The Blue Hawaiian cocktail, a vibrant blend of tropical flavors, is a vacation in a glass. This iconic drink, often served “on the rocks,” transports you to a sun-drenched beach with its refreshing taste of pineapple, coconut, and a hint of orange. Let’s dive into the perfect way to make this classic cocktail.
Crafting the Perfect On the Rocks Blue Hawaiian
This cocktail is surprisingly simple to make, requiring only a few key ingredients:
- Coconut Rum: Malibu is a popular choice, providing a smooth coconut flavor that complements the other ingredients. White rum can be substituted for a less intense coconut taste.
- Blue Curaçao: This liqueur delivers the signature blue hue and a subtle orange flavor with a slightly bitter finish. Brands like Drillaud and Bols are recommended.
- Pineapple Juice: Fresh or canned pineapple juice works well. If using canned pineapple rings, reserve the juice for the cocktail.
Instructions:
- Chill: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your ingredients and serving glass beforehand. A hurricane glass is traditionally used, but any glass will do.
- Combine: In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine 1 ounce of coconut rum, 1 ounce of blue curaçao, and 2 ounces of pineapple juice.
- Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour: Fill your chilled glass with crushed ice. Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: For a tropical touch, garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Consider using a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut as a unique serving vessel for a truly immersive experience.
a closeup of a blue Hawaii cocktail garnished with pineapple and maraschino cherries.
Tips for an Enhanced On the Rocks Experience
- Pineapple Ice Cubes: Freeze pineapple juice into ice cubes to prevent your drink from becoming diluted as the ice melts.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more pineapple juice for a lighter drink, or increase the rum for a stronger cocktail.
- Make it a Party: Easily scale up the recipe to create a pitcher of Blue Hawaiian for a crowd. A good rule of thumb is to multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you need.
a counter with blue curacao, coconut rum, and pineapple juice.
Blue Hawaiian vs. Blue Hawaii: What’s the Difference?
While often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction. The Blue Hawaii typically consists of pineapple juice, rum, and blue curaçao served over ice. The Blue Hawaiian often includes cream of coconut for a richer, more pronounced coconut flavor and is frequently blended with ice. Both are delicious variations on the same tropical theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Blue Hawaiian green? The color of your pineapple juice can influence the final color of the cocktail. A very yellow pineapple juice can interact with the blue curaçao to produce a greenish hue. Add a dash more blue curaçao or a drop of blue food coloring to correct this.
How strong is a Blue Hawaiian? The average Blue Hawaiian is relatively mild, around 11% ABV (22 proof), roughly equivalent to a glass of wine. Remember to drink responsibly.
2 blue rum cocktails on a bamboo placement with a tropical flower in the background.
Enjoy Your On the Rocks Blue Hawaiian!
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hosting a summer gathering, or simply dreaming of a tropical getaway, the On The Rocks Blue Hawaiian is a delightful and easy-to-make cocktail that’s sure to please. So gather your ingredients, mix up this vibrant concoction, and savor the taste of paradise.
