Make A Blue Hawaii Cocktail To Give Rainy Days A Tropical Twist
The Blue Hawaii cocktail emerged in Honolulu during the late 1950s, credited to a bartender tasked with creating a drink featuring a newly promoted blue-coloured liqueur. Its debut reflected the growing popularity of tropical-themed beverages during the post-war tourism boom, when Hawaii became associated with travelling and tropical locations.
The cocktail quickly became a signature feature in resort menus, pairing its vibrant appearance with easy preparation, which allowed it to spread internationally through hotel bars and other destinations. Its colourful aesthetic made it distinctive at a time when visual appeal was starting to shape drinking trends.
With the rise of photography-driven drinks, its striking blue hue helped secure its place as one of the most recognisable tropical cocktails worldwide. In recent years, the cocktail has gained renewed attention due to the resurgence of retro-inspired drinks and visually striking presentations.
How To Make Blue Hawaii Cocktail At Home
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 30 ml light rum
- 15 ml Smirnoff vodka (or any other vodka of choice)
- 15 ml blue curaçao
- 30 ml pineapple juice
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml simple syrup
- Pineapple wedge, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method
- In a shaker, combine light rum, vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Fill with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into a highball or hurricane glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry for presentation.
5 Tips To Alternate The Flavours Of Blue Hawaii Cocktail
- Replacing or blending lemon and lime juice with fresh orange or grapefruit juice subtly alters acidity as well as aroma. The shift provides a less tart, more rounded citrus profile, enhancing the tropical character without masking sweetness.
- Incorporating syrups such as coconut, passion fruit or guava can add complexity. A light taste balances the existing pineapple and blue curaçao notes. Syrups allow seasonal or regional flavours to shine, giving a personalised twist while retaining the cocktail’s bright appearance and tropical identity.
- Replacing part of the vodka or rum with gin, spiced rum or flavoured liqueurs changes the underlying base while preserving balance. Each choice introduces subtle botanical, caramel or spice notes.
- Adding muddled fruits like berries or tropical slices, or herbs such as mint or basil, introduces aroma and texture. Infusions complement the standard profile, adding dimension without altering the blue colour.
- Switching soda water with sparkling coconut water, tonic or lightly carbonated fruit juice modifies texture and flavour perception. This approach enhances effervescence, softens sweetness or introduces subtle bitterness.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
