Popular luau drinks contain pineapple and coconut cream.
Setting the tropical mood for a luau includes providing cold, fruity beverages to the guests. Serve favorite luau drinks--with or without alcohol--and finish them with garnishes such as pineapple wedges or rings, small orchids and drink umbrellas. Tropical drinks will put your guests in just the right mood for the party you've planned. Does this Spark an idea?
Mai Tai
Two rival Hawaiian-themed California restaurants, Trader Vic and Don the Beachcomber, have laid claim to the original Mai Tai. Regardless of its origins, this fruity drink is a luau favorite. There are a number Mai Tai recipes, but all but the nonalcoholic version call for both light and dark rum. Most Mai Tais feature orange juice, along with the rum. Some call for pineapple juice or both orange and pineapple juice. Try this recipe: Combine equal parts orange juice and pineapple juice with equal parts light rum, dark rum, lime juice and triple sec and a splash of grenadine. Shake with ice and serve.
Chi Chi and Pina Colada
For coconut-based frozen cocktails, consider the Chi Chi and the Pina Colada. Each contains cream of coconut or coconut cream and pineapple. The Chi Chi uses vodka, while the Pina Colada is a rum beverage. Make a Pina Colada by blending light rum, coconut cream and crushed pineapple with crushed ice. For a Chi Chi, blend vodka, pineapple juice and cream of coconut with ice. Cream of coconut is a sweetened coconut cream.
Blue Hawaii
For a showy drink, consider the Blue Hawaiian. Blue Curacao gives this beverage its color. Its other ingredients include rum, vodka, pineapple juice and cream of coconut or sweet and sour mix. While you can create a Blue Hawaiian without the alcohol, it will lack the color. Mix the rum, vodka, Blue Curacao liqueur, pineapple juice and sweet and sour mix. Blend over ice and serve.
Punch
Tropical punches make a refreshing and fruity beverage for both children and adults.Combine pineapple juice, orange juice and lemon and lime soda with a little cherry juice. Serve the beverage in a punch bowl and float pineapple rings on top. For an alcoholic version, add rum or vodka.
Tags: pineapple juice, coconut cream, Pina Colada, cream coconut, orange juice, Blue Curacao