Blue Hawaiian

The Blue Hawaiian is a tropical classic that brings beachside vibes to any setting. With its signature ocean-blue color and smooth blend of rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut, this drink delivers a cool, fruity balance that’s perfect for summer lounging. Whether served shaken over ice or blended into a frozen treat, it’s a laid-back cocktail that looks as good as it tastes. Garnished with pineapple and cherry, the Blue Hawaiian is both a visual and flavorful crowd-pleaser.

Tasting Notes

The Blue Hawaiian is rich with tropical flavor and a smooth, creamy finish. Pineapple juice brings a bold, fruity base that’s balanced by the mellow sweetness of cream of coconut. White rum adds a light alcohol backbone without overpowering the other ingredients, while the blue curaçao lends both a hint of orange and its iconic turquoise color. The result is a drink that’s sweet, cool, and beachy, with a texture that’s silky when shaken and frosty if blended. The pineapple and cherry garnish add a pop of color and a bit of island-style flair.

Equipment and Glassware

For the shaken version, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, jigger, and strainer. If you prefer it frozen, a high-speed blender or immersion blender will do the job. Use a tall glass such as a hurricane or highball for serving. Crushed ice works best for a lighter texture, while a blended version creates more of a frozen treat. Have a paring knife on hand to prep the pineapple wedge and garnish skewer for the cherry. A straw is optional, but helpful for sipping the frozen version.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz white rum
• 1 oz blue curaçao
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz cream of coconut
• Pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Instructions

• Add all of the ingredients except the garnish items into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well
• Alternative method: blend all the ingredients with ice in an electric blender or with a stick blender for a frozen drink.
• Strain from the shaker over crushed ice into a long glass or pour into a tall glass with
  no additional ice
• Finish the drink with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry to garnish.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh pineapple juice for better flavor
• Chill your glass before serving to keep the drink colder longer
• Shake longer than usual to fully mix the cream of coconut
• Use Coco Lopez or Real Cream of Coconut for consistency
• Add a bit more curaçao for stronger citrus notes
• Try blending with ice for a frozen version on hot days
• Pre-slice pineapple wedges and chill them in advance
• A paper umbrella adds a fun finishing touch for parties

When to Serve

The Blue Hawaiian is ideal for beach parties, backyard barbecues, summer gatherings, and tiki nights. It’s a go-to for any occasion that calls for a fun, colorful cocktail with a tropical profile. This drink is also a great choice for poolside lounging or casual celebrations when you want something sweet, fruity, and easy to drink. The frozen version makes it especially fitting for hot afternoons or festive weekends.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

White Rum:

• Bacardí Superior
• Don Q Cristal
• Cruzan Light Rum
• Plantation 3 Stars
• Flor de Caña Extra Dry

Blue Curaçao:

• Giffard Blue Curaçao
• DeKuyper Blue Curaçao
• Bols Blue Curaçao
• Senior Blue Curaçao
• Hiram Walker Blue Curaçao

Similar Cocktails

• Coconut Dole Whip
• Envy Martini
• Raspberry Coconut Cooler
• Chi Chi Cocktail
• Tropical Rum Spritz

Save Recipe Form

Δ

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below & I’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from me every week!

Save This Recipe

Blue Hawaiian

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 4 minutes minutes

5 from 3 votes

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bbq cocktails, beach cocktails, blue cocktails, blue curacao cocktails, hawaiian drinks, poolside cocktails, Tropical cocktails, White Rum Cocktails

Servings: 1

Author: Paul Kushner

Equipment

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Rocks Glass

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz white rum
• 1 oz blue curaçao
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz cream of coconut
• Pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

• Add all of the ingredients except the garnish items into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well
• Alternative method: blend all the ingredients with ice in an electric blender or with a stick blender for a frozen drink.
• Strain from the shaker over crushed ice into a long glass or pour into a tall glass with
• no additional ice
• Finish the drink with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry to garnish.

Notes

Pro Tips

• Use fresh pineapple juice for brighter flavor.
• Chill your glass ahead of time for longer-lasting refreshment.
• If blending, start with about 1 cup of ice and adjust texture as needed.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!