Fruity and refreshing, a Blue Hawaiian cocktail is perfect for sipping poolside. Similar to a piña colada, the blue curaçao adds a bright orange note and a vivid blue hue.
What Is a Blue Hawaiian?
The name says it: a Blue Hawaiian is a tropical rum cocktail known for its striking blue color. It’s made with rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and blue curaçao — the liqueur responsible for the signature shade and a subtle orange flavor.
The Blue Hawaiian is a spinoff of the Blue Hawaii cocktail. While the Blue Hawaii uses sweet and sour mix, the Blue Hawaiian swaps in cream of coconut for a richer, creamier texture.
The original Blue Hawaii was created in Honolulu in the 1950s at the Hilton Hawaiian Village by bartender Harry Yee, who experimented with blue curaçao after a guest from the Bols distillery requested a drink featuring the liqueur. Yee’s creations evolved into several popular cocktails, including the Blue Hawaii and later the Blue Hawaiian.
What Does a Blue Hawaiian Cocktail Taste Like?
Think of a Blue Hawaiian as a coconut-and-pineapple forward drink with an orange-laced accent. Cream of coconut and pineapple juice deliver tropical sweetness and richness, while blue curaçao contributes citrus complexity and the eye-catching color. Overall, it’s bright, fruity, and decidedly summery.
Difference Between a Blue Hawaii vs a Blue Hawaiian
The two drinks are closely related, but here’s the key distinction:
- The Blue Hawaii uses sweet and sour mix (a combination of simple syrup and lemon or lime juice).
- The Blue Hawaiian replaces sweet and sour mix with cream of coconut, giving it a creamier, sweeter profile closer to a piña colada.
Tools Needed to Make This Cocktail
To make a Blue Hawaiian at home, the following tools are helpful:
- Jigger for accurate measurements
- Citrus juicer for fresh lemon juice
- Cocktail shaker with a strainer
- Ice and a suitable glass (hurricane or tiki glasses work well)
Ingredients in a Blue Hawaiian
The ingredient list is short and tropical. For one cocktail you’ll need:
- Light (white) rum
- Blue curaçao
- Pineapple juice
- Cream of coconut
- Fresh lemon juice
These components combine to create a balanced mix of coconut, pineapple, citrus, and rum.
What Is White Rum?
Light or white rum is typically unaged or lightly aged, clear in color, and mildly sweet. Its subtle profile complements fruity cocktails without overpowering them, making it an ideal choice for a Blue Hawaiian.
What Is Blue Curaçao?
Blue curaçao is essentially orange curaçao colored blue. It’s an orange-flavored liqueur made from the peel of bitter Curaçao oranges and imparts both citrus flavor and the cocktail’s distinctive color. Substitutes include orange curaçao, Grand Marnier, or triple sec, but the drink won’t be blue without blue curaçao or added coloring.
What Is Cream of Coconut?
Cream of coconut is sweet, thick, and syrupy — not to be confused with unsweetened coconut cream or coconut milk. Brands like Coco López or Coco Real are commonly used in cocktails for their sweet, creamy texture.
How to Make a Blue Hawaiian
Making a Blue Hawaiian is quick and easy. Follow these steps:
- Measure the light rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and fresh lemon juice into a cocktail shaker half full of ice.
- Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously until the shaker is very cold, about 30 seconds.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.
This is a concise overview—refer to the recipe card or ingredient list for exact measurements when preparing the drink.
Blue Hawaiian Drink Garnish Ideas
Garnishes enhance the presentation and tropical vibe. Popular options include a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, lemon or lime slice, and a cocktail umbrella. Use fresh fruit for the best appearance and flavor.
How to Make a Pitcher Blue Hawaiian
To make a crowd-sized batch, scale the ingredients using parts or cups instead of ounces. Mix the ingredients in a large pitcher without ice, refrigerate until chilled, and pour over ice into individual glasses when ready to serve. Garnish each glass as desired.
Tips for Making This Classic Rum Cocktail
- Use 100% pineapple juice—fresh-pressed if possible, or canned/carton juice without added sugar.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness and balance.
- Choose quality rum and curaçao; mid-range bottles will improve the final flavor.
- Do not substitute coconut cream for cream of coconut—cream of coconut is sweetened and thicker, which is important for the cocktail’s texture.
- Shake or blend but don’t stir. Shaking chills and dilutes the drink appropriately; blending creates a slushy variation.
Cocktail FAQs
Is a Blue Hawaiian shaken or stirred?
Traditionally shaken or blended, never stirred. Shaking with ice chills and slightly dilutes the drink for the best texture and flavor.
What type of glass is a Blue Hawaiian served in?
Hurricane glasses are traditional, but tiki glasses, highball, or even a rocks glass work well—use what you have.
Is a Blue Hawaiian served over ice?
Yes. Serve over ice unless you blend the ingredients into a frozen version.
What can I substitute for blue curaçao?
Triple sec, Grand Marnier, or clear curaçao can replace blue curaçao for flavor, but you’ll need blue food coloring to match the iconic color.
What can I substitute for cream of coconut?
Coconut milk is the closest easy swap; the drink will be lighter and less sweet, but still coconut-forward.
What can I substitute for white rum?
Vodka can be used as a neutral spirit alternative if you prefer a less rum-forward profile.
Can I make a blended Blue Hawaiian?
Yes. Combine all ingredients with ice in a blender and blend until smooth for a frozen, slushy version.
Can this recipe be made as a mocktail?
Absolutely. Use alcohol-free spirits or replace blue curaçao with orange juice and rum with club soda or nonalcoholic sparkling options. Add blue food coloring if you want the blue appearance. Check labels on alcohol-free spirits, as some may contain trace amounts of alcohol.
What to Serve with a Blue Hawaiian
The Blue Hawaiian pairs beautifully with Caribbean- and Mexican-inspired dishes. Think grilled pineapple, tacos, nachos with guacamole, or light salads featuring tropical fruit and cilantro. Its bright, fruity profile complements bold, fresh flavors.
Try This Tropical Rum Cocktail at Home!
If you’re craving a summery, tropical drink, give the Blue Hawaiian a try. Prepare it shaken or blended, garnish with fresh fruit, and enjoy a vibrant poolside classic.
