This recipe provides instructions for crafting a vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Blue Hawaiian Cocktail, a delightful twist on the classic tropical Blue Hawaiian. This version infuses the traditional coconut and pineapple flavors with the sweet and slightly tart essence of fresh strawberries, creating a visually stunning and deliciously fruity concoction. The signature electric blue hue comes from the blue curaçao liqueur, which also imparts a subtle orange flavor that complements the other tropical notes. This cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings, beach parties, or simply when you’re in the mood for a taste of the tropics with a fruity kick. The base of the Strawberry Blue Hawaiian starts with a blend of creamy coconut milk (or cream of coconut for a richer, sweeter profile) and tangy pineapple juice, the foundational flavors of the traditional Blue Hawaiian. To this tropical duo, fresh strawberry purée is added, lending its beautiful red color and sweet, slightly tart berry flavor that harmonizes wonderfully with the coconut and pineapple. The blue curaçao liqueur is the ingredient that gives this cocktail its characteristic bright blue color and a unique orange-peel flavor that adds complexity to the drink. Some recipes may also include a splash of light rum for an extra layer of tropical spirit, although this particular recipe features tequila for a different, more agave-forward base. The preparation involves blending these ingredients together with ice until smooth and frosty, creating a slushy, refreshing texture that is perfect for sipping on a hot day. The amount of ice used can be adjusted to achieve the desired consistency, from a thick, almost milkshake-like texture to a more liquid, icy drink. Once blended, the Strawberry Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is typically poured into a chilled glass, such as a hurricane glass, a tall highball glass, or a stemmed cocktail glass, showcasing its beautiful blue color and the flecks of red from the strawberry. The garnish is often as vibrant as the drink itself, featuring fresh strawberries (whole or sliced), a wedge of pineapple, a maraschino cherry, and sometimes a small paper umbrella for that quintessential tropical touch. The combination of the creamy coconut, the tangy pineapple, the sweet strawberry, the subtle orange notes from the blue curaçao, and the chosen spirit creates a well-balanced and flavorful cocktail that is both visually appealing and incredibly refreshing. The image shows a stemmed cocktail glass filled with a vibrant blue and slightly white, icy beverage. Several slices of fresh red strawberries and a whole strawberry with its green stem adorn the top of the drink. The text below lists the ingredients: strawberry purée, tequila, and blue curaçao.
The texture of the Strawberry Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is typically smooth and icy, often with a slightly slushy or blended consistency, making it a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail.
The flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet and fruity notes, with the creamy richness of coconut, the tangy sweetness of pineapple, and the distinct sweet-tart taste of fresh strawberries, all complemented by the subtle orange flavor of blue curaçao and the earthy undertones of tequila (or the tropical notes of rum, if used).
Strawberry Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is a fruity and tropical variation of the classic Blue Hawaiian, combining coconut cream, pineapple juice, strawberry purée, blue curaçao, and tequila (or rum), blended with ice and garnished with fresh strawberries and other tropical fruits.
The preparation involves blending strawberry purée, tequila (or rum), blue curaçao, coconut cream (or milk), and pineapple juice with ice until smooth and frosty, then pouring into a chilled glass and garnishing.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz strawberry purée (made from fresh strawberries)
- 2 oz tequila (or light rum, for a more traditional Blue Hawaiian base)
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 2 oz cream of coconut (or coconut milk, for a lighter version)
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
- Pineapple wedge, for garnish (optional)
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)
- Small paper umbrella, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Blender
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Cocktail glass (hurricane, highball, or stemmed)
- Knife and cutting board (for garnishes)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Purée: If you don’t have pre-made strawberry purée, you can easily make your own. Wash and hull fresh strawberries. Blend them in a blender until smooth. Strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired, for a smoother texture. Measure out ½ oz of the purée.
- Combine Ingredients in Blender: In a blender, combine the strawberry purée, tequila (or rum), blue curaçao, cream of coconut (or coconut milk), and pineapple juice.
- Add Ice: Add a generous amount of ice cubes to the blender. The amount of ice will affect the thickness of your cocktail. For a thicker, slushier consistency, use more ice.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed until it is smooth and frosty. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed by adding a little more pineapple juice or a touch of simple syrup (if you prefer a sweeter drink).
- Pour into Chilled Glass: Pour the blended Strawberry Blue Hawaiian Cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Garnish your cocktail with fresh strawberries (you can slice them and arrange them on the rim or drop them into the drink), a pineapple wedge, a maraschino cherry, and a small paper umbrella for a festive touch.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Strawberry Blue Hawaiian Cocktail immediately and enjoy the refreshing tropical flavors with a fruity twist!
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a little simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until sugar dissolves, then cooled) to the blender.
- Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk: Cream of coconut is sweeter and thicker, resulting in a richer and more decadent cocktail. Coconut milk is lighter and less sweet. Choose based on your preference.
- Type of Tequila: Blanco or silver tequila is generally recommended for cocktails as its clean agave flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Rum Variation: If using rum, light rum is the traditional choice for a Blue Hawaiian, offering a classic tropical flavor.
- Layered Effect: For a layered look, you can blend some of the ingredients with ice first, pour into the glass, and then gently pour a denser ingredient (like a thicker strawberry purée or cream of coconut) over the top.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: To make a non-alcoholic Strawberry Blue Hawaiian mocktail, omit the tequila and blue curaçao. You can try using a blue curaçao syrup (non-alcoholic) for the color and orange flavor, and perhaps a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a bit of fizz.
- Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruit purées like raspberry or mango for different fruity variations.
- Garnish Creativity: Get creative with your garnishes! Orange slices, edible flowers, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut can add visual appeal.
Enjoy this delightful and fruity Strawberry Blue Hawaiian Cocktail! It’s a perfect way to bring a taste of the tropics to any occasion.