Thank you so much for being here! If you’re searching for a drink that looks like a tropical lagoon and tastes like a sunny vacation, you’re in exactly the right place. The Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is one of those drinks that instantly transports you—no ticket or passport required.
💌 Want more vibrant drink recipes and tropical treats like this sent right to your inbox? Subscribe now and bring more joy to your glass, one recipe at a time.
What Is a Blue Hawaiian Cocktail?
The Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is a vibrant, tropical drink made with rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. It’s like a piña colada’s fun, colorful cousin—creamy, citrusy, fruity, and visually stunning with that iconic ocean-blue hue.
Invented in Hawaii in the 1950s, this cocktail captures island vibes in every sip and has stayed popular for good reason: it’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly fun to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- That COLOR! A tropical blue that’s party-ready
- Easy to make – shake or blend, and you’re done
- Perfect balance of pineapple, coconut, and citrus
- Great for a crowd or solo sipping in the sun
- Customizable – creamy or icy, boozy or booze-free
What It Tastes Like
One sip and you’re on the beach. 🌊 The Blue Hawaiian is sweet and citrusy from the pineapple and curaçao, creamy from the coconut, and just a little punchy thanks to the rum. It’s light, smooth, and refreshing—not overly strong but still celebratory.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz light rum
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz cream of coconut (Coco Lopez works beautifully)
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (optional for a tangy twist)
- Crushed ice or ice cubes
Garnish ideas:
- Pineapple wedge
- Maraschino cherry
- Cocktail umbrella (because YES)
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker or blender
- Jigger or measuring shot glass
- Tall glass (like a hurricane or highball)
- Bar spoon or straw
- Knife + cutting board (for garnish)
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- No cream of coconut? Use full-fat coconut milk + simple syrup
- Rum-free version? Sub in coconut water or white grape juice
- Make it frozen: Blend with ice for a slushy version
- Add fizz: Top with a splash of sparkling water or lemon-lime soda
- Blue Hawaii version: Skip the coconut for a lighter, punchier drink
How to Make a Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
Shaken Method:
- Add rum, blue curaçao, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and lime juice (if using) into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well for 15–20 seconds.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with pineapple wedge, cherry, and an umbrella if you’re feelin’ fancy!
Blended Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender with 1–1 ½ cups ice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into your glass and garnish like it’s summer all year long.
What to Serve With This Cocktail
The Blue Hawaiian begs to be paired with breezy bites and tropical treats! Try it with:
- Grilled shrimp skewers or teriyaki chicken
- Coconut-crusted fish or shrimp
- Fresh pineapple salsa and tortilla chips
- Tropical fruit skewers
- Spicy tuna or salmon poke bowls
Tips for the Perfect Blue Hawaiian
- Use chilled ingredients to keep it icy cold
- Shake hard to combine the coconut cream smoothly
- Fresh pineapple juice makes a huge difference
- Make a pitcher by multiplying the recipe x4 for parties!
- Serve immediately to keep it frosty and fresh
How to Store It
This cocktail is best served fresh, but you can prep ahead:
- Pre-mix (no ice) and store in a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 24 hours
- Give it a good shake or stir before serving
- Avoid blending early—it will melt quickly!
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re vibing with tropical, colorful drinks and summer treats, don’t miss these beachy favorites:
- Whipped Pink Lemonade – Sweet, creamy, and refreshing with a citrusy twist
- Vanilla Bean Frappuccino – Creamy, dreamy, and Starbucks-inspired!
- Christmas Sangria with Prosecco – Festive, fruity, and a hit for any celebration year-round
FAQs
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Just use blue sports drink or soda + coconut milk + pineapple juice for a tropical mocktail that’s still gorgeous and fun.
Can I make this into a slushy?
Absolutely! Blend with ice for a frozen cocktail that’s smooth and sippable.
Is blue curaçao strong?
It’s actually quite mild—about 15–20% ABV and adds a citrusy orange flavor (despite the color!).
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a backyard luau, dreaming of a beach escape, or just need a splash of sunshine in your day, the Blue Hawaiian Cocktail brings the fun. It’s tropical, refreshing, and a total mood-lifter in a glass.
Tried it? I’d love to see your tropical twist! Drop a comment, rate the recipe, or tag me on Pinterest over at TheKitchenJoyy and show off your island-style cocktail!
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 240
- Carbs: 20g
- Sugar: 17g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Protein: 1g
- Alcohol: ~15–20% ABV
Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
A stunning tropical drink made with light rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut—this Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is creamy, fruity, and vibrant. Whether shaken or blended, it's your go-to summer sip for parties, BBQs, or pretending you’re on a beach in Maui. Pure island joy in a glass!
- 1 1/2 oz light rum
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- Crushed ice or ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- Pineapple wedge
- Maraschino cherry
- Cocktail umbrella 🌺
- In a cocktail shaker, combine rum, blue curaçao, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
- Add ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge, cherry, or umbrella.
- Sip, smile, and soak in the tropical vibes!
Blender Method (Optional):
- Add all ingredients to a blender with 1 to 1 ½ cups of ice.
- Blend until smooth, pour into a chilled glass, and garnish.
-
For a frozen slushy version, always blend with ice.
-
No cream of coconut? Try full-fat coconut milk + a little simple syrup.
-
Want a mocktail? Use pineapple juice, coconut milk, and lemon-lime soda instead of alcohol.
-
Blue Hawaii variation: skip the cream of coconut for a lighter, punch-style drink.