Got major vacation vibes lately but stuck at home? This Blue Hawaiian cocktail recipe is exactly what u need right now. First time I made this bright blue tropical drink, my friends couldn’t stop asking for more. The combo of rum, pineapple and coconut is seriously addictive – plus that eye-catching blue color is total Instagram material.
I’ve been tweaking this Blue Hawaiian cocktail recipe for years, and this version is def my fave. Perfect for summer parties, pool days or just pretending your living room is a beach in Hawaii. Trust me, you’ll wanna bookmark this one.
Why You’ll Love This Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
Making cocktails at home can be intimidating sometimes. Too many ingredients, weird measurements, complicated steps. But this Blue Hawaiian cocktail? Super easy and always impresses everyone.
Last summer I made a batch for my sister’s birthday party and ppl were literally taking pics of their drinks all night. The bright blue color against the tropical garnishes just looks professional even when ur a total beginner.
What’s cool about this recipe is you can adjust it based on what u have. Want it stronger? Add more rum. Prefer it sweeter? No prob – just add extra pineapple juice. You can even make a big batch for parties which saves so much time.
Ready to learn how to make the perfect Blue Hawaiian cocktail? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for the Perfect Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
Base Spirits
- 1.5 oz light rum – provides that classic cocktail kick without overpowering other flavors. Bacardi works great but any decent light rum will do
- 1 oz blue curaçao – this is what gives the Blue Hawaiian cocktail its signature color. Can’t substitute this one if u want that tropical blue look
Mixers
- 2 oz pineapple juice – fresh is amazing but canned works fine too. Gives that tropical sweetness that makes this drink so good
- 1 oz cream of coconut – not the same as coconut milk! Look for Coco Lopez or similar brands. This makes the drink creamy and smooth
- Ice cubes – plenty for blending or serving over
Garnishes
- Pineapple wedge – not just pretty but adds fresh aroma when u sip
- Maraschino cherry – that pop of red against the blue is classic
- Umbrella cocktail pick – optional but makes it feel like a real vacation drink
For those avoiding alcohol, you can make a virgin version with blue fruit syrup instead of curaçao and extra pineapple juice instead of rum. Not exactly the same but still tasty and pretty.
How to Make the Best Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
Blended Version
- Add rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice and cream of coconut to a blender.
- Toss in about 1 cup of ice – more if u want it thicker.
- Blend until smooth and slushy – should take about 20 seconds. You’ll know it’s done when u don’t hear ice chunks hitting the blades.
- Pour into a hurricane glass or any tall glass u have.
- Garnish with pineapple wedge and cherry. Add umbrella if using.
On The Rocks Version
- Fill a shaker with ice – about 3/4 full works best.
- Pour in rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice and cream of coconut.
- Shake really well until the outside of shaker gets super cold – about 15-20 seconds.
- Fill hurricane glass with fresh ice.
- Strain mixture into glass.
- Add garnishes and serve immediately.
Pro tip: if mixture separates after sitting for a while, just give it a quick stir. The cream of coconut tends to settle.
Tasty Blue Hawaiian Cocktail Variations
Frozen Blue Hawaiian
Use frozen pineapple chunks instead of ice for even more flavor and less dilution. Makes it extra thick and tropical tasting.
Blue Hawaiian Martini
Skip the blender, use a bit less pineapple juice, shake with ice and strain into martini glass for a more sophisticated version.
Spiced Blue Hawaiian
Try using spiced rum instead of light rum for a warmer flavor profile that’s perfect for cooler evenings.
Blue Hawaiian Punch
Triple or quadruple the recipe and add a splash of lemon-lime soda to make a big batch for parties. Serve in a punch bowl with floating pineapple slices.
Coconut Blue Hawaiian
Use coconut rum instead of regular rum for an extra coconutty flavor that’s seriously tropical.
Blue Hawaiian Cocktail FAQs
What exactly is blue curaçao and can I substitute it?
Blue curaçao is an orange-flavored liqueur that’s colored blue. Weird right? Orange flavor but blue color. You can’t really substitute anything else if u want that true blue color. There’s clear curaçao but then u’d have a clear drink not a Blue Hawaiian cocktail. Blue food coloring in regular curaçao could work in a pinch but the flavor profile might be slightly different.
How do I make my Blue Hawaiian cocktail less sweet?
If you find your Blue Hawaiian cocktail too sweet, easy fix! Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to balance things out. Also using less cream of coconut and more rum will cut the sweetness. Start with half the cream of coconut and adjust to taste.
Can I make Blue Hawaiian cocktails ahead of time for a party?
Yes but with some tips. Mix everything except ice up to 8 hours ahead and keep refrigerated. For blended version, blend with ice right before serving. For on-the-rocks version, shake with ice and pour when guests arrive. The color stays beautiful but texture is best when fresh.
Why does my Blue Hawaiian cocktail separate after sitting?
The cream of coconut is heavier than other ingredients so it naturally settles over time. Totally normal! Just stir it back up or give it a quick shake. If making big batch, stir occasionally throughout your party.
What food pairs well with a Blue Hawaiian cocktail?
Anything tropical or salty works great! Coconut shrimp, pineapple chicken skewers, or even just salted nuts are perfect. The sweet tropical flavors in the Blue Hawaiian cocktail balance really well with salty appetizers. Check out our Fruit Infused Turmeric Tea for another tropical drink option!
Is cream of coconut the same as coconut cream or coconut milk?
Nope, they’re different! Cream of coconut is sweetened and thicker – specifically made for cocktails. Coconut cream is unsweetened and coconut milk is much thinner. If u absolutely can’t find cream of coconut, use coconut cream mixed with simple syrup but texture won’t be exactly the same.
What’s the difference between a Blue Hawaiian and a Blue Lagoon cocktail?
People mix these up all the time! Blue Hawaiian cocktail has rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice and cream of coconut. Blue Lagoon uses vodka, blue curaçao and lemonade – no cream or pineapple. Hawaiian is creamy and tropical while Lagoon is citrusy and clear.
Final Thoughts on the Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
Whenever I serve this Blue Hawaiian cocktail at gatherings, it brings back memories of my first trip to Maui. Something about that electric blue color against the creamy white just captures the feeling of ocean waves crashing on white sand beaches.
What I love most about this Blue Hawaiian cocktail recipe is how it balances traditional tropical flavors while still being unique enough to stand out. It’s definitely become my signature drink for summer get-togethers.
Make it ur own! Adjust the rum, play with the garnishes, serve it ur way. Cocktails should be fun and personal, not stressful. And if ur looking for another refreshing drink option, our Hugo Spritz is another crowd-pleaser!
So grab ur shaker or blender and transport yourself to paradise with this amazing Blue Hawaiian cocktail. Even on regular Tuesday nights, it makes everything feel a little more special.
Blue Hawaiian Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Blender (for blended version)
- Cocktail shaker (for on-the-rocks version)
- Hurricane glass or tall glass
- Bar spoon
- Measuring Jigger
Ingredients
Base Spirits:
- 1.5 oz light rum
- 1 oz blue curaçao
Mixers:
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- Ice cubes for blending or shaking
Garnishes:
- Pineapple wedge
- Maraschino cherry
- Umbrella cocktail pick optional
Instructions
Blended Version:
- Add rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut to a blender.
- Add about 1 cup of ice.
- Blend until smooth and slushy (about 20 seconds).
- Pour into a hurricane or tall glass.
- Garnish with pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, and umbrella pick (optional).
On the Rocks Version:
- Fill shaker with ice (¾ full).
- Add rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut.
- Shake well until the shaker is very cold (15–20 seconds).
- Fill glass with fresh ice.
- Strain mixture into glass.
- Garnish and serve.