Creamy Blue Hawaiian Cocktail Recipe: Tropical Coconut Pineapple Drink

Take yourself on a tropical vacation with every sip of this creamy blue tiki cocktail.

This recipe is intended for adults 21 and over. Please drink responsibly.

Two stemmed glasses with this light blue cocktail inside.

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🗝️ Key takeaways

Creamy, sweet, and tropical—this Blue Hawaiian combines tangy pineapple with smooth coconut cream.
Easy to make: just four main ingredients and ice, blended or shaken.
Perfect for summer gatherings, poolside sipping, or cozying up indoors when the weather turns.
Triple sec can replace blue curaçao, but you’ll need blue food coloring to get the signature color.

The vivid blue hue immediately evokes a tropical island mood. This drink often brings to mind warm sand, sea breezes, and slow, relaxed evenings.

On chilly or rainy days, a Blue Hawaiian is a fun companion for a retro beach movie or a long night by the window.

📖 Blue Hawaiian Cocktail Variations

Swap in coconut rum or pineapple-flavored rum for a more tropical rum profile.
Use silver tequila or vodka if you prefer those spirits instead of rum.
Switch cream of coconut for unsweetened coconut milk to reduce sweetness.
Blend with more ice to make a frozen, slushy version.
For a mocktail, omit the rum and blue curaçao. Use non-alcoholic blue curaçao syrup or a blue sports drink for color.
Leave out the cream of coconut and replace it with coconut water or cream soda for a lighter beverage.

🤫 Cook’s secrets

If you have non-drinkers or kids at your gathering, make a non-alcoholic version by skipping the rum and blue curaçao. Use a blue curaçao syrup or a blue sports drink for color and orange flavor if desired.

🍴 Equipment

Jigger for measuring
Blender (or shaker if serving on the rocks)
Hurricane or margarita glasses

🥫 How to store leftovers

These cocktails are usually made to order, but if you have extras, store them properly:

Any remaining cream of coconut should be refrigerated in an airtight container.
If you make a pitcher, pour leftovers into airtight jars and refrigerate. Shake well before serving again.

Marye’s Tip

Different rums change the cocktail’s character—try spiced, coconut, or pineapple rum to tailor the flavor.

💭 Things to know

Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries are common garnishes.
A small cocktail umbrella adds classic tiki charm.
Use white rum for the truest blue shade—darker rums can turn the color greener.
Adjust servings in the recipe card to scale the recipe for a pitcher.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

What’s the difference between a Blue Hawaiian and a Blue Hawaii?

A Blue Hawaiian is creamy and sweet thanks to cream of coconut; a Blue Hawaii is clear, not creamy, and typically uses sour mix.

What can I substitute for blue curaçao?

Triple sec works as a flavor substitute but won’t be blue—add food coloring if you want the blue look.

I don’t have rum—what else can I use?

Silver tequila or vodka can replace rum for a different but tasty version.

How is this different from a piña colada?

Both include rum, pineapple, and cream of coconut. Blue curaçao provides the signature blue color and orange flavor that distinguish the Blue Hawaiian.

📚 Related recipes

Midnight Kiss Champagne Cocktail
Blue Gin and Tonic Cocktail
Sex in the Driveway Cocktail
Electric Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

📞 The last word

Be mindful—this is an easy-drinking cocktail that can sneak up on you. Sip slowly and enjoy snacks alongside.

Pineapple slices are a classic garnish, but sugaring the rim with blue sugar crystals creates a pretty finish and pleasant texture.

If you enjoy piña coladas, you’ll likely love this drink—the flavors are very similar, with the blue curaçao providing the visual and citrus contrast.

If you like this recipe, please leave a comment and rate it!

📖 Recipe

A closeup of a creamy blue cocktail with a cherry on top.

Creamy Blue Hawaiian Cocktail

Similar to a piña colada, this creamy Blue Hawaiian is made with rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut for a luscious tropical treat. Serve on the rocks or blended frozen.

Course: Beverage/Cocktail

Cuisine: Tropical

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 218

Author: Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

1 ½ ounces white rum
1 ½ ounces blue curaçao
3 ounces pineapple juice
1 ½ ounce cream of coconut (such as Coco López)
1 cup ice
Blue sugar crystals, for rimming (optional)
Maraschino cherries and/or pineapple wedges, for garnish

Instructions

Wet the rim of a glass and dip it into blue sugar crystals to coat. Set aside.
Add the white rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and ice to a blender (or a shaker with crushed ice if serving on the rocks).
Blend until smooth for a frozen version, or shake and pour over ice for a stirred version.
Pour into the prepared glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry and/or a pineapple wedge. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover cream of coconut refrigerated in an airtight container. If you make a pitcher, refrigerate leftovers in airtight jars for 2–3 days and shake before serving.

Tips:

Try coconut or pineapple-flavored rum for extra tropical notes.
Make a mocktail by omitting rum and using non-alcoholic blue curaçao syrup or a blue beverage for color.
For a lighter drink, substitute coconut water or cream soda for cream of coconut.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 218 | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Protein: 0.2 g | Fat: 4 g | Sugar: 22 g

Nutrition information is estimated. If you need precise values for medical reasons, verify with your own calculator.

First published February 21, 2015. Last updated May 24, 2024, for editorial improvements and added information.

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Blue Hawaiian Cocktail

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