Hawaiian Cocktails

Updated September 12, 2011
Credit: Oxmoor House

In 1850, the first shipment of ice arrived in Hawaii from Boston via San Francisco. Since then, the Hawaiian cocktail and shaved ice has never been the same. Enjoy these cocktails with native Hawaiian ingredients such as pineapple and hibiscus. Aloha! 

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Strawberry Hibiscus Cooler

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Strawberry Hibiscus Cooler Recipe

With or without the vodka, this sweet-tart drink deserves a spot at brunch.

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How to Make a Bay Breeze

Fruit juices and vodka are all you'll need for this beachy cocktail. Now all you need is a tropical island!

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Fresh Pineapple Mojito

Credit: Con Poulos; Styling: Deborah Williams

Fresh Pineapple Mojito Recipe

Mojitos get an easy makeover with the addition of chopped pineapple. Fresh pineapple works best in this recipe, but you can substitute frozen in case you’re dreaming of Hawaii in a pineapple-free stateside season.

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Tropical Champagne Punch

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Tropical Champagne Punch Recipe

Pop the juices for this cocktail in the fridge the night before to chill them before combining. Once you combine the already-cool ingredients, you’ll have a frosty Champagne beverage ready to serve.

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Pineapple Lassi

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Pineapple Lassi Recipe

Hawaii offers flavors from around the world, so bring a taste of South India to the islands. If you like pina coladas, this nonalcoholic version, made with yogurt, is slightly thinner, but just as delicious. Our users suggest serving it as a breakfast smoothie. Don’t mind if we do!

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Pineapple-Rum Slush

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Lydia E. DeGaris

Pineapple-Rum Slush Recipe

This cocktail takes its love of ice to the next level by snuggling up to the icemaker in the freezer for at least four hours before serving. The result? A just-for-you slushie that’s sure to make any weekend at home feel like a tropical vacation. Tiny umbrella not included.

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Blackberry Pineapple Mojito

Credit: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Randy Mon

Blackberry Pineapple Mojito Recipe

Before you learn to hula, get your muddle on and mix these flavors to perfection. Muddling releases the natural, sweet juices of the fruit, which pairs nicely with the fresh mint leaves. Serve this adults-only libation at your next luau. No luau on the calendar? Time to get planning!

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Guilt-Free Piña Coladas

Credit: Oxmoor House

Guilt-Free Piña Coladas Recipe

For your next book club or dinner gathering, swap the wine for a vacation-inducing pina colada and watch the fun begin. There’s something about hearing the whir of a blender that officially kicks off a great party.

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Hibiscus-Mint Margaritas

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Hibiscus-Mint Margaritas Recipe

Bright and refreshing hibiscus powers this margarita and gives it some amazing flavor.

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Ginger-Orange Mocktails

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke

Ginger-Orange Mocktails Recipe

Three ingredients, plus a pitcher of ice, are all you need to enjoy this inspired tropical drink. Keep the ingredients on hand for busy weeknights when you need to be whisked away to a white-sand beach. The good news? Mental vacations don’t require packing or finding a dog sitter.

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Planter's Punch

Credit: Randy Mayor; Jan Gautro

Planter's Punch Recipe

Though typically a welcome drink on any Caribbean island, we’re sure this drink would be welcome anywhere it may be served. White rum plays nicely with pineapple juice and fresh lime and orange juices. The grated nutmeg is optional, but, believe us, it is heavenly.

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Fruity Punch

Fruity Punch Recipe

Perfect for your next neighborhood gathering, this non-alcoholic party punch has a pretty surprise: Mandarin orange segments and crushed pineapple are frozen into the ice cubes, made with orange, pineapple, or cranberry juice. These same juices make up the cocktail which means, as the ice melt, your drink won’t get watery.

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How to Make a Hurricane

Transport yourself ocean-side with this classic, tropical cocktail.

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Mai Tai

Credit: Nina Choi

Mai Tai Recipe

Mai Tais join the cocktail menu by bringing orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and a one-two punch: a combination of dark and light rum. Pour a glass, garnish with fresh pineapple, and take yourself on an evening getaway on your own back porch.

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Fruity Sangria

Fruity Sangria Recipe

While you’re on vacation, doesn’t it always seem easier to eat your fruit? We prefer ours sliced on a beach buffet or floating in our glass. The fruit adds sweetness while soaking up the flavor of the red wine in this sangria, which gives a whole new meaning to “fruit cocktail.”

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Pineapple Expresso

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Pineapple Expresso Recipe

While this recipe is non-alcoholic, you can easily add some Kahlua or a coffee flavored liquor of your choice.

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Pineapple-Citrus Punch

Credit: Kate Sears; Styling: Megan Hedgpeth

Pineapple-Citrus Punch Recipe

Pineapple shines in this cocktail recipe. Garnish this bright and flavorful refresher with a pineapple wedge for added tropical flair.

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How to Make a Painkiller Cocktail

Coco Lopez, dark rum, and fruit juices are all you need to create this refreshing, tropical cocktail. 

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Pineapple-Coconut Ice

Credit: Oxmoor House

Pineapple-Coconut Ice Recipe

Hawaii is known for its legendary shaved ice. To add a little pep to this fun dessert, add a few splashes of your favorite liquor.

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