Blue HawaiiCocktail recipe
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Blue Hawaii is a bright, beachy tropical cocktail built in the long-drink tradition: light spirits, plenty of fruit, and a signature splash of colour. While its exact backstory is often loosely told and varies depending on who’s recounting it, you’ll most often see it framed as a mid-century tiki-era crowd-pleaser that leans into vacation vibes and easy sipping. What’s consistent is the intent: a tall, island-style refresher that looks as fun as it tastes.
On the palate, vodka and white rum give you a clean, lightly sweet base without pushing any one spirit too hard. Blue curaçao brings a distinct orange sweetness that lifts the fruit and plays neatly with the pineapple juice’s lush, tropical body. The sour mix adds a sharp, citrusy snap that reins in the sweetness, so the finish stays bright rather than cloying.
Served in a hurricane glass, this is made for poolside afternoons, summer parties, and any moment you want your drink to feel like a mini getaway. You’ll enjoy it if you like fruity, citrus-forward cocktails with a smooth, easygoing strength and a bold, eye-catching look.
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Hurricane glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Pineapple juice leads with lush tropical sweetness, while sour mix brings a sharp citrus tang that lifts the fruit; blue curaçao adds a candied orange note over the clean base of vodka and the soft, lightly sweet edge of white rum. The balance works because the sour mix reins in the pineapple and the curaçao bridges citrus and fruit, making it ideal for drinkers who want an easy, colorful, low-burn tropical sipper.
Method
How to make a Blue Hawaii
- Vodka 20ml, White rum 20ml, Blue curaçao 15ml, Pineapple juice 90ml, Sour mix 30ml
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- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a chilled hurricane glass over ice
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- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- For an eye-catching presentation, serve the cocktail in a hollowed-out pineapple. It enhances the tropical theme and adds an extra touch of fun to the drink.
- Use a premium clear ice cube to fill the glass. Clear ice melts slower than regular ice, keeping your cocktail colder without diluting the flavors as quickly.
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Blue Hawaii cocktail?
The Blue Hawaii cocktail was invented in 1957 by a bartender named Harry Yee in Waikiki, Hawaii. He was asked by a sales representative of Bols to create a drink that featured their blue curaçao liqueur, leading to the creation of this iconic tropical drink.
What does the Blue Hawaii cocktail taste like?
The Blue Hawaii cocktail has a tropical and fruity flavor, with a unique sweet-tart balance. The pineapple juice and sour mix provide a sweet and tangy base, while the vodka and white rum add a smooth alcoholic kick. The blue curaçao lends a slight orangey flavor and the signature blue color, making the drink not only delightful to taste but also visually appealing.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Blue Hawaii?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Blue Hawaii, often referred to as a 'Blue Hawaii Mocktail'. Simply substitute the vodka and white rum with additional pineapple juice or another non-alcoholic ingredient like soda water or lemon-lime soda to maintain the volume, while still using blue curaçao syrup (a non-alcoholic version) to keep the signature blue color.
What is the significance of the hurricane glass in serving the Blue Hawaii?
The hurricane glass is significant for serving the Blue Hawaii because its large, curved shape and tall stature are ideal for showcasing the drink's vibrant blue color and accommodating both the drink and the ice, without spilling. Additionally, the aesthetic of the hurricane glass complements the tropical theme of the cocktail, enhancing the drinking experience.
How do I adjust the alcohol content if the Blue Hawaii is too strong or too weak?
To adjust the alcohol content of the Blue Hawaii, you can modify the proportions of vodka and white rum. If the drink is too strong, reduce the amount of these spirits and replace the volume with more pineapple juice or sour mix. If it's too weak, you can slightly increase the amount of vodka and white rum, but be mindful to keep the balance of flavors intact. Always taste while adjusting to ensure the desired strength without compromising the taste.
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