Aloha! Hawaii is a beautiful archipelago of islands located in the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its stunning beaches, lush forests, and vibrant culture. The Hawaiian people are famous for their hospitality and their love of food and drink.
When it comes to cocktails, Hawaii has a lot to offer. From tropical fruit flavors to exotic spices, Hawaiian cocktails are a perfect way to experience the flavors of the islands.
The history of Hawaiian cocktails dates back to the early days of the islands. The Polynesians who first settled in Hawaii brought with them a tradition of drinking kava, a fermented drink made from the root of the kava plant.
Later, when the Europeans arrived, they brought with them their own traditions of drinking, including rum, gin, and whiskey. Over time, the Hawaiian people began to incorporate these new ingredients into their own drinks, creating a unique blend of flavors and cultures.
Today, Hawaiian cocktails are enjoyed all over the world. They are known for their refreshing taste and their ability to transport drinkers to the sunny shores of Hawaii.
Whether you are sipping a Mai Tai on a beach in Waikiki, or enjoying a Blue Hawaii at a tiki bar in New York City, Hawaiian cocktails are a perfect way to escape the everyday and experience the beauty of the islands. So, join us as we explore some of the best classic Hawaiian cocktail recipes and discover the flavors of Hawaii.
1. Royal Hawaiian Cocktail
The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail is a classic Hawaiian cocktail that is perfect for those who love tropical flavors. Made with gin, pineapple juice, orgeat syrup, and lemon juice, this cocktail has a sweet and tangy taste that is perfect for sipping on a hot day.
The addition of maraschino liqueur gives this cocktail a unique twist that adds a hint of cherry to the mix. This cocktail is a great choice for those who love fruity, tropical cocktails and is perfect for sipping by the pool or at the beach. Overall, the Royal Hawaiian Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves classic Hawaiian cocktails.
2. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a classic Hawaiian cocktail that packs a punch with its three different kinds of rum – light, gold, and dark. This tart and strong cocktail is a must-try for rum lovers and those looking for a taste of the tropics. With a bit of orange and lime flavor on the backend, the Mai Tai is not a particularly sweet cocktail, but it can be customized to suit your taste buds.
While there are many different versions of the Mai Tai out there, the classic recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to transport themselves to a swanky resort with a waterfall in the distance. So, if you're looking for a tropical escape in a glass, the Mai Tai is definitely worth a try.
3. Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail
The Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail is a classic tropical drink that has taken the world by storm. Originally created by Victor J. Bergeron (Trader Vic), this cocktail has a fascinating history that dates back to the depletion of the world's rum supply.
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Resort Recipe version of the Mai Tai is a sweet, fruity tropical cocktail made with white rum, black rum, orgeat, Grand Marnier, orange juice, pineapple juice, and a cherry vanilla puree. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a sweet and fruity drink with a hint of nutty flavor. If you're planning a trip to Hawaii or simply want to experience a taste of the tropics at home, the Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail is a must-try.
4. Green Hawaiian Cocktail
The Green Hawaiian Cocktail is a refreshing and beautiful drink that is perfect for summer. It is a variation of the Blue Hawaiian, but with the addition of vodka and lemon-lime soda. The combination of coconut rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda creates a delicious and less sweet taste that is just as refreshing as the Blue Hawaiian.
The drink is best served over ice and garnished with fresh pineapple and a maraschino cherry. If you are looking for a tropical drink to sip on during the summer, the Green Hawaiian Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
5. Sparkling Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
The Sparkling Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is a refreshing and tropical drink that will transport you to a sandy beach on Maui or the top of Haleakal? at sunrise. This cocktail is perfect for a luau theme party or a lazy Sunday afternoon. The drink is made with crème of coconut, pineapple juice, blue curacao, and Prosecco, giving it a creamy and slightly sweet mouthfeel.
The cocktail is garnished with edible flowers or traditional pieces like cocktail umbrellas, tiki swizzle sticks, or Polynesian tiki glasses. The Sparkling Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves tropical drinks or wants to add a touch of Hawaii to their next party.
6. Blue Hawaiian
The Blue Hawaiian is a tropical cocktail that is perfect for any summer day. Its blue color and fruity taste make it a refreshing and fun drink to enjoy while lounging by the pool or beach. While traditionally made with coconut cream, this recipe has been lightened up for a more refreshing taste.
However, if you prefer a creamier cocktail, you can always add the coconut cream back in. The Blue Hawaiian is a classic Hawaiian cocktail that is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise with just one sip.
7. Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
The Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is a classic Tiki drink that combines rum, pineapple, and coconut cream with Blue Curaçao to give it its signature blue color.
It was created by legendary bartender Harry Yee in the 1960s and has since become a staple in the Tiki culture. This sweet and fruity drink with a kick of rum is perfect for those who want to feel like they're lounging on a beach.
8. Hawaiian Mai Tai
The Hawaiian Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail made with rum and tropical flavors. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Hawaii and is a staple on every restaurant and bar menu.
The cocktail is strong and mostly made up of alcohol and various syrups, and the Tahiti Nui Mai Tai recipe, which has been a secret for 54 years, is a must-try. Once you’ve tasted a finely crafted Hawaiian Mai Tai drink, you may be spoiled by any other version!
9. Snow on the Beach Martini
The Snow on the Beach Martini is a delightful twist on the classic Blue Hawaiian cocktail. Instead of using pineapple juice, this icy cocktail gets its citrus flavor from Blue Curaçao, which also gives it a vibrant blue color. The combination of rum, coconut cream, and ice creates a creamy and refreshing winter cocktail that is perfect for any party or get-together.
The sugared rim adds a touch of sweetness that complements the flavors of the cocktail. If you're looking for a fun and unique cocktail to serve at your next gathering, the Snow on the Beach Martini is definitely worth a try.
10. Lava Flow
The Lava Flow is a classic Hawaiian cocktail that is a must-try for anyone who loves tropical flavors. This creamy and refreshing drink is made with rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, fresh strawberries, and banana. What sets this cocktail apart is the unique pouring technique that creates a stunning lava flow effect in the glass.
The red strawberry puree is poured into the bottom of the glass, while the creamy white mixture of banana, pineapple, and coconut is poured on top, causing the red mixture to flow up the sides of the glass like lava. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or for transporting yourself to a tropical paradise. Don't miss out on trying this iconic Hawaiian drink.
11. Lava Flow Cocktail
The Lava Flow Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a fun and refreshing drink. Originating from Hawaii, this blended cocktail features a slushie strawberry base and a creamy coconut mixture that slowly sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a lava-like effect.
The mix of flavors is a perfect balance of fruity and creamy, making it a great choice for a hot summer day. Whether you're sipping it at a Hawaiian bar or making it at home, the Lava Flow Cocktail is sure to impress.
12. Coconut Daiquiri
The Coconut Daiquiri is a refreshing and elegant twist on the classic Daiquiri. Made with white rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a homemade coconut syrup, this cocktail is perfect for a tropical getaway or a summer day. For a frozen variation, canned cream of coconut can be blended with ice for a creamy and satisfying drink.
The addition of an edible flower garnish adds a touch of sophistication to this already chic cocktail. If you're looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail to transport you to a Hawaiian paradise, the Coconut Daiquiri is definitely worth trying.
