Hawaiian Rum Drinks

Pina coladas are a common tropical rum drink.

Rum is the base ingredient for a long list of popular tropical drinks, many of which are inspired by or created in Hawaii. Whether you are actually in Hawaii or just dreaming of visiting, here are a few rum drinks that will help you relax and enjoy.

Blue Hawaii

The Blue Hawaii was created in 1957 by Harry Yee while he was working as a bartender in Waikiki at what is now the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa. To make a Blue Hawaii, combine the following ingredients in a glass and serve garnished with a pineapple:

3/4 oz. rum

3/4 oz. vodka

1/2 oz. blue curacao

3 oz. pineapple juice

1 oz. sweet and sour mix

Ice (optional)

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is known as the king of tropical drinks in Hawaii, but was created by Donn Beach in California during the 1930s or 40s. The Mai Tai recipe from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel calls for the following ingredients:

1/2 oz. orange curacao

2 oz. orange juice

1/2 oz. lime juice

Dash of Orgeat

Dash of simple syrup

1 oz. light rum

1 oz. Myers dark rum

To make a Mai Tai, fill a glass with ice, add the Curacao, Juices, Orgeat and Simple Syrup then layer the rums. Light rum first, followed by the dark rum.

Pina Colada

The classic pina colada is a popular tropical drink on the islands and on the mainland. Add the following ingredients to a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds, and serve garnished with a Maraschino cherry and fresh pineapple:

4 oz. fresh pineapple juice

3 oz. rum

2 oz. coconut cream

2 cups crushed ice

Tropical Itch

The Tropical Itch (also developed by Harry Yee) is garnished with a bamboo backscratcher. To make a Tropical Itch, layer the following ingredients into an ice-filled glass:

1 1/2 oz. bourbon whiskey

1 1/2 oz. light rum

1 oz. orange juice

1 oz. passion fruit juice

1 oz. sweet and sour mix

dash dark rum

Lava Flow

The Lava Flow is fresh, fruity and fun to look at. Blend the rum, pineapple juice, and pina colada mix and one cup of ice. Coat the inside of a glass with the strawberry puree and add the drink mixture from the blender. Add pineapple garnish and serve.

1 ounces light rum

2 ounces pineapple juice

6 ounces pina colada mix (coconut cream and pineapple juice)

1 ounce strawberry puree

1 small chunk pineapple, for garnish

Hula Girl

For a Hawaiian alternative to traditional fruit punch, try adding the following ingredients to the punch bowl at your next party (Sorry, kids -- these are adults only!):

4 cups ice

2 (6-ounce) cans pineapple juice

2 (12-ounce) cans guava nectar juice

1 1/2 cups club soda

1/2 (16-ounce) bag frozen strawberries

1 cup white rum

References

• Aloha-Hawaii.com - Tropical Drinks, part of the Hawaiian experience
• Tropical Itch - Cocktail
• Food Network: Lava Flow Recipe
• Food Network: Sandra Lee - Hula Girl Cocktail Recipe

Resources

• Cocktails, Mixed Drinks, Bartendgin and Mixology - Bartender's Guide