Easy Blue Hawaiian Cocktail

The exotic Blue Hawaiian tiki cocktail tastes as good as it looks! Its fruity island flavor will instantly transport your tastebuds to the tropics.

The Other Blue Tiki Cocktail

It's easy to confuse this drink with the 1957 Harry Yee cocktail named Blue Hawaii. They have a similar color and just a slight variation on the name. That's what makes me think the Blue Hawaiian may have been 'invented' by one of the famous Tiki bars like Don the Beachcomber or Trader Vic's. Either way, this is a wonderful cocktail in its own right.

Sure, some folks say it is a blue-colored piña colada. Even if that were the case, it's still a compliment because the piña colada is a wonderful drink, too. I think the Blue Hawaiian does stand on its own and has a nice flavor that's not quite as coconut-tasting as the piña colada. It's also a little easier to drink, because it doesn't have the vodka of a Blue Hawaii.

Tiki drinks became very popular in the mid century period because they were fun, fresh and offered an escape to an exotic place. Thanks to affordable home appliances and well-stocked grocery store chains, you could now whip up a tiki drink right in your own home.

I remember sipping these while sitting poolside in Maui when Nancy and I were on our honeymoon. That's where I'm instantly transported whenever I blend up a batch of these tropical beauties.

The Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is Easy to Make

Don't let the list of ingredients scare you away from making this easy drink at home. It only contains 3 spirits--the rest are fruit juices.

Aside from fresh ice, you'll need the following:

• Light rum
• Blue Curaçao liqueur
• Cream of coconut
• Pineapple juice
• Fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Fruit to garnish -- I prefer a nice slice of pineapple topped with a cocktail cherry

I prefer to mix up my Blue Hawaiian's in the blender. Just flip the switch and watch the ingredients mix together until they form a tropical beach colored blue!

Have fun with this drink! Don't hesitate to add some fresh fruit for garnish, such as chunks of fresh pineapple. I like to spear a stemmed cherry and add that on top of the pineapple. Also, don't forget to pour this beauty into a Hurricane glass for maximum visual appeal. And of course, who doesn't like a colorful paper umbrella to give it just the right tropical feel?

Tips for Making an Easy Blue Hawaiian Tiki Cocktail

This is an easy drink to whip up, but keep these things in mind:

• Go easy on the lemon juice -- it can quickly overpower the taste of your cocktail
• Use the Blue Curaçao sparingly; you're going for a light ocean blue. Nothing looks worse than a weird, neon-blue colored drink!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where's the most exotic place you've enjoyed a Blue Hawaiian?

Similar Cocktails:

Simple Blue Hawaii Tiki Cocktail

Classic Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe

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