Blue Hawaiian

Introduction

History

The Blue Hawaiian cocktail was reportedly invented in 1957 by Harry Yee, a legendary bartender at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, Hawaii. He was asked by a representative of Bols to create a drink that featured their blue curaçao liqueur. Yee added the liqueur to a variation of the popular Piña Colada and garnished it with a slice of pineapple and a cherry, thus giving birth to the Blue Hawaiian. The drink quickly became a symbol of Hawaiian hospitality and tropical luxury.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients, especially the blue curaçao and cream of coconut, as they significantly influence the flavor of the cocktail. Ensure the pineapple juice is fresh or well-shaken if using canned juice to maintain the vibrant flavors. For a smoother texture, blend the ingredients thoroughly until the ice is completely crushed. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of cream of coconut according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Blue Hawaiian in a large, decorative glass to enhance its visual appeal. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry for a classic presentation, or get creative with tropical flowers, umbrellas, or additional fruit slices.

Cooking Techniques

Blending is the key technique used in creating the Blue Hawaiian, ensuring that the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the ice is finely crushed. This results in a smooth, creamy texture that is both refreshing and visually appealing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If blue curaçao is unavailable, you can substitute it with triple sec or another orange-flavored liqueur along with a drop of blue food coloring to achieve the signature blue color. In place of cream of coconut, coconut milk mixed with a touch of sugar can be used, though the flavor will be slightly less rich.

Make Ahead Tips

While the Blue Hawaiian is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, blend the pre-mixed ingredients with ice to achieve the desired consistency and temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Enhance the tropical vibe by serving the Blue Hawaiian in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shell. Decorate the rim of the glass with colored sugar or a mix of shredded coconut and lime zest for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

The Blue Hawaiian pairs well with light appetizers and tropical-themed dishes. Consider serving it with coconut shrimp, pineapple chicken skewers, or a fresh mango salad to complement its sweet and fruity flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

As a cold cocktail, the Blue Hawaiian does not require reheating. Any unused mixture should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours for the best taste. It is not recommended to freeze the cocktail, as this can affect the texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of the Blue Hawaiian cocktail contains approximately 180 calories. The calories mainly come from the alcoholic ingredients and the cream of coconut, with a smaller contribution from the pineapple juice.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of the Blue Hawaiian cocktail contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the pineapple juice and the cream of coconut, both of which contribute natural sugars to the drink.

Fats

The Blue Hawaiian cocktail contains a small amount of fat, approximately 2 grams per serving, which is primarily derived from the cream of coconut. This ingredient adds a silky texture and a rich flavor to the cocktail.

Proteins

This cocktail is not a significant source of protein, containing less than 1 gram per serving. The primary focus of the Blue Hawaiian is its refreshing taste and visual appeal rather than its protein content.

Vitamins and minerals

The pineapple juice in the Blue Hawaiian provides a modest amount of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and manganese. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, while manganese plays a role in bone formation and nutrient metabolism.

Alergens

The Blue Hawaiian cocktail is generally free from common allergens such as nuts, gluten, and dairy. However, individuals with specific sensitivities should check the labels of the ingredients used, especially the cream of coconut, for any potential allergens.

Summary

The Blue Hawaiian is a moderately caloric cocktail with its main nutritional contributions coming from carbohydrates and a small amount of fat. It provides a burst of vitamin C thanks to the pineapple juice, making it a delightful choice for a tropical treat.

Summary

The Blue Hawaiian is a classic cocktail that offers a taste of tropical paradise with its combination of light rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. Its stunning blue color and refreshing flavors make it a perfect choice for summer parties, beach gatherings, or whenever you're in the mood for something exotic and delightful. With this recipe, you can easily recreate the magic of the Blue Hawaiian at home, allowing you to enjoy a piece of Hawaiian hospitality anytime.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Blue Hawaiian. It was a sunny afternoon back in the summer of '78 when I was visiting my friend Martha in Hawaii. We had spent the morning lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and sipping on fruity cocktails. As the afternoon rolled around, Martha decided it was time to teach me one of her favorite cocktail recipes - the Blue Hawaiian.

Martha was a master mixologist and had learned the art of cocktail making from her grandmother. She had a collection of recipes that had been passed down through generations, each one more delicious than the last. I was excited to learn the secret behind her famous Blue Hawaiian and eagerly followed her into the kitchen.

As Martha gathered the ingredients, she explained that the key to a perfect Blue Hawaiian was using fresh, high-quality ingredients. She pulled out a bottle of rum, a can of coconut cream, some pineapple juice, and a bottle of blue curaçao. I watched intently as she measured out each ingredient with precision, adding them to a shaker filled with ice.

As she shook the cocktail vigorously, I could smell the sweet aroma of coconut and pineapple filling the air. Martha poured the vibrant blue liquid into a glass filled with ice and garnished it with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry. With a flourish, she handed me the glass and took a sip of her own cocktail.

I took a tentative sip of the Blue Hawaiian and was instantly transported to a tropical paradise. The sweet and tangy flavors of the pineapple and coconut danced on my tongue, while the rum added a warm and comforting undertone. The blue curaçao gave the cocktail a beautiful hue that reminded me of the crystal-clear waters of Hawaii.

With a smile, Martha raised her glass in a toast. "To good friends, good cocktails, and good memories," she said. We clinked our glasses together and took another sip of our Blue Hawaiians, savoring the moment.

As the sun began to set over the horizon, Martha and I sat on her porch, sipping our cocktails and reminiscing about the day. She told me about how she had learned the recipe for the Blue Hawaiian from her grandmother, who had picked it up from a bartender in Waikiki many years ago. It had become a family favorite, a drink that they would enjoy on special occasions and holidays.

I listened intently to Martha's stories, captivated by the history and tradition behind the cocktail. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself so that I could share it with my own family and friends back home. Martha promised to write down the recipe for me before I left, and I eagerly awaited the day when I could recreate the magic of the Blue Hawaiian in my own kitchen.

Now, whenever I make a Blue Hawaiian, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Hawaii, sipping cocktails with my dear friend Martha. The memories of that day linger in every sip, reminding me of the power of good friends, good cocktails, and good times. And as I pass down the recipe to the next generation, I hope that they too will cherish the tradition and history behind this delicious drink. Cheers to the Blue Hawaiian!

Categories

| Coconut Cream Drink Recipes | Curaçao Drink Recipes | Hawaiian Recipes | Pineapple Juice Recipes | The Bartending School's Recipes | White Rum Drink Recipes |

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