Pearl Harbor Drink

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

The relaxing breeze of the Hawaiian islands and the soft refrain of waves spilling onto their beaches are the vibes that the Pearl Harbor cocktail brings to the function.

My favorite dreams are the ones in which I’m flying. There’s no airplane, no copter… it’s just me, silently whipping through the atmosphere, the only sound being the rush of wind in my ears as I push through the air with an occasional burst of speed. There’s no fear of falling, or going too high. My large feet are the perfect rudders, too. I’m like the Rocketeer without the rocket pack. No helmet or goggles, either. Just the soft sunlight and aromatic winds pushing my hair to and fro as I defy gravity.

Sometimes, I’m far over the ocean, floating above Hawaii. Ever since I had a magical trip to Kauai a few years back, my thoughts always find themselves drifting across the Pacific and landing on the beach near the Lava Lava Beach Club, hoping there’s a delicious and tropically-tinged cocktail waiting for me at the bar. In my dreams, I can’t land for some reason. Maybe that’s a holdover from the skydiving trip I took when I was eighteen, and had a less than perfect touchdown. Or maybe that’s just how my sleeping brain works… it doesn’t want to come down. And why would I? The swirling aqua green of the ocean sea and sand below is hypnotizing, and giving me a thirst.

Even after I wake up, those images, thoughts and cravings stick with me the whole day. And when Happy Hour has arrived, I feel I need something that’ll take me back to that idyllic dreamscape. Enter tonight’s cocktail, the Pearl Harbor.

Comprised of vodka, melon liqueur and pineapple juice, this sweet and biting tipple was inspired by the emerald and inviting waters that surround the naval base at Pearl Harbor, on the island of Oahu. I may not be able to float down like Superman onto those tranquil shores in my dreamscapes, but a few Pearl Harbor cocktails in my waking life will help fulfil the fantasy.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Pearl Harbor?

I have fallen in love with Polish rye vodkas in the last few years. Smooth, crisp and with satisfying peppery notes, the spirit is a welcome component in any drink you’re mixing, and will help amplify the other flavors it is working with, neither overpowering or disappearing into the recipe. For the melon liqueur, Midori is one of the most common and popular brands, and should be easy to find when you’re out shopping.

Whatt glassware and garnish is used?

Fill an Old Fashioned or rocks glass with ice, then gently stir the Pearl Harbor into it. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and juicy pineapple wedge on the rim.

What is the best pineapple juice you can use in this recipe?

I’ve never had much luck when it came to squeezing pineapples, the pointy bits keep stabbing into the palms of my hands. Thankfully, there are plenty of bottled brands of fresh and organic pineapple juice that you can choose from, which is good news for my poor mitts.

Similar Cocktails To The Pearl Harbor

Vodka and pineapple juice is a combo that some of us drink enthusiasts might take for granted. Vodka is an incredible base when making a mixed beverage, as it tends to complement and assimilate with whatever ingredient it’s playing with. Check out some of these recipes from Twist & Toast that feature these two magical elements. You might just find your new favorite treat for a hot summer’s day.

• Bikini Martini – Rum and grenadine join the party in this layered and gorgeous-looking drink.
• Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Cocktail – Treat yourself to a little dessert with this tasty elixir.
• Pineapple Martini – Make your next trip to the beach an elegant affair with this tart sipper.
• Vodka Sunrise – Tired of pineapple juice? Then try this orange-flavored favorite instead.