The Blue Hawaiian Sunrise Cocktail Recipe is a stunning layered drink that blends tropical flavors with dazzling color transitions. With a bold red grenadine base, a bright tropical fruit middle, and a deep ocean-blue top, it’s as much a visual showstopper as it is a refreshingly fruity cocktail. Pineapple rum, guava juice, and sweet and sour mix create a vibrant and balanced flavor profile that’s perfect for summer nights, beach-themed parties, or whenever you need a taste of paradise in a glass.
Ingredients
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1 oz Grenadine
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1 oz Pineapple Rum
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2 oz Pineapple Juice
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1 oz Sweet and Sour Mix
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1 oz Blue Curaçao
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2 oz Guava Juice
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Ice (for layering and chilling)
Optional Garnish:
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Pineapple wedge
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Maraschino cherry
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Paper umbrella
Preparation
Step 1: Layer the base
Pour 1 oz grenadine into the bottom of a tall glass. Add a handful of ice cubes slowly and carefully to keep the red layer from mixing.
Step 2: Mix the tropical middle
In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz pineapple rum, 2 oz pineapple juice, 1 oz sweet and sour mix, and 2 oz guava juice. Shake gently to blend.
Step 3: Build the middle layer
Slowly pour the tropical juice mix over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the grenadine, creating a beautiful layered transition.
Step 4: Float the blue curaçao
Very gently pour 1 oz of blue curaçao over the back of a spoon on top of the drink. This will form a vibrant blue layer resembling a tropical sky.
Step 5: Garnish
Top with a pineapple wedge, cherry, and a fun umbrella for full tiki-cocktail flair.
Variation
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Frozen Sunrise: Blend the middle mix with ice for a slushy version before layering
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Sparkling Version: Add a splash of lemon-lime soda between layers for bubbles
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Coconut Twist: Swap pineapple rum for coconut rum for extra creamy tropical vibes
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No Alcohol: Use pineapple soda, guava nectar, and blue sports drink for a mocktail
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Deep Sunset: Add a dash of orange juice for an extra gradient layer
Cooking Note
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Layer slowly to maintain separation between colors
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Use crushed ice for quicker chilling, but cubed ice works better for clean layers
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Shake ingredients lightly—too much foam will disrupt the layering
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Pour all layered ingredients over the back of a spoon close to the surface
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Serve immediately while the layers are defined and fresh
Tips
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Serve in a hurricane or highball glass to showcase the gradient
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For dramatic color, use chilled juices and liqueurs to slow mixing
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Double the recipe and serve in pitchers for crowd-pleasing tropical flair
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Add edible flowers for next-level presentation
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Don’t stir — this drink is best admired then sipped as-is
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: 190
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Sugar: 16g
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Sodium: 12mg
FAQs
Can I use a different rum?
Yes! Coconut rum or white rum also works beautifully in this recipe.
How do I make sure the layers don’t mix?
Use a spoon and pour slowly over the back of it. Also, chill everything beforehand.
What glass should I use?
A tall glass like a hurricane or Collins glass works best to show off the layers.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes, you can pre-mix the middle layer in a pitcher. Add the base and top layers individually per glass for effect.
Is this drink sweet?
It’s fruity and sweet, but the citrus from the sweet and sour mix adds a little balance.
Conclusion
The Blue Hawaiian Sunrise Cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a tropical work of art. With its radiant red, golden, and ocean-blue layers, it’s a show-stopper for any celebration. Each sip blends pineapple, guava, and citrus with smooth rum and a pop of color from blue curaçao. Whether you’re hosting a beach bash or need a vacation in a glass, this layered cocktail brings sunshine, flavor, and fun to every pour.
[tasty-recipe id=”2016″]
