Dreaming of an island getaway will only get you so far. Drinking a Blue Hawaiian will help get you a little farther.
I’ve only been to Hawaii once, to just one of the islands, and yet I think wistfully of it every day, wishing I was still there. A few years ago we went to Kauai for about a week for a friend’s wedding. Our hotel was right on the beach, crowds were non-existent and it felt as though we had this Polynesian paradise all to ourselves. One trip there was enough to make it my favorite place on Earth, so far.
Anything that reminds me of those soft, warm and fragrant island breezes draws me to it like a magnet. Especially cocktails. The whole time we were there I indulged purely in Mai Tais, so I kept it really simple. But after flying back to Los Angeles, I started looking for more tropically leaning tipples to try out, to bring a little of those island vibes home. One of the first was the drink we’ll be looking at tonight, the Blue Hawaiian, a coconut-infused take on the original Blue Hawaii invented in 1957.
I miss those magical islands. Who knows when I’ll get back there. But until I do, I’ll listen to some Elvis and sip on a few Blue Hawaiians to keep those warm, beachside nights alive.
What is Blue Curaçao?
Traditional curaçao is a translucent blue liqueur made from laraha, a bitter citrus fruit. Named after the Caribbean island, curaçao is often a go-to ingredient for tropical beverages and Tiki drinks. Despite the color, it actually features an orange taste, not unlike triple sec. You can get versions of this spirit in clear and orange colors, too.
What is the Best Rum to Use in a Blue Hawaiian?
I recommend going with a silver, or white, rum. It isn’t aged, and as a result has a lighter flavor profile, which mixes beautifully with the other ingredients. To go for a more coconut-heavy taste, a bottle of Malibu rum is a good choice. Some recipes include adding vodka, which you can try for a stronger experience.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce light rum
- 1 ounce blue curaçao
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 1 ounce cream of coconut
- 1 cup crushed ice
- Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Pour the light rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut into a blender.
- Add the crushed ice. Blend until a creamy consistency has been achieved.
- Pour the mix into a chilled glass. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.
Nutrition
What Glassware And Garnish is Used?
A hurricane glass filled with crushed ice is the classic way to serve this cocktail. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry for an extra splash of tropical zing and color. If you have any Tiki drink umbrellas, this is the time to pop one in.
What Is The Difference Between This Drink And A Blue Hawaii?
The main contrast is that the Blue Hawaiian uses cream of coconut, while the Blue Hawaii doesn’t and features a sweet and sour mix instead.
Similar Cocktails to the Blue Hawaiian
Dreaming of faraway shores, lazy days in seaside hammocks and a delicious, never-ending supply of tropical cocktails is one of my favorite pastimes. The Blue Hawaiian is a must-know recipe for those important hours of daydreaming, and if that concoction enlivened your tastebuds, check these other drinks out too. That concrete jungle you live in will soon become a lush, green Eden after one or two of them.
- Blue Hawaii – The sweet and sour cousin to tonight’s tipple.
- Sparkling Blue Hawaii – Sparkling wine brings some bubbles to the Blue Hawaii.
- Tropical Blue Lagoon – This vodka-based elixir is a sweet and tart treat.
- Frozen Blue Hawaiian – Take tonight’s cocktail for a chilly spin in this icy and refreshing version.
Leave a Comment