Haleakala Cooler

The Haleakala Cooler is a delightful and somewhat uncommon tiki-style drink that surprisingly uses bourbon as its foundation. It masterfully balances the rich, oaky notes of the whiskey with bright, tropical pineapple juice and the sharp tang of fresh lime. A touch of grenadine adds a subtle sweetness and gives the cocktail its beautiful sunrise hue, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. It's a perfect choice for those looking to explore tiki cocktails beyond the usual rum-based recipes.
Haleakala Cooler

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Haleakala Cooler is classified as a Tiki cocktail due to its use of tropical fruit juices, vibrant color, and refreshing character. Although it unconventionally uses bourbon instead of the more common rum, its flavor profile and style firmly place it within the Tiki category. It is served as a long drink, designed for leisurely sipping.

Serving

Serve this vibrant, moderately alcoholic drink in a tall, ice-filled Collins glass to showcase its beautiful color. It is a refreshing cold drink perfect for sipping on a warm day.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz (including ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins glass
Glass treatment
None, but a chilled glass is recommended.

Backstory

Named after the magnificent Haleakalā volcano on Maui, which translates to "house of the sun," this cocktail embodies the spirit of a Hawaiian sunrise. While its exact origin is murky, it belongs to the mid-20th century tiki movement that saw American bartenders creating exotic, escapist drinks. The Haleakala Cooler stands out for its use of American whiskey, blending the national spirit with tropical flavors to create a unique and memorable concoction.
Origin
United States (Tiki Culture), mid-20th century. The drink is an example of the American Tiki phenomenon, which blended Polynesian aesthetics with tropical flavors and American spirits.

Haleakala Cooler

The name "Haleakala Cooler," sometimes spelled with the Hawaiian kahakō (Haleakalā), is a direct reference to the massive shield volcano on the island of Maui. In Hawaiian, Haleakalā means "house of the sun." The name evokes the tropical, sunny, and majestic nature of the location, which the drink aims to capture in its flavor and appearance.
Original name
Haleakala Cooler
Alternative name
Haleakalā Cooler

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a harmonious blend of tropical fruit and American whiskey, resulting in a refreshing, smooth drink with a balanced sweet-and-sour profile. Its striking sunrise color and clean, fruity finish make it a perfect summer sipper.
Flavor
Fruity, Tropical, Sweet, Tart, Whiskey notes, Pineapple, Citrus
Aroma
Pineapple, Lime, Sweet, Oaky undertones from bourbon
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Fruity, Gentle warmth
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pinkish-orange, Sunrise hue, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Liquid, Refreshing
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is prominently fruity and well-balanced between sweet and sour notes. The alcohol provides a gentle backbone without overpowering the tropical character of the drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires four key ingredients: bourbon whiskey for the base, pineapple and fresh lime juice for the tropical body, and grenadine for sweetness and color. The quality of the juices will significantly impact the final taste.
  • Bourbon Whiskey45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A standard, good-quality bourbon works perfectly. No need for a high-proof or overly complex one.
  • Pineapple Juice60 ml / 2 oz
    Fresh or high-quality canned pineapple juice is recommended for the best flavor.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the bright, tart flavor.
  • Grenadine7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    A quality grenadine made from pomegranate provides better flavor and color than artificially flavored versions.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar tools to make this shaken cocktail. A cocktail shaker is essential for properly chilling and aerating the drink, along with a jigger for measuring and a strainer for a clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) to pour without ice shards.

Instructions

This is a straightforward "shake and strain" cocktail. Simply combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until well-chilled, and strain into a fresh, ice-filled glass before garnishing.
1. Gather all your ingredients and equipment. Chill your Collins glass if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with cubed ice.
3. Measure and pour the bourbon, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and grenadine into the shaker.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
5. Fill your Collins glass with fresh cubed ice.
6. Strain the contents of the shaker into the ice-filled glass.
7. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

A classic tiki-style garnish of a pineapple wedge and a bright red maraschino cherry enhances the drink's tropical appeal. They can be placed on the rim of the glass or dropped into the drink.
  • Pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry, often skewered together on a cocktail pick.
  • An orange slice can also be used as an alternative or additional garnish.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. As bourbon is distilled, it is considered gluten-free, and the drink is vegan-friendly provided the grenadine used does not contain cochineal.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, derived primarily from the pineapple juice and grenadine. The exact values can vary based on the specific products used.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is ideal for warm weather and relaxed social gatherings. Its refreshing and fruity nature makes it a perfect accompaniment for summer barbecues, poolside lounging, or any tropical-themed party. It also serves as a fantastic and interesting choice for a happy hour cocktail.
  • Summer party
  • Poolside sipping
  • Happy hour
  • Tropical-themed events
  • Barbecue

Pairing suggestions

The Haleakala Cooler pairs well with foods that complement its sweet, tart, and tropical profile. It's excellent with grilled meats, especially those with a sweet or spicy marinade, and classic tiki appetizers. The drink's acidity cuts through richness, making it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes.
  • Spicy shrimp skewers
  • Grilled chicken or pork with a sweet glaze
  • Coconut shrimp
  • Fresh fruit platters
  • Pu pu platters

Haleakala Cooler: A Bourbon-Fueled Taste of a Hawaiian Sunrise

The Haleakala Cooler is a fantastic and often overlooked tiki cocktail that offers a refreshing departure from rum-based classics. Its use of bourbon provides a unique depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the tropical notes of pineapple and lime. Easy to make and visually stunning with its sunrise hue, it's the perfect choice for anyone looking to explore the wider world of tiki drinks or for whiskey lovers seeking a summery concoction. This cocktail is a testament to the versatility of bourbon and the enduring appeal of tropical flavors.