Thanks for the comment.

I think I'd prefer that nice tall frozen version. Since I have no hopes of dashing off to Hawaii this year, I will just have to console myself with a refreshing libation instead. One of these days though, I'm going to enjoy my cocktails from my beach chair.

Hi Gina, the frozen version is quite nice, and the coconut works particularly well in that. We're taking a virtual vacation this year, so we're pretending we have beach chairs. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Looking at the colour of the cocktail, I am transformed to the tranquil beaches of Hawaii. Loved the recipe. it is something great to please the guests! I loved the model of Elvis. Cute! :)

Hi Purabi, isn't that color great? Unreal, but great! That Elvis bobblehead is a lot of fun, I must admit. Thanks for the comment.

I love the blue color on this drink, a very pretty and refreshing cocktail.

Hi Nik, isn't the color wonderful? Unreal, but pretty. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Tiki year? Whaddya say?? GREG

Hi Greg, Tiki year would be a lot of fun! And there are certainly enough Tiki drinks to fill a full year. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Haha, you just happened to have an Elvis bobblehead doll? So funny and appropriate! Another fantastic cocktail!

Hi Liz, can you believe I actually went out and bought that Elvis bobblehead just for the picture? Yeah, I know - I'm nuts! Thanks for the comment.

I'm a pina colada girl, but need to try this fun drink sometime. So tropical :)

Hi Kiran, the frozen version (Blue Hawaiian) is somewhat similar to a pina colada, although IMO not quite as good of a drink. But this is a fun drink! Thanks for the comment.

This sounds like my kind of drink. I think that it is cute that you went out and bought a Elvis bobblehead for your picture. I always love your pictures, they are always great.

Hi Dawn, yeah, once I got the idea for the Elvis bobblehead, I just had to do it! And this is really a fun drink - love the color! Thanks for the kind words, and comment.

I can't say I'm necessarily attracted to blue drinks but that second photo really got me! Like Wow! And this is such classic drink. I really think you ought to continue tiki month and do it in the winter so all us landlubbers can feel the heat! Great month. Man, I can't believe it is the end off summer!

Hi Abbe, I love the unreality of the blue! And I had fun playing with the light in the second photo. I'm sorely tempted to extend Tiki month, but I've got so much other stuff I want to do! Maybe I'll have a Tiki special sometime in the winter. ;-) And I'm with you on being all amazed that summer is over! Thanks for the comment.

I was hoping to see a blue cocktail! They've all been beautiful but all kind of orangey, this one is gorgeous!

Hi Nazneen, I just love the way it looks - unlike any natural food! So of course it's total fun. ;-) And you're right that so many other drinks look more or less the same - nice to have something totally different. Thanks for the comment.

This represents all things that are Hawaiian. From the beautiful color of the ocean to the magical tropical flavors. No Hawaiian party should be without one!

Hi cquek, amen to that! Thanks for the comment.

Impressive cocktail, and it's blue?! I had a Pastis, and once you add water to it, it turns blue. The ingredients seem doable, maybe I will try some vegan whipped cream, would that work?

Hi Vganmiam, you could try the vegan whipped cream - I've never had that, so I don't know. Or you could just leave the whipped cream out (although it does add a bit). The blue comes from dye - I know, I know. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Love the pic. Truly cute. Thanks for the run down on the Blue Hawaiian.

Hi Debra, I had fun with the picture - glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment.

I love the history behind this beautiful cocktail, John! It's so summery and fresh looking. Love the festive little umbrella, too. I can't resist a drink with an umbrella, hehe.

Hi Georgia, umbrellas are so much fun! I can't resist them. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

I can always count on a good drink recipe when I go to your blog!

The first time I tried this drink was last month actually, and it was one of my favorites. This looks like a fantastic recipe!

Hi Cathleen, isn't this such a fun drink? And the color is outrageous! Thanks for the comment.

Hi John, Excellent posting. This cocktail is really beautiful and refreshing. I'm very impressed with your Tiki month postings, they all very impressive and classy. Thank you for sharing.

Hi Amelia, wasn't Tiki month fun? I had such a good time with it! And this is a great way to end it. Thanks for the comment.

Hi John, loving all these retro drinks! Brings back lots of good memories. You do such a great job of photographing your cocktails. I'll be coming back to your blog the next time I need a good cocktail recipe! Great post!

Hi Bill, classic and retro cocktails are the best! Thanks for your kind words, and comment.

Congratulations John on this series of gorgeous cocktails.

Great recipes and such fun reading!

Hi Daniela, hasn't this been a great series? I've loved every minute of it. Thanks for your comment.

Boy, I remember all of those corny Elvis movies. It would be fun to make this cocktail as part of a nostalgic '60's kitsch' party!

Hi Fran, this cocktail would work well at a 60s party like that! Sounds like a fun idea. ;-) Thanks for the comment.