The Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
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The Blue Hawaiian Cocktail

The Blue Hawaiian Cocktail brings together refreshing and tropical flavors. Learn how to make this drink and bring a taste of the islands to your next party.

5 min
medium
other glass

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces of light rum
  • 1 ounce of blue curacao liqueur
  • 2 ounces of pineapple juice
  • 1 ounce of cream of coconut
  • Pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry for garnish
Garnish: Pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry

Instructions

  1. 1

    Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

  2. 2

    Add the light rum, blue curacao liqueur, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut to the shaker.

  3. 3

    Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.

  4. 4

    Strain the mixture into a chilled tiki glass filled with crushed ice.

  5. 5

    Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.

  6. 6

    Insert a straw, give it a gentle stir, and voila! Your Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is ready to transport you to the islands.

Pro Tip

For an extra frothy Blue Hawaiian, blend the ingredients with a scoop of crushed ice instead of shaking them. This gives the drink a smooth, slushy texture that's perfect for hot days.

The Story Behind the The Blue Hawaiian Cocktail

The Blue Hawaiian Cocktail was created in 1957 by legendary bartender Harry Yee at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. Yee was inspired by the vibrant blue waters of Hawaii and wanted to craft a drink that captured the essence of the islands. This cocktail quickly became a symbol of tropical paradise, offering a sweet escape with every sip.

What Pairs Well

Food Pairings

  • 🍽️
    Coconut shrimp

    The crispy, tropical flavors of coconut shrimp perfectly complement the creamy, fruity notes of the Blue Hawaiian.

  • 🍽️
    Hawaiian pizza

    The sweet and savory combination of pineapple and ham on a Hawaiian pizza pairs wonderfully with the cocktail's tropical flavors.

  • 🍽️
    Mango salsa and chips

    The fresh, zesty flavors of mango salsa enhance the fruity notes of the Blue Hawaiian, making it a refreshing snack pairing.

Perfect For

  • Beach bonfire night

    The Blue Hawaiian's tropical vibes make it the perfect drink to enjoy while relaxing by a beach bonfire.

  • Tropical-themed pool party

    This cocktail's vibrant color and fruity taste are a hit at any tropical-themed pool party.

  • Virtual island getaway

    Transport yourself to a virtual island getaway with a Blue Hawaiian in hand, no plane ticket required.

  • Celebrating a promotion

    Toast to your success with a Blue Hawaiian, a drink as bright and exciting as your future.

Fun Facts

  • The Blue Hawaiian is often confused with the Blue Hawaii, another tropical cocktail, but they are distinct drinks with different ingredients.

  • Harry Yee, the creator of the Blue Hawaiian, was known for his innovative use of garnishes, including orchids and paper umbrellas.

  • The vibrant blue color of the Blue Hawaiian comes from blue curacao, a liqueur made from the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit grown on the island of Curaçao.

Make This Drink with Tom or Tina

Watch our bartenders mix it up with fun animations!