Blue Hawaiian
The Blue Hawaiian is a visually striking cocktail that immediately transports you to a tropical paradise. It combines light rum, the citrusy orange notes of Blue Curaçao, creamy coconut, and sweet pineapple juice. Often served blended with ice for a frosty, slushy texture, it's the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and tangy. Its iconic blue hue makes it a popular choice for vacations, poolside lounging, and summer parties.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Blue Hawaiian is classified as a tropical, Tiki-style cocktail. Due to its preparation method, it often falls into the blended or frozen drink category. Its sweet, fruity profile makes it a popular choice among modern classic cocktails enjoyed worldwide.
Serving
Served ice-cold in a tall, elegant Hurricane or Poco Grande glass, this is a visually impressive drink with a moderate alcohol content perfect for leisurely sipping.
Serving size
Approx. 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approx. 12-16% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Hurricane
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The creation of the Blue Hawaiian is credited to legendary bartender Harry Yee of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, Hawaii, in 1957. A sales representative for the Dutch distiller Bols asked Yee to create a drink featuring their new Blue Curaçao liqueur. After some experimentation, Yee settled on this iconic recipe, naming it after the popular song "Blue Hawaii," and it quickly became a symbol of tropical escapism.
Origin
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA, 1957.
Blue Hawaiian
The drink is most famously known as the Blue Hawaiian. It is frequently confused with the "Blue Hawaii," which is a similar but distinct cocktail. The Blue Hawaii often uses vodka instead of or in addition to rum, and typically includes a sweet-and-sour mix instead of cream of coconut, resulting in a tarter flavor profile.
Original name
Blue Hawaiian
Alternative name
Blue Hawaii
Characteristics overview
This drink delights the senses with a strong tropical aroma and a sweet, fruity flavor balanced by a gentle sourness, all wrapped in a smooth, creamy texture and an unforgettable sky-blue appearance.
Flavor
tropical, fruity, sweet, coconut, pineapple, citrus, creamy
Aroma
pineapple, coconut, citrus, sweet rum
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
sweet, fruity, clean, smooth
Fizziness
still, non-carbonated
Color appearance
vibrant blue, sky blue, opaque, blended
Texture
smooth, creamy, slushy, thick
Seasonality
refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is intensely fruity and sweet, with a noticeable creaminess and a mild sour tang. The alcohol presence is gentle, and the drink is completely still (non-carbonated).
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need light rum, Blue Curaçao liqueur, pineapple juice, and sweet cream of coconut. A generous amount of ice is also essential for creating the classic frozen consistency.
- Light Rum45 ml / 1.5 ozA good quality white or light rum works best to not interfere with the color.
- Blue Curaçao30 ml / 1 ozThe key ingredient for the signature color and orange flavor.
- Pineapple Juice60 ml / 2 ozFresh or high-quality canned juice is recommended.
- Cream of Coconut30 ml / 1 ozUse cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez), not coconut cream or coconut milk, for the intended sweetness and texture.
- Ice1 cup / approx. 240 mlFor blending to create a frozen texture. Adjust amount to desired thickness.
Ice type
- Crushed or Cubed (for blending)
Mixing equipments
The primary piece of equipment for a Blue Hawaiian is a blender to achieve its signature frosty texture. If you prefer it shaken, a cocktail shaker can be used instead.
- Blender: For combining and chilling the ingredients into a smooth, frozen slush.
- Jigger or Measuring Cups: For accurate measurement of liquids.
Instructions
Preparation is simple: combine all liquid ingredients with ice in a blender. Blend until smooth, pour into a chilled glass, and apply the tropical garnishes before serving.
1. Chill your serving glass (a Hurricane or Poco Grande glass is ideal) by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Combine the light rum, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and one cup of ice in a blender.
3. Blend on high speed for about 20-30 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and has a consistent slushy texture.
4. Pour the blended contents into your chilled glass.
5. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Add a cocktail umbrella and a straw, and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A classic tropical garnish of a fresh pineapple wedge and a bright red maraschino cherry perfectly complements the drink's theme. A cocktail umbrella adds a final touch of kitschy fun.
- Pineapple Wedge: A fresh wedge placed on the rim of the glass.
- Maraschino Cherry: Dropped into the drink or placed on the rim with the pineapple.
- Cocktail Umbrella: An optional but classic festive addition.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is typically vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, but contains coconut, which can be an allergen for individuals with tree nut allergies. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a relatively caloric and high-sugar cocktail due to the juice and cream of coconut. The carbohydrate content is significant, primarily from sugars.
Calories
Averagely 260-320 kcal / 1088-1339 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 30-40 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 25-35 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfectly suited for warm weather and relaxed settings. Its tropical nature makes it a quintessential drink for vacations, summer barbecues, and any event with a festive, sunny atmosphere.
- Summer Parties
- Beach Vacation
- Poolside Lounging
- Tiki-themed Events
- Celebrations
Pairing suggestions
The sweet and tropical flavors of the Blue Hawaiian pair well with light and savory appetizers. Think classic Tiki bar fare like coconut shrimp, grilled skewers, or a platter of fresh tropical fruits that complement its pineapple and coconut notes.
- Coconut Shrimp
- Grilled Chicken or Fish Tacos
- Fresh Fruit Platter
- Pu Pu Platter
Blue Hawaiian: A Sip of Tropical Paradise
The Blue Hawaiian is more than just a cocktail; it's a mini-vacation in a glass. Born in 1950s Hawaii, its stunning blue color, creamy texture, and sweet tropical taste have made it an enduring favorite worldwide. Combining rum, pineapple, coconut, and the magic of Blue Curaçao, it's a simple-to-make yet impressive drink. Perfect for summer days, themed parties, or any time you need a taste of paradise, the Blue Hawaiian is a true icon of Tiki culture.
Similar Cocktails
You May Also Like
Vodka Rickey
A crisp, tart, and highly refreshing highball made with vodka, fresh lime juice, and sparkling carbonated water.
Gentleman's Sour
A smooth and sophisticated twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, featuring mellow Tennessee whiskey and a hint of orange liqueur.
Averna Manhattan
A rich, bittersweet, and complex twist on the classic Manhattan, substituting sweet vermouth with the herbal notes of Amaro Averna.
White Russian
A creamy and decadent cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a float of fresh cream.
Have You Tried These Yet?
Sicilian Vespers
A dark, rich, and bittersweet twist on the classic Vesper Martini, featuring Sicilian amaro instead of Lillet Blanc.
Smith & Kearns
A simple and creamy coffee liqueur highball topped with the surprising fizz of club soda.
Amaretto Sidecar
A sweet and nutty twist on the classic Sidecar, this cocktail swaps brandy for amaretto liqueur for a uniquely delicious sour.
After Eight
A creamy, mint-chocolate cocktail that perfectly captures the flavor of the famous After Eight thin mints.