Tag Archives: Pineapple

Drink in the Beaches of Blue Hawaii

Posted on March 20, 2013 | Comments Off

With Spring Break in full swing for some, yet the beautiful beaches out of reach for the vast majority it seems appropriate to bring Hawaii to the masses in the form of drink. Perhaps Hawaii is better known for more unusual drinks using ingredients such as papaya or Li Hing Mui, but the Blue Hawaiian is the cocktail with the namesake.

Happy 1st Day of Spring! What better way to celebrate spring than dream about catching a few Hawaiian waves. YouTube video posted by gdaniels32. Be sure to click through and subscribe to the original feed and look up the photography at www.beachboyphotography.com.

In researching the Blue Hawaiian, so many versions surfaced it was difficult to decipher which one was the “real” Blue Hawaiian and which ones were the imposters. What also came to the forefront is another drink often confused for the Blue Hawaiian; the Blue Hawaii. These two drinks share a name so similar it is no wonder they are often confused by many a bartender and patron alike. So let’s break down the difference.

A true Blue Hawaiian never contains vodka, but rather rum. It also uses cream of coconut rather than sweet and sour mix. Adversely, the Blue Hawaii uses vodka instead of rum and sweet and sour mix, but no cream of coconut. Both however share something in common always; Blue Curacao.

Blue Curacao is essentially an orange liqueur infused with the dried peels of the Larahas plant which is derived from the Valencia orange. The difference between Blue and Orange Curacao is the color. Substituting one for the other in a drink will only change the color, not the taste.

The Blue Hawaii has an advantage over the Blue Hawaiian in that it makes for quite the easy party punch as well as individual cocktail drink. Since the Blue Hawaiian traditionally calls for cream of coconut which needs thorough stirring, shaking or blending, it is not conducive to a punch bowl setting.

So, you decide. Pour over ice, stir, shake, or put the blender on puree. Set your sights on the sandy beaches of Hawaii, sit back and sip a tall, cool one. Choose one or try them all.

Blue Hawaiian

1 ounce Light Rum

2 ounces Pineapple Juice

1 ounce Blue Curacao

1 ounce Cream of Coconut

Pineapple Chunks Garnish

1 cup Ice

Combine liquids and ice in blender. Blend until all ice is thoroughly blended in cocktail. Pour into highball glass or decorative glass. Garnish with skewered pineapple chunks.

Blue Hawaii

1-1/2 ounce Vodka

1 ounce Blue Curacao

1 ounce Sour Mix

1 ounce Pineapple Juice

2 to 3 ounces Orange Juice

Pineapple Chunks & Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir to blend. Garnish with pineapple chunks and maraschino cherry.

Blend both worlds by trying the Blue Hawaii Cocktail.

Blue Hawaii Cocktail

1 ounce Vodka

1/2 ounce Blue Curacao

1/2 ounce Coconut Rum

1-1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

3/4 ounce Lime Juice

Lemon Twist

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

See alternative reader version of the Blue Hawaii drink.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Blue Curacao, Blue Hawaii, Blue Hawaii Cocktail, Blue Hawaiian, Coconut Rum, Cream of Coconut, Fresh Lime, Orange Juice, Pineapple, Pineapple Juice, Rum, Sour Mix, Spring, Spring Cocktails, Spring Equinox, Video, Vodka

Aperitif & Wine Cocktails

Posted on March 7, 2013 | Comments Off

So many cocktails are created with the foundation of strong spirits such as vodka, gin, whiskies, etc. It’s easy to forget there are other spirited choices for cocktail creation. The industry is seeing an upswing in beer cocktails, wine based cocktails and the inclusion of aperitif based cocktails.

Next time you’re in the mood for something a little off the beaten track, pick up an aperitif or bottle of wine and start mixing.

Holiday that celebrates wine ~ February 18 is National “Drink Wine” Day

Heights Cobbler – Jack the Horse Tavern, Brooklyn, NY

1/2 Lemon Wheel

1/2 Orange Wheel

6 Fresh or Thawed Frozen Cranberries

2 Pineapple Spears (1 peeled)

2 ounces Ruby Port

1/2 ounce Grand Marnier

2 dashes Bitters

Muddle lemon, oranges, 3 cranberries and peeled pineapple in bottom of cocktail shaker. Add port, Grand Marnier, bitters and ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with remaining 3 cranberries and unpeeled pineapple spear.

Paris Sunset – CAV, Providence

3/4 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

3 drops Angostura Bitters

1-1/2 teaspoon Sugar

3 ounces Champagne – chilled

Combine Dubonnet, bitters and sugar in mixing glass. Stir to dissolve sugar. Add ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled champagne flute. Top with champagne.

Ice Wine Martini – Blue Martini, Birmingham, MI

10 large seedless Green Grapes

2 ounces Ice Wine

2 ounces Vodka

2 Green Grapes Garnish – Halved

Place 10 grapes, vodka and wine in blender. Blend until smooth. Strain through tea strainer into ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake to chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with skewered grape halves.

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Posted in Cocktails, Wine Cocktails

Tagged Angostura Bitters, Aperitif, Bitters, Champagne, Cranberries, Dubonnet, Fresh Lemon, Grand Marnier, Grapes, Heights Cobbler, Ice Wine, Ice Wine Martini, Orange, Pineapple, Port, Premium Orange Liqueur, Sugar, Vodka, Wine

Mai Tai

Posted on March 4, 2013 | Comments Off

The Mai Tai is a favorite for beach side / pool side sipping. It’s decadently delicious. Trying to keep that girlish figure? No worries. The lower calorie Mai Tai weighs in at approximately 127 calories and may be found by following the link.

Mai Tai

2 ounces White Rum

1 ounce Dark Rum

3/4 ounce Orange Curacao

3/4 ounce Orgeat (Almond Syrup)

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

Pineapple Spear & Lime Wedge

Build in highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with pineapple spear & lime wedge.

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Posted in Classic Cocktails

Tagged Almond Syrup, Classic Cocktails, Fresh Lime, Mai Tai, Orange Curacao, Orgeat, Pineapple, Rum

Cardamom Pop Punch

Posted on December 27, 2012 | Comments Off

This make ahead punch recipe brings terrific flavor to the punch bowl with it’s Cardamom Syrup inclusion. This variation of the Camarena Cardamom Tequila Punch offers guest a non-alcoholic drink choice to insure a sober drive home.

Cardamom Pop Punch – created by Cheri Loughlin

1/4 Pineapple – sliced in quarter wheels

1 Orange – sliced in quarter wheels

1 Lime – sliced in quarter wheels

1 Lemon – sliced in quarter wheels

2 ounces Lemon Juice

1-1/2 ounce Cardamom Syrup*

10 ounces Blueberry Pomegranate Juice

4 ounces Cranberry Juice

Club Soda

Place all ingredients except club soda in pitcher. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Top with club soda before serving.

Cardamom Syrup – created by Cheri Loughlin

1/2 cup Water

1 cup Organic Sugar Cane

1/4 cup Cardamom Pods

Place cardamom pods in heat proof jar with lid. Set aside. Place water and sugar in saucepan over medium heat. Heat until sugar is completely dissolved (approximately 5 minutes). Pour heated syrup over cardamom pods. Stir briefly. Seal. Allow flavor to infuse for 24 hours. Strain syrup. Discard pods. Refrigerate.

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Posted in Mocktails

Tagged Blueberry Pomegranate Juice, Camarena Cardomom Tequila Punch, Cardamom, Cardamom Pop Punch, Cardamom Syrup, Club Soda, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Orange, Pineapple, Punch, Sugar

Flaxen Froth

Posted on December 6, 2012 | Comments Off

There is no reason to give up fresh fruit flavor when confined to the winter months. This little number combines fresh pineapple with the wonderful infused flavor of Pineapple Vodka into one refreshingly light cocktail that doesn’t become bogged down with too much added sugar. The egg white creates foamy texture that lightens the load while bringing a bit of delicate nature to this beautifully simple cocktail.

Flaxen Froth – created by Cheri Loughlin

5 chunks Fresh Pineapple

2 ounces Pineapple Vodka

1 Egg White or 1-1/2 ounce Egg Beaters Egg White

Muddle pineapple in mixing glass. Add vodka and egg white. Dry shake to blend in egg. Add ice. Shake to blend and chill, bringing mixture to nice frothy texture. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Egg White, Flaxen Froth, Pineapple, Pineapple Vodka, Vodka

Kiwi Colada

Posted on March 12, 2012 | Leave a comment

Decadent fresh fruit flavor. Coconut comes through lightly rather than with sweetened bite. Faint watermelon in the background finished this drink off to completion. Pale green color makes this drink a fun choice for St. Patrick’s Day.

Kiwi Colada – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 measure Watermelon Juice

1 Fresh Kiwi – peeled & sliced

1 measure Cream of Coconut

6 Fresh Pineapple Chunks

12 ounces Ice

Kiwi Slice Garnish

Place all ingredients except garnish in blender with ice. Blend until completely smooth. Pour into goblet or decorative cocktail glass. Garnish with kiwi slice.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

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Posted in Mocktails, St. Patrick's Day

Tagged Coconut Cream, Kiwi, Kiwi Colada, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Pina Colada, Pineapple, St. Patrick's Day, Watermelon

Dessert Takes a Spin

Posted on May 16, 2011 | 2 Comments

The succulently sweet taste of pineapple and coconut blend together seamlessly in this non-alcoholic blended adaptation of the vodka based Chi-Chi. It’s the perfect pick-me-up dessert drink during the day or hold out for the happy hour version.

Chi-Chi à la mode – created by Cheri Loughlin

Serves 4

1/2 Fresh Cored Pineapple

3 ounces Cream of Coconut

3 ounces Half & Half

2 cups Ice

Fresh Pineapple Spears Garnish

Whipped Cream

Cut pineapple into chunks. Place pineapple chunks, cream of coconut, half & half and ice into blender. Blend until mixture is completely smooth. Pour into four cocktail glasses. Insert pineapple spear garnish. Top with dollop of whipped cream. Notation: Frozen pineapple may be used in place of fresh.

Chi-Chi

1 ounce Vodka

1/2 ounce Cream of Coconut

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

1/2 ounce Half & Half

1/2 to 1 cup Crushed Ice

Fresh Pineapple Garnish

Whipped Cream – Optional

Blend liquid ingredients and ice together in blender until mixture is completely smooth. Pour into Hurricane glass. Garnish with fresh pineapple and whipped cream if desired.

Browse more Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Drinks by following the links.

Find The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon or Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com – Copyright 2011 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved – All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage contained within are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

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Posted in Cocktails, Mocktails

Tagged Cream of Coconut, Half & Half, Mocktails, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Pineapple, Vodka

Red, White & Blue Cocktails

Posted on July 4, 2010 | Leave a comment

Fourth of July rings in the unofficial start of summer with picnics, parades, fireworks and steady flow of fun and laughter. Keep everyone’s thirst refreshed with cocktails that utilize fresh fruits of the season and the sparkling colors of Red, White & Blue to correspond with Independence day celebrations.

Twisted utilizes a diet peach flavored water, but has no diet connotation in the drink. The taste is fresh, light and definitely slurp worthy.

Twisted – created by Cheri Loughlin

6 Fresh Raspberries

2 Fresh Pineapple Spears (1 inch x 3 inch)

1-1/2 ounce Peach Rum

2 ounces Welch’s Diet Peach Twist

1 ounce Club Soda or Brut Champagne

Muddle fresh fruit in bottom of mixing glass. Add peach rum and Welch’s Diet Peach Twist with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into highball glass or goblet over fresh ice. Top with club soda or brut champagne according to preference. Stir.

Pearl is an adaptation of the Perfect Margarita. The real hook for Pearl is the garnish; olives. Usually saved for classic martinis, the olive becomes the surprise find for this margarita. My version pops up the heat with jalapeno stuffed olives. Nix the olives if they don’t float your boat, but definitely take this margarita out for a spin.

Pearl – created by Cheri Loughlin

3 ounce Blanco Tequila

1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

3/4 ounce Agave Nectar

1/4 ounce Cointreau

Salt for Garnished Rim

Queen Size Jalapeño Stuffed Olives Garnish

Rim cocktail glass with salt and set aside. Combine all liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to blend and chill. Strain into cocktail glass over ice or even better, serve straight up. Garnish with skewered jalepeno olives.

When I think of blueberry vodka or blueberries in general, the old television series Happy Days and Richie singing “I found my thrill on blueberry hill…” starts jingling through my head. Thrilled brings in the beautiful flavor of blueberries while allowing the sweetness of fresh pineapple to interweave into the mix. Depending upon your sweet tooth, vary the simple syrup. Fresh egg white adds a little froth and complexity to the drink, but isn’t necessary for a thrilling good time.

Thrilled – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 Fresh Pineapple Spears (1 inch by 3 inch)

2 ounce Blueberry Vodka

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 to 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup (according to taste)

1 Egg White – optional

Muddle pineapple and simple syrup in bottom of mixing glass. If adding egg white, do so at this point and dry shake. Add vodka, lemon juice and ice to mixing glass. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

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Posted in Independence Day

Tagged 4th of July, Agave Nectar, Blueberry Vodka, Champagne, Club Soda, Cointreau, Egg White, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Margarita, Peach Rum, Pineapple, Raspberries, Rum, Simple Syrup, Tequila, Vodka

Pineapple Serrano Margarita

Posted on April 10, 2009 | Leave a comment

Looking for something a little less traditional yet fun, fruity and delicious for Cinco de Mayo? Try this heated little Tequila Cazadores number: Pineapple Serrano Margarita. Fresh pineapple and Serrano chili peppers muddled together give this margarita spicy kick.

Pineapple Serrano Margarita

1-1/2 parts Tequila Cazadores Blanco

4 pieces fresh Pineapple – muddled -or- 3 parts Pineapple Juice

2 slices Serrano Chili Pepper – muddled

1 part Simple Syrup –or- 3/4 part Agave Nectar

1 part Lime Juice

Muddle fresh pineapple, chili pepper, syrup and lime juice in mixing glass. Add tequila and ice. Shake to blend and chill. Pour into rocks glass or strain into rocks glass over fresh ice to reduce floating pieces of fruit and pepper.

Recipe provided by Tequila Cazadores representatives

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Posted in Short Drinks

Tagged Agave Syrup, Chili Pepper, Cinco de Mayo, Fresh Lime, Margarita, Mexican Independence Day, Pineapple, Pineapple Juice, Simple Syrup, Tequila, Tequila Cazadores

Agavero Inspires Cocktails beyond Shots & Margaritas

Posted on February 22, 2009 | 1 Comment

February 22 is National Margarita Day. Since many have a love it or hate it view toward tequila as the hangover spirit it’s time to move that misconception to the sideline and show a softer, smoother side to the rowdy character of the agave plant.

Agavero Tequila Liqueur is an exceptionally smooth, ultra-premium spirit created from a blend of 100% blue agave anejo and reposado tequilas. The essence of Damiana flower enriches the character adding substance to the flavor profile. Rather than an earthy bitterness or bite in the taste, Agavero is smooth and delicately rich on the palate. It is sweet, yet not syrupy. Agavero seems to be the perfect combination of tequila and agave nectar with the lilt of floral Damiana.

Agavero is produced at los Camichines Distillery in the Jalisco region of Mexico. Only the finest 100% blue agave anejo and reposado tequilas are chosen to complement the essence of Damiana. These elements are combined and hand blended for the highest quality and taste. Agavero Tequila Liqueur is bottled at 64 proof. It may be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a variety of cocktails that are only limited by your imagination.

The notion that tequila is somehow harsher than other liquors or possibly only good for shots or margaritas is clearly not the case. Agavero allows a wide variety of creative thought process to unfold while still allowing the richness of the agave plant to shine through without harshness.

Cozumel Cosmo – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 measure Agavero

2 measures Vodka

3/4 measure Pomegranate Juice

1/2 measure Lime Juice

1/2 measure Pomegranate Liqueur

Lime Wheel Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

Inspiration came from the Mexican Cosmo. Pomegranate Juice was put in place of Cranberry with Pomegranate Liqueur added. Imagine creating a tequila based Raspberry Lemon Drop using Limocello and Raspberry Liqueur!

Cortez’ Golden Gift – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/4 measure Agavero

1-1/4 measure Vanilla Liqueur

1-1/4 measure Half & Half

Build in a double old-fashioned glass over ice. Stir. Variation: 1 measure each Agavero and Vanilla Liqueur, 3/4 measure Tequila, 1-1/4 measure Half & Half.

The deep rich vanilla blends flawlessly with the delicate nature of Agavero. The use of Half & Half cuts the sweetness while keeping this a decadent dessert cocktail. An Espresso Vodka would also intertwine nicely within this mix. Adjust the ratios and make it your own.

Pineapple Pina – created by Cheri Loughlin

5 Pineapple Chunks

1/2 measure Cassis Liqueur

3/4 measure Lemon Juice

1 measure Agavero

1-1/2 measure Pineapple Vodka

3-4 Pineapple Chunks Garnish

Muddle pineapple, cassis and lemon juice in bottom of cocktail shaker. Add Agavero and vodka with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with skewered pineapple chunks.

Fresh is best. Pineapple and tequila work amazingly well together. So does watermelon!

Lover’s Margarita – ala Agavero

1 measure Agavero

1 measure Reposado Tequila

Splash Fresh Lime Juice

Salted Rim

Rim rocks glass with fresh lime and dip in salt if desired. Add fresh ice. Add Agavero and tequila. Stir. Double recipe and add two straws to share with a lover.

The Lover’s Margarita is simply unbeatable. Agavero adds dimension to the margarita that would not be there with one layering of tequila alone. It also rounds out the edges for a smooth finish.

This goes to show how adaptable Agavero Tequila is as a spirit. It is excellent as the foundation or companion piece in a wide range of mixed drinks. Tequila no longer needs to be considered the ruthless, untamed spirit designed for shots and margaritas alone.

Cheri Loughlin is a leading cocktail and photography resource for beverage companies, event planners, businesses and individuals. High resolution cocktail and beverage stock photography images are available in downloadable digital format in the newly redesigned Stock Photography Gallery at www.cheriloughlin.com.