Hawaiian Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Hawaiian recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Rum
Alcohol 12%
Calories 210 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0.5g
Carbohydrates 25g
Prep time 5 minutes

Imagine you’re on a beach, the sun is setting, and you’re sipping on something special. That’s the Hawaiian cocktail for you—a refreshing drink that tells a story of tropical flavors and island vibes. We’ll explore its history, taste, and how to craft this delightful concoction at home. Ready to dive into the world of Hawaiian cocktails with us? Let’s get started! ⬇️

History

The Hawaiian cocktail is a relatively recent invention, with no exact birth date. It was inspired by the flavors and spirit of Hawaii. Today, it stands as a symbol of relaxation and tropical enjoyment.

  • The name ‘Hawaiian’ reflects the drink’s tropical fruit flavors reminiscent of Hawaii’s lush landscapes.
  • It’s believed to have gained popularity in mainland America during the tiki bar craze of the 1950s.
  • Originally, the cocktail was a way to showcase the exotic flavors of the islands to tourists and locals alike.

The taste of a Hawaiian?

A sip of a Hawaiian cocktail is like a burst of sunshine in your mouth—sweet, fruity, and utterly refreshing. Think of it as a liquid aloha, greeting your taste buds with the flavors of pineapple and a hint of coconut.

I personally love drinking Hawaiians because they embody the essence of summer in every glass.

Interesting facts about Hawaiian

  • The vibrant colors of a Hawaiian cocktail mirror the vivid hues of a Hawaiian sunset.
  • Some variations of the drink include a splash of grenadine to add a touch of sweetness and color.
  • A Hawaiian cocktail isn’t just about taste; it’s a visual and aromatic experience that transports you to the islands.

Ingredients

  • Rum: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Pineapple juice: 3 oz (90ml)
  • Cream of coconut: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Ice cubes: As needed

Highball glass is the ideal glass for serving a Hawaiian to enhance the visual appeal and allow the colors to shine through. Alternatively, a hurricane glass can also be suitable for a more tropical presentation.

Recipe. How to make Hawaiian

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Combine 2 oz of rum, 3 oz of pineapple juice, and 1 oz of cream of coconut into the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
  4. Strain the concoction into a highball glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a maraschino cherry.

Hawaiian cocktails can be high in sugar and calories, but opting for natural sweeteners or less sugar can make it healthier. The pineapple juice offers vitamins and antioxidants, which is a plus.

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Food Pairings

Pairing the right foods with a Hawaiian can elevate the entire experience. Here are a few suggestions that harmonize with the cocktail’s tropical flavors:

Grilled Chicken Skewers

The smoky and savory flavors of grilled chicken skewers blend perfectly with the sweetness of a Hawaiian.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A fruit salad with mango, papaya, and kiwi complements the fruity notes in the Hawaiian cocktail.

Spicy Appetizers

The sweetness of the Hawaiian can cool down the heat from spicy dishes like jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings.

I just adore how the Hawaiian cocktail’s fruity melody plays on the palate—it’s like a little vacation in a glass.


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Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh pineapple juice for a vibrant, authentic flavor.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to properly mix the creamy coconut with the other ingredients.
  • Don’t forget to garnish—a slice of pineapple or a cherry adds to the tropical experience.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Hawaiian, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Hawaiian

  • For a lighter version, replace the cream of coconut with coconut water.
  • Switch up the rum for vodka if you prefer a less sweet taste.
  • Try adding a dash of bitters for an extra layer of complexity.

Hawaiian Variations

Blue Hawaiian

  • Ingredients: Add blue curaçao for a captivating azure hue.
  • Recipe: Mix in the blue curaçao with the standard Hawaiian ingredients and serve over ice.

Spicy Hawaiian

  • Ingredients: Include a slice of jalapeño for a fiery kick.
  • Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.

Winter Hawaiian

  • Ingredients: Introduce cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
  • Recipe: Sprinkle the spices on top of the drink after mixing the standard ingredients.

For a non-alcoholic version, the ‘Virgin Hawaiian’ omits the rum and adds a splash of ginger ale for fizz. It’s just as colorful and fun but without the alcohol.

Q&A

What makes a Hawaiian cocktail different from other tropical drinks?

A Hawaiian cocktail is distinctive because of its blend of sweet pineapple and creamy coconut flavors, which really makes you feel like you’re in paradise.

Can I make a large batch of Hawaiian cocktails for a party?

Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix in a large pitcher or punch bowl.

Is it necessary to use high-quality rum for a Hawaiian?

While premium rum can enhance the drink, the overall flavor profile is forgiving enough that a mid-range rum will work splendidly.

What non-alcoholic substitutions can be used in a Hawaiian?

Try using coconut milk and a bit of lime juice to replace the rum for a non-alcoholic but still flavorful treat.

How can I make my Hawaiian cocktail less sweet?

Cut back on the cream of coconut and add a bit more pineapple juice or a splash of club soda for balance.

Are there any garnishes I can add to make my Hawaiian cocktail more festive?

Sure thing! Umbrellas, edible flowers, or even a sugar rim can add a pop of fun to your Hawaiian cocktail.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.

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