During the month of July, I'm excited to share with you the unique world of cruise ship cocktails. These delightful concoctions are more than just drinks; they're liquid souvenirs of unforgettable vacations. So, what makes a cocktail truly worthy of being called a "cruise ship cocktail"? Let's dive in!
The Essence of Cruise Ship Cocktails
- Tropical Flair: First and foremost, cruise ship cocktails often embody the essence of a tropical getaway. They frequently feature ingredients like coconut, pineapple, and mango, transporting you to sun-soaked beaches with every sip.
- Vibrant Colors: These drinks are a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. Think electric blues, sunset oranges, and lush greens that mirror the stunning ocean views and exotic destinations.
- Creative Presentations: Cruise ship bartenders go above and beyond with garnishes and glassware. From cocktails served in coconuts to drinks adorned with elaborate fruit carvings, presentation is key.
- Blend of Familiar and Exotic: The best cruise ship cocktails often combine familiar flavors with a twist of the exotic, appealing to a wide range of tastes while still offering something new.
- Evocative Names: These drinks often sport names that evoke the spirit of travel and adventure, like “Cucumber Cooler" or "Sea Breeze Martini."
What Makes a Cruise Ship Cocktail Unique?
- Regional Influences: Many cruise ship cocktails incorporate local ingredients or spirits from various ports of call, offering a taste of the destinations visited.
- All-Day Appeal: These cocktails are crafted to be enjoyable at any time, from a refreshing poolside sipper to an elegant pre-dinner aperitif.
- Balanced Sweetness: While often fruity, the best cruise ship cocktails balance sweetness with other flavors to avoid being cloying, especially in the heat.
- Layered Complexity: Despite their often bright and fun appearance, many of these cocktails boast a surprising depth of flavor.
- Shareable Experience: Many cruise ship cocktails are designed to be shareable, encouraging a social atmosphere onboard.
Today I’m sharing with you the tropical delight that is the Blue Hawaiian cocktail. This vibrant, azure-hued drink is the epitome of a cruise ship cocktail, transporting you to sun-drenched beaches with just one sip.
The Blue Hawaiian was born in 1957 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, Hawaii. It was created by legendary bartender Harry Yee, who was tasked with developing a drink that featured blue curaçao, a newly introduced liqueur at the time.
Yee, known for his innovative approach to tropical drinks, combined the blue curaçao with light rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. The result was a stunning blue cocktail that captured the essence of Hawaii's clear blue skies and ocean waters.
The drink quickly became a hit, not just in Hawaii but across the mainland United States as well. Its popularity soared during the Tiki culture boom of the 1950s and 1960s, cementing its place in the pantheon of classic tropical cocktails.
Blue Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
Fill a hurricane glass or tall glass with ice.
In a shaker, combine the light rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut.
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
The Blue Hawaiian represents the fun, relaxed, and slightly indulgent nature of a cruise vacation. It's a drink that says, "I'm on holiday," with every colorful sip.
So whether you're actually on a cruise ship or just dreaming of one, the Blue Hawaiian offers a perfect taste of tropical paradise. Its rich history, vibrant appearance, and delightful flavor profile make it more than just a cocktail – it's a vacation experience in a glass. So, the next time you want to bring a touch of cruise ship magic to your day, shake up a Blue Hawaiian and let your taste buds set sail for adventure!
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]