A quick, bright, tropical cocktail with coconut, pineapple, and a citrusy kick. Includes a frozen option and easy swaps so you can make it with what you have.
By Matt Campbell
Some drinks are a whole vacation in one glass, and the Blue Hawaiian is absolutely that. It is tropical, electric-blue, and just sweet enough to feel fun without turning into liquid candy. This is my creative Blue Hawaiian recipe because it is built for real life: a fast shake, a frozen blender option, and a couple of smart tweaks that keep it punchy and balanced.
You do not need a fancy bar setup. You need ice, citrus, and the willingness to taste once and adjust. That is the whole vibe.
Coconut Shrimp
Pineapple Salsa and Chips
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Blue Hawaiians are best freshly shaken, but if you have extra, you have options.
Tip: If it tastes a little sweeter the next day, that is normal. Cold dulls sweetness, but as the fresh lime juice fades over time, the sugar becomes more prominent. Add a few drops of lime and you are back.
A Blue Hawaiian is typically built around rum, pineapple juice, coconut (cream of coconut or coconut cream), and blue curaçao. Some versions add a sour element (like sweet-and-sour or lemon juice). This recipe uses fresh lime for that bright, balanced finish. A Blue Lagoon is usually vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade or lemon soda. The Blue Hawaiian is creamier and more tropical.
It is the easiest way to get that classic coconut sweetness and body. If you only have unsweetened coconut milk, use it and add a little simple syrup or honey to taste. If you have coconut cream (unsweetened, thick), use it and sweeten slightly.
Most blue curaçao is an orange-flavored liqueur and does contain alcohol. There are also nonalcoholic blue syrups on the market. If you use a syrup, reduce any added sweetener because it is usually quite sweet.
Add more lime juice, use an unsweetened coconut product, or choose a less-sweet pineapple juice. A tiny pinch of salt also helps tame sweetness.
Yes. Mix everything except the ice in a pitcher, chill, then shake individual servings with ice or serve over ice. For the best texture, do not pre-mix with crushed ice.
It can be. Between the rum and blue curaçao, this one drinks easy but has a real kick. If you want it lighter, cut the rum to 1 oz or top with a splash of soda water.
The first time I tried to make a Blue Hawaiian at home, I treated it like a dessert drink and went heavy on the coconut. It looked gorgeous, tasted like blue sunscreen, and I had to rescue it with an emergency lime wedge and a little extra rum. That was the moment it clicked: this cocktail is all about balance. Now I build it like I cook, taste, adjust, and keep it fun. Bright pineapple, coconut that rounds things out, and enough citrus to make you take another sip on purpose.
Quick coconut note: Cream of coconut is sweetened. Coconut cream is thicker and usually unsweetened, so sweeten to taste.
