Wednesday, November 28, 2018

The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail

Royal Hawaiian Cocktail

Named after the historic Waikiki Beach hotel

We’re back from a cruise that took us from Hawaii to Tahiti. But our heads remain in vacation mode, so we’re still craving beach drinks.

Royal Hawaiian Cocktail to the rescue! It features tongue-tingling dry gin and lemon, plus pineapple juice for that tropical touch.

Aloha.



Royal Hawaiian Cocktail

Recipe: The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail

The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail is one of the few gin-based Tiki drinks (rum is the most popular spirit for Tiki cocktails). Combine that gin with pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orgeat syrup, and you have a pleasant sipper that’s perfect for relaxing poolside. Or enjoying by a crackling fire when you want to remember summer’s warmth.

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and serves 1.

Ingredients
  • 1½ ounces dry gin
  • 1½ ounces unsweetened pineapple juice
  • ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ ounce orgeat syrup (actually, anything from 1 teaspoon to ½ ounce, to taste)
  • lemon twist for garnish (very optional)
Procedure
  1. Place all ingredients (except garnish) in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the contents are well chilled – about 20 seconds.
  2. Strain into a cocktail glass or coupe (preferably one that has been chilled). Garnish, if you wish, and serve.
Royal Hawaiian Cocktail

Notes
  • This drink is also good served over ice in a rocks (Old-Fashioned) glass.
  • Garnish isn’t traditional for this cocktail, but we like to add a lemon twist. A lemon wedge would also be nice. 
  • Any name-brand dry gin will work in this drink.
  • Canned pineapple juice is probably the easiest option for making this drink. We buy it in small cans – they hold the right amount of juice for a couple of cocktails.
  • Orgeat is a sweet almond-flavored syrup (it also contains orange flower water or rose water). You can find orgeat in most good liquor stores or buy it online. 
  • Just substitute almond syrup if you can’t find orgeat.
  • The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is located in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. It opened in 1927 as one of the first luxury hotels on Waikiki Beach.
  • The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail was originally called the Princess Kaiulani, but was renamed in the 1950s. It served as the hotel’s signature drink throughout much of its history (though today that honor is held by another classic Tiki drink, the Mai Tai).
Bora Bora landscape
Bora Bora

South Sea Sojourn

“Swell drink,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “And what a swell vacation!”

“Sure was,” I said. “We started off in Honolulu. Saw Pearl Harbor and climbed the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. Then sailed to Hilo, on the Big Island.”

“Where we visited Volcanoes National Park,” said Mrs K R. “And saw Kilauea, which is still making her power felt.”

“Then sailed the Pacific for 4 days, enjoying great lectures along the way on Polynesian culture, coral reefs, and other interesting topics,” I said. “Then reached Nuku Hiva.”

“Where Herman Melville was inspired to write his first novel, Typee,” said Mrs K R.

“And on to the atoll of Fakarava,” I said.

“Population 837,” said Mrs K R.

“Then visited the islands of Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Moorea,” I said. “Lots of fun tours, off-road adventures, and dolphin watching.”

“Moorea might be the prettiest place I’ve ever seen,” said Mrs K R.

“And finally ended up in Papeete, on the island of Tahiti,” I said.

“Where we took a jeep safari up into the mountains to look at waterfalls,” said Mrs K R. “And the next day sat on a beautiful black-sand beach, watching the waves roll in while the palms swayed in the breeze.”

“The only rough part was the long flight home,” I said.

“That was less than fun,” said Mrs K R.

“Which is why we needed one of these when we finally got home,” I said, raising my glass.

“I might need another one right now,” said Mrs K R.

Manuia!

You may also enjoy reading about:
Mai Tai Cocktail
Missionary's Downfall Cocktail
Paradise Cooler Cocktail
Planter's Punch Cocktail
Singapore Sling Cocktail
Vicious Virgin Cocktail
Volcano Bowl Cocktail
Or check out the index for more

82 comments:

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Boy, you must have had some shock when you came back to the early winter weather in the Midwest! I'd love to be on a cruise of the South Pacific right now, sipping on these lovely Royal Hawwaiians!! I might never come back.

Mae Travels said...

Your trip sounds awesome! So does the drink. I love Hawaii, but haven't ever gotten used to the cocktails. I'm a fan of the Kona Brewing Company and their various beers. In Kona, they brew the beer you drink there, but if you buy their brand in the US it's made in California, as far as I know.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Savor the Best-Pat said...

This looks like a great thirst-quencher to sip under the Hawaiian sun! I have been to Hawaii several times but not to Tahiti....lucky you! I should plan a trip! :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, it WAS a shock! Snow? What's that? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, there's some really great beer in Hawaii and the South Pacific. Such a fun place to visit. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, Tahiti is GORGEOUS! Getting there (and back) is a hassle, though -- long flight, and not that many flights a day, alas. But worth it. Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

Looks and sounds delicious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, it is! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

So that is wher you disappeared to! So jealous, that Bora Bora pic, wow. And thta drink!!! Now you need a toddy version.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, it's definitely toddy weather, isn't it? But our heads remain in the South Pacific! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anne@ASaladForAllSeasons said...

What a fabulous cocktail, John! A perfect way to celebrate your amazing vacation. And this beautiful tropical cocktail sounds like the perfect way for me to get through the upcoming winter doldrums! :)

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

I have a huge bottle of gin in my cupboard screaming to be used in this cocktail! BTW, which tour/cruise operator did you use for the trip? Also, John, thanks so much for supporting my blog. Over the past (almost) 6 years, you have never missed commenting on my posts. Even when you have taken time off from blogging, you have gone back and posted comments on my posts that you missed. I really appreciate it!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, this is definitely an antidote for winter doldrums. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, we sailed with Regent Seven Seas -- on the Mariner. The ship is currently on its way to New Zealand and then Australia, so you could join her. :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats said...

OMG do I need a cruise right now or WHATTTTTT!! I wish I weren't due for at least another 4 months so my husband and I could go on one post-Christmas!!! Wahhh! We can already tell I am going to be a GREAT mother, right?! LOL!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, you probably really DO need a cruise right now. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Valentina said...

Sounds like a delicious cocktail, and an amazing vacation! That water!! Serious stunning! Happy to hear it was all so wonderful, and looking forward to more island treats.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, the water is SO pretty there! The lighter color means the depth is shallow; the deeper color indicates deeper depth. Thanks for the comment.

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

I think I stared at that Bora Bora pic for a full five minutes. GORGEOUS! I probably wouldn't have come home :). Glad you guys had a wonderful trip, and thanks for the cocktail that will allow me to pretend I'm on a tropical vacay!

Laura Dembowski said...

I haven't seen you around lately and hope you are doing well and enjoyed your holidays! This cocktail sounds like a delight ... too bad it can't transport me to Hawaii

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelsie, Bora Bora is gorgeous! And Moorea is even prettier (although it's just a matter of degree). Thanks for the comment.

sherry said...

i don't think we could find almond syrup here, and i've never heard of orgeat syrup:) how fascinating. gin is the all-encompassing spirit at the moment, isn't it? we have new distilleries popping up like mushrooms. your drink sounds tasty. cheers sherry

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, we're back to reality, alas. But we kinda like reality, so that's OK. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, in the US whiskey (bourbon and rye both) and gin were the most popular spirits until the 1960s. Then vodka started edging them out, but both are coming back again. Good think -- I like whiskey and gin. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

The view is stunning and the cocktail is very pretty.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, it's a great looking drink, but the view of Bora Bora is better. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Welcome back John! What a lovely trip. We were in Papeete many years ago. It was hot. I could have used one of these drinks!

Eha said...

*smile* This supposedly well-known evening beverage seems to have arrived at the Royal Hawaiian at about the first time my husband and I visited the Islands after our marriage and, indeed, stayed at the then still great hotel. Since I drink wine and spirits but rarely touch a cocktail - too short for me - I am sorry I do not remember and am learning thru' your post . . .

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, Tahiti IS hot. Soothing drinks are recommended. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eha, I'm guessing you might have seen some of these being served when you first stayed at the Royal Hawaiian, even though you didn't indulge in one -- from what I've read it was pretty popular. Not so much these days, though -- too bad, because it's a good drink. Thanks for the comment.

Angie's Recipes said...

This has me long for SUMMER! The drink sound really great with tropical flavour.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, it's a great summer drink! Or for anytime you WANT it to be summer. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anne in the kitchen said...

This looks and sounds like it would be the perfect summertime drink, or as you said looks like a great "pretend it's summer "drink. Thank you for sharing!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, we DO like chilly weather, but we're definitely into pretending it's summer at the moment. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert said...

My goodness what a fabulous trip! You must have had a fantastic time. Great time of year to go too :) Love the drink and the photos - thanks for sharing.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

Wow, that photo of Bora Bora looks like a place you never want to leave and then you had to come back to the frozen tundra of the midwest... LOL...Thaw out with several Royal Hawaiian cocktails and you will be good to go.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, it was a wonderful trip! Really worth doing. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, yup, that's been our plan -- thaw out with these. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Welcome home, I wish I was your neighbor. I would love to sit with the two of you over this cocktail and hear all about your wonderful cruise aboard the Mariner to all those exotic ports.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Yep, John, it's that long flight home that makes it a wonder any of us ever leave home to start with! This drink sounds perfect for me. Going on my must-try list.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, it'd be fun to be neighbors! We'll each have to make a round of these, and pretend. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jean, those long flights are killer! Even in business class -- I find it hard to sleep on planes. But this drink certainly soothes the soul. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

John, I love the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and loved it. I have to make your drink and pretend I am back at the hotel.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, fun drink to remember fun times! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Deb|EastofEdenCooking said...

It's stormy and windy and nothing sounds better than sunshine and a cocktail. An escape to Hawaii would be fab!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, I'm ready for another escape. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

Wow, beautiful photo of Bora Bora John...and what a lovely and relaxing vacation...
I love cocktails with gin and this one sounds and looks delicious, especially with a touch of orgeat...thanks for sharing the recipe. Have a wonderful rest of week!

Rocquie said...


That sounds like an amazing cruise! No wonder you craved this beautiful cocktail when you got home. I loved hearing about your adventures, thanks for sharing.

Family Spice said...

Sounds like you had a dreamy vacation! I guess I found a new drink to replace my usual mai tai whenever I want to dream of Hawaii!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, this is a terrific cocktail -- SO much flavor! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, it was a wonderful trip. Can't wait to go on another cruise next year. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, hard to beat a Mai Tai! But this is also a really fun one, and less complicated to make than a Mai Tai. Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

I'm so glad you made it to Moorea. My favorite of the south sea islands I've seen. I'll raise my virtual glass of Royal Hawaiian Cocktail and dream of my own return to these islands. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, I remember your post about Moorea -- wonderful place. Bora Bora is beautiful, but Moorea is gorgeous! Thanks for the comment.

Izaa said...

but he must be delicious

Ron said...

Welcome back John, sounds to have been a great holiday, except for the long flight. That Royal Hawaiian Cocktail looks very drinkable to me. Does the orgeat syrup impart any almond flavor to the drink?

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Izaa, it is, it is. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, you definitely do taste the orgeat -- it adds a very subtle but very distinctive almond note tot he drink. Really nice! Thanks for the comment.

Natalia said...

Looks really pretty!☺

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Natalia, tastes good, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

I love the use of orgeat syrup in this, John! Maybe we need these tonight!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, orgeat has such a nice flavor, doesn't it? You definitely need to try this tonight. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

John it sounds like you and the Mrs. had a wonderful trip. What's not to love about Hawaii. This drink is one I'm sure to love. Pretty much anything tropical has my name on it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, so hard to resist tropical drinks, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

Nice vacation, and what a perfect way to remember it! My husband and I are going to Hawaii this winter. He grew up there, I've never been.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, we had never been to Hawaii either. You'll love it! So pretty. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

I think I need to sip this while wearing flip-flops for the ultimate experience. ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, definitely need flip-flops for this one. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eva Taylor said...

Sounds like you had an awesome time. I haven’t been on a cruise since my honeymoon a million years ago. Most of our friends love it, in fact, a couple of them are on one right now (they have three booked back to back). Perhaps we’ll have to give it another go sometime, but at the moment we love spending a month in Arizona to take the chill off.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, we didn't think we'd like our first cruise -- but we were living in Florida (where cruising is easy), so we booked a pretty nice cruise line to give cruising a "fair" chance. Turned out we really liked it -- pretty good food, good drinks, were in a new place every morning, and only had to unpack once (which for us was a biggie). We like it, a lot, although we can certainly understand why some people don't. Really worth trying at least once. :-) Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDelete

All That I'm Eating said...

This sounds delicious, perfect for a holiday hit at this time of year!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, it's a wonderful drink! :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

What gorgeous picture of Bara Bara. The colors don't look natural, but,having seen the emerald coast, I know they are. Absolutely beautiful! This sounds like a very refreshing drink. Would love to be sipping it on the deck as I traveling on the Pacific.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, agree the colors in Bora Bora don't look like they should be real. Really pretty place. :-) Thanks for the comment.

amira said...

Welcome back John, this beach looks fabulous. It is always hard to get back to routine after vacation. Your drink looks pretty as well, perfect to remember such vacation.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

What an AMAZING vacation!! This cocktail looks great, too!

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

This drink sounds like something I would love. I could use a cruise right about now. I am sure you both had a wonderful vacation.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, the beaches and color of water in French Polynesia are amazing! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, it was a terrific trip -- we really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, it's really a nice drink -- super flavor. And the trip was SO much fun. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Merryn@merrynsmenu said...

I am so glad you enjoyed the cruise and definitely a cocktail is on the list to relax with when you return. This sounds so decadent and delicious.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, it was a terrific cruise! And this cocktail is a nice way to remember it. :-) Thanks for the comment.