Escape to a tropical paradise with the refreshing and vibrant Blue Hawaiian cocktail. This classic drink is a perfect blend of sweet and citrusy flavors, enhanced by its stunning blue hue that evokes the beauty of crystal-clear ocean waters.
Whether you’re lounging poolside, hosting a summer party, or dreaming of an island getaway, this cocktail recipe will transport you straight to the tropics with every sip.
The Magic Behind the Blue Hawaiian
The Blue Hawaiian stands out not just for its brilliant color but also for its irresistibly smooth and creamy texture. The combination of light rum, blue curaçao liqueur, pineapple juice, and coconut cream creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and tanginess. Crushed ice ensures every sip is as cool and refreshing as a tropical breeze.
This cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. The bright pineapple and citrus notes pair beautifully with the creamy coconut, creating a taste profile that feels indulgent yet light. It’s no surprise this recipe has become a go-to choice for beach bars and summer gatherings around the world.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
Tips for Perfecting Your Blue Hawaiian
Creating the ultimate Blue Hawaiian is easier than you might think. Here are a few tips to elevate your cocktail game and ensure your drink is as picture-perfect as it is delicious:
- Use Fresh Pineapple Juice: While canned juice works in a pinch, fresh pineapple juice adds an extra layer of flavor and brightness to the recipe.
- Blend to Perfection: For a smooth, slushy consistency, blend the ingredients just until the ice is evenly crushed. Over-blending can make the cocktail watery.
- Garnish with Style: Presentation matters. Garnish your drink with pineapple wedges, mint leaves, or edible flowers to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail Recipe
This cocktail recipe is perfect for anyone who loves tropical flavors and vibrant drinks. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and endlessly adaptable. The creamy texture makes it feel indulgent, while the fruity flavors keep it light and refreshing.
The Blue Hawaiian is also incredibly versatile. It works just as well as a signature drink for a summer barbecue as it does for a quiet evening on the porch. Its tropical flair makes it an excellent choice for themed parties or any occasion that calls for a bit of escapism.
Pairing the Blue Hawaiian with Food
To round out your tropical experience, pair your Blue Hawaiian with dishes that complement its fruity and creamy flavors. Light, fresh options like shrimp ceviche, grilled fish tacos, or a tropical fruit salad make excellent choices.
The pineapple and coconut notes in the cocktail enhance the natural sweetness and acidity of these dishes, creating a well-rounded meal or snack pairing.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving this cocktail alongside a charcuterie board featuring tropical fruits, cheeses, and light crackers. The drink’s bright and bold flavors will shine while also highlighting the accompanying snacks.
Make It Your Signature Drink
With its tropical vibe and striking appearance, the Blue Hawaiian is a memorable addition to any cocktail repertoire. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
By mastering this iconic cocktail, you’ll have a recipe that’s sure to impress friends and family. So grab your blender, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of paradise.
Blue Hawaiian Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce light rum
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 1 ounce blue curaçao
- 1 ounce coconut cream
- 1 cup crushed ice
Garnish Options:
- Pineapple wedges
- Mint leaves
- Cocktail cherries
- Lemon or lime twists
- Edible flowers
Variations
Blue Hawaiian Martini:
- Shake the base recipe ingredients with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish.
Sparkling Blue Hawaiian:
- Add ¼ cup of sparkling wine or champagne to the base recipe.
Blue Hawaiian Float:
- Top with a scoop of coconut or pineapple sorbet for a dessert-like version.
Spicy Blue Hawaiian:
- Use spiced rum instead of light rum. Add 2 slices of crushed jalapeño seeds removed to the shaker for heat
Blue Hawaiian Sunrise:
- Pour 1 ounce of pomegranate syrup into the glass before adding the blended drink to create a layered effect.
Green Hawaiian:
- Add 1 ounce of green melon liqueur to the shaker and follow the base recipe instructions.
Blueberry Hawaiian:
- Replace pineapple juice with blueberry juice and garnish with blueberries.
Blue Hawaiian Margarita:
- Swap the rum for tequila, and optionally, rim the glass with salt.
Instructions
- Place light rum, pineapple juice, blue curaçao, coconut cream, and crushed ice into a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a chilled glass, then garnish with your choice of toppings before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker drink, reduce the amount of pineapple juice slightly.
- Always use freshly squeezed pineapple juice for the best flavor.
- Experiment with garnishes to suit your occasion or preferences.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.