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

Answered by Kyle Floyd

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I'm delighted to delve into the world of and explore the differences between the Blue Hawaii and the Blue Hawaiian. These two drinks are quite similar, but one minor ingredient variation sets them apart.

Let's start with the Blue Hawaii. This vibrant tropical cocktail typically consists of , , blue , pineapple , and sweet and sour mix. The sweet and sour mix is a combination of sweet syrup and sour citrus juice, such as lemon or lime. This mix adds a tangy and slightly acidic flavor profile to the drink, enhancing the tropical essence.

On the other hand, the Blue Hawaiian shares many of the same ingredients as the Blue Hawaii, including rum, vodka, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice. However, the key distinction lies in the replacement of the sweet and sour mix with cream of coconut or creme de coconut. This creamy ingredient adds a rich and velvety texture to the cocktail, as well as a luscious sweetness that beautifully complements the tropical flavors.

To better understand the difference, let me share a personal experience. I once had the pleasure of sipping a Blue Hawaii while relaxing on a sunny beach in Hawaii. Its bright blue hue and tangy sweetness instantly transported me to a tropical paradise. The combination of rum, vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and sweet and sour mix created a refreshing and zesty concoction, perfect for a hot summer day.

In contrast, another memorable experience was enjoying a Blue Hawaiian at a tiki-themed bar in a bustling city. The addition of cream of coconut transformed the cocktail into a creamy and indulgent treat. Sipping on this tropical delight, I could almost feel the ocean breeze and hear the sound of crashing waves.

To summarize the difference between the two drinks:
– Blue Hawaii uses sweet and sour mix, which adds a tangy and acidic flavor.
– Blue Hawaiian replaces the sweet and sour mix with cream of coconut, resulting in a creamy and sweet taste.

Now, let's break it down with a bullet list:

Blue Hawaii:
– Ingredients: rum, vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix.
– Flavor profile: tangy, slightly acidic, tropical.

Blue Hawaiian:
– Ingredients: rum, vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, cream of coconut.
– Flavor profile: creamy, sweet, tropical.

The difference between a Blue Hawaii and a Blue Hawaiian lies in the choice of mixer. The Blue Hawaii incorporates sweet and sour mix for a tangy twist, while the Blue Hawaiian opts for cream of coconut to create a creamy and sweet experience. Both cocktails capture the essence of the tropics, offering a refreshing escape with each sip. Cheers to indulging in the flavors of paradise!