The Blue Hawaii

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

A potent, Polynesian-inspired cocktail, the Blue Hawaii will transport you to sandy beaches and warm, relaxing shores.

Okay gang, I know what you’re thinking… the Blue Hawaii. Is it the same drink as the Blue Hawaiian? Are they identical and the names are only slightly different? And if they’re not, why are their monikers so similar? Are they supposed to resemble each other so closely that they purposefully set out to befuddle cocktail enthusiasts? I’ll admit, I got confused myself. So if you get the Blue Hawaii and Hawaiian mixed up, you’re in good company.

Let’s break down the recipes, shall we? Tonight’s cocktail is the Blue Hawaii. That’s made up of silver rum, vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple juice and sweet & sour mix. Again, that one’s the Blue Hawaii. Now, the Blue Hawaiian is built using silver rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice and cream of coconut. While both favor each other, there are—obviously—some subtle differences. But which one came first? And who invented the original?

It turns out the Blue Hawaii is the cocktail that begat the other blue Polynesian-inspired tipples. Or at least the ones that feature the words “blue” and “Hawaii” in their name. Created in 1957 by Harry Yee, who was the head bartender at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, the Blue Hawaii had a few inspirations that guided its birth. A sales rep from Bols, the Dutch company that bottled and sold blue curaçao, asked Yee to come up with a drink that would appeal to tourists visiting the resort and the islands, as well as featuring their orange-flavored liqueur. Naming his cocktail after the popular song from the 1937 Bing Crosby film Waikiki Wedding, Yee’s invention would be even further etched into the public’s mind a few years later after the Elvis Presley movie Blue Hawaii was released.

What helps me is this little silly phrase: For something strong and citrusy, the Hawaii. For a creamy and coconut treat, make mine a Hawaiian.

What Is Blue Curaçao?

The blue-hued curaçao is an orange-infused liqueur, hailing from the Caribbean country of the same name. On Curaçao, the citrusy spirit is made from dried laraha peel, an intense and bitter orange fruit native to the island. The blue color present in curaçao, along with the robust citrus flavor, makes it a popular addition to many Tiki and tropically-inclined cocktails. There are clear-colored varieties available, if you’re looking for options.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Blue Hawaii?

You’ll want to use a silver rum to pair with an unflavored vodka when crafting this drink. The silver rum will be clear in color and texture, matching the vodka. Both will meld nicely with the pineapple juice, blue curaçao, and sweet and sour mix, offering up a beautifully balanced, tropical treat.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Go for a wide-mouthed hurricane glass when enjoying this cocktail. There’s plenty of room for the ice and slices of pineapple, orange, lemon or cherry garnish you pop on top.

HOW DO YOU MAKE HOMEMADE SWEET & SOUR MIX?

Check out our recipe right here to learn how to whip up your own tangy and delicious citrus mixer.

Blue Hawaii Variations

Not to jumble up or stress your mind grapes even more, but there are other drinks out there that closely resemble the Blue Hawaii. Some are offshoots, others were obviously inspired by the original, but each has its own unique qualities that set them apart. I suggest throwing a “Blue Luau” for you and your friends, make all the blue cocktails you can and see what sets them apart. Just make sure you have a few days off to do so.

• Tropical Blue Lagoon – Lemonade joins this tropical combo of vodka, curaçao and fruit juices.
• Sparkling Blue Hawaii – Add a splash of sparkling wine to add a fizzy finish to your Blue Hawaii.
• Blue Hawaiian Punch – A creamy and coconut-tinged tipple.
• Blue Lagoon – A simple and refreshing three-ingredient cocktail comprised of vodka, curaçao and lemonade.