If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing drink that screams “vacation,” look no further than the Green Hawaiian Cocktail! This tropical drink is packed with refreshing flavors, boasting a perfect blend of pineapple, coconut, and a hint of citrus, all balanced with a light, crisp touch of green. It’s an easy, colorful cocktail that transports you straight to a beachside paradise—no passport required! Whether you’re hosting a summer party, lounging by the pool, or just need a drink to lift your spirits, this Green Hawaiian Cocktail is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Green Hawaiian Cocktail is everything you want in a tropical drink. The bright green color alone makes it look like the perfect vacation cocktail, but it’s the taste that will keep you coming back for more. The combination of coconut cream, pineapple juice, and a splash of lime juice creates a flavor profile that’s rich, sweet, and tangy, while a touch of green from Midori (melon liqueur) adds an unexpected and refreshing twist. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for both casual nights in and festive gatherings. The exotic flavors will remind you of sun, sand, and sea with every sip!
Ingredients
(Full ingredient list is below in the recipe card.)
For this Green Hawaiian Cocktail, you’ll need:
- Pineapple juice
- Coconut cream (or coconut milk)
- Midori (melon liqueur)
- White rum
- Fresh lime juice
- Crushed ice
- Pineapple slices or cherries (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create the perfect tropical drink that’s sweet, smooth, and bursting with island vibes. If you’re looking for that tropical punch but with a twist, this cocktail is exactly what you need!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Start by filling a tall glass with crushed ice to chill it. The ice will keep your drink cold and refreshing from start to finish, ensuring every sip is as cool and smooth as possible.
Step 2: Mix the Cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, combine the pineapple juice, coconut cream, Midori, white rum, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Add a few more ice cubes to the shaker.
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. You want to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and chilled.
Step 3: Pour and Serve
Strain the mixture from the shaker into your prepared glass with crushed ice. You should now have a bright, green, and frothy cocktail that looks as good as it tastes!
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
For the perfect finishing touch, garnish your Green Hawaiian Cocktail with a slice of fresh pineapple or a maraschino cherry. This little touch adds an extra pop of color and a tropical flair. Serve with a fun straw, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Juice: If you have the time, fresh pineapple juice will elevate this cocktail to another level. Store-bought pineapple juice works perfectly fine, but fresh juice provides a more vibrant, fruity taste.
- Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk: If you want a richer, creamier texture, go for coconut cream. Coconut milk will work if you prefer a lighter drink, but coconut cream adds that extra indulgent tropical richness.
- Sweetness Level: Depending on how sweet you like your cocktails, feel free to adjust the amount of Midori or coconut cream. Midori is already sweet, so you may not need to add any additional sugar or sweeteners.
- Frozen Cocktail: For a frozen version, simply blend the ingredients with a handful of ice to create a slushy consistency. It’s a fun twist, especially for a pool party or hot summer day.
- Make it a Mocktail: To enjoy this refreshing drink without the alcohol, leave out the rum and Midori and increase the amount of pineapple juice and coconut cream. You’ll still get the tropical, fruity flavor but without the booze!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a Splash of Orange Juice: If you want to add a bit of citrusy sweetness, try a splash of orange juice to the mix. It will bring a subtle tang and a beautiful color contrast to the green drink.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, you can add a dash of ginger syrup or a small pinch of cayenne pepper. The spice balances out the sweetness and gives the drink a unique twist.
- Rum Variations: If you’re looking for something a little different, you can substitute white rum for dark rum for a deeper, caramelized flavor. Or, use flavored rum, like coconut rum, for an even more tropical vibe.
- Make it Vegan: Use coconut milk in place of coconut cream to make this cocktail vegan-friendly. Coconut milk is lighter, but it still gives that signature coconut flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Green Hawaiian Cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with tropical and light foods. Here are some ideas to serve alongside:
- Tropical Fruits: Serve with a platter of fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, and kiwi. The fruit flavors will complement the tropical notes in the cocktail.
- Grilled Seafood: The light, refreshing flavors of this drink pair wonderfully with grilled shrimp, fish tacos, or seafood skewers.
- Appetizers: Serve with light, tropical appetizers like coconut shrimp, fresh spring rolls, or bruschetta with pineapple salsa. The combination of savory and sweet will make for a memorable snack pairing.
- Tropical Desserts: If you’re in the mood for something sweet, serve this cocktail with tropical desserts like coconut macaroons, key lime pie, or mango sorbet.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, as the ingredients are mixed just before serving. If you have leftover mix, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Just shake it up again before serving!
- Ice Tips: If you have leftover drinks, you can freeze the cocktail mixture into ice cube trays to make flavorful ice cubes for your next round of Green Hawaiian Cocktails. This will keep the drink cold without diluting it.
4 FAQs
- Can I use another type of melon liqueur instead of Midori?
While Midori is the classic choice for its bright green color and sweet melon flavor, you can substitute it with other melon liqueurs, such as Bols Melon Liqueur. However, it may alter the flavor slightly. - Can I make this cocktail ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the cocktail mixture in advance, without the ice, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just add ice and garnish right before serving. - Can I use canned coconut milk instead of coconut cream?
Yes, you can use canned coconut milk if you prefer a lighter drink, but coconut cream will give you a richer, creamier texture and flavor. If using coconut milk, you might want to add a little extra to maintain that creamy feel. - Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this drink?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the alcohol (Midori and rum) and replace with extra pineapple juice or coconut water. You’ll still enjoy the tropical flavors without the alcohol.
Conclusion
The Green Hawaiian Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves tropical drinks with a fun twist. The refreshing combination of pineapple, coconut, lime, and Midori creates a balanced, flavorful cocktail that’s perfect for any summer gathering or relaxing evening. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform your regular cocktail routine into something exotic and fun. So, whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed party or just need a drink to transport you to the beach, this Green Hawaiian Cocktail is your ticket to paradise!
Print
Green Hawaiian Cocktail: A Tropical Escape in a Glass
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail / Tropical Drinks
- Method: Shaking, Straining
- Cuisine: Tropical / American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
The Green Hawaiian Cocktail is a tropical and vibrant drink that combines the refreshing flavors of pineapple, coconut, and lime with a hint of tropical green coloring. Perfect for beach parties, summer gatherings, or just a fun cocktail night, this visually striking cocktail is not only delicious but also packs a delightful tropical punch.
Ingredients
- 1 oz coconut rum (such as Malibu)
- 1 oz Midori melon liqueur (for the green color and fruity flavor)
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple slice (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish, optional)
- Fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine coconut rum, Midori melon liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using). Add ice cubes to fill the shaker halfway.
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Shake: Shake well for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring the ingredients are thoroughly combined and chilled.
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Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled glass (a highball or hurricane glass works great).
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Garnish: Garnish with a slice of pineapple, a maraschino cherry, and a sprig of fresh mint (if desired).
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Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical, green delight!
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more simple syrup or adjust the amount of pineapple juice.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and liqueur, and increase the amount of pineapple juice and a splash of lime juice.
- You can experiment with different garnishes, such as a wedge of lime or a small umbrella, to enhance the tropical vibe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g