Bali Hai Cocktail Recipe

The Bali Hai cocktail is a tropical drink that originated in the 1960s at the Bali Hai restaurant in San Diego, California. The restaurant was known for its Polynesian theme and exotic cocktails. The Bali Hai cocktail quickly became a favorite among patrons who enjoyed its fruity and refreshing taste.

• The Bali Hai restaurant was named after the song 'Bali Ha'i' from the musical 'South Pacific'
• The cocktail was created to complement the restaurant's Polynesian theme and cuisine
• The Bali Hai cocktail is still served at the restaurant today, and has become a popular drink in tiki bars around the world

The Bali Hai cocktail is a sweet and fruity drink with a hint of tartness. It has a tropical flavor profile, with notes of pineapple, coconut, and citrus. The drink is well-balanced, with the sweetness of the fruit juices being offset by the tanginess of the lime and the slight bitterness of the rum.

• The Bali Hai cocktail is often served in a tiki mug or a hurricane glass, adding to its tropical appeal
• The drink is sometimes garnished with a pineapple wedge, cherry, or an edible flower for an extra touch of island flair
• The Bali Hai cocktail is a great drink for summer parties and gatherings, as it is refreshing and easy to make in large batches

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Add the light rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and lime juice
3. Shake well until chilled and combined
4. Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass or tiki mug filled with fresh ice
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry

• Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined
• Use fresh pineapple juice for a more authentic tropical flavor
• Chill the glasses before serving to keep the cocktail cold for longer

Food Pairings

• Grilled Seafood: The tropical flavors of the Bali Hai cocktail pair superbly with grilled seafood, such as shrimp or fish, complementing the smokey taste.
• Spicy Asian Cuisines: The sweetness and acidity of the cocktail can balance out the heat from dishes like Thai curries or spicy Indonesian sambal.
• Fruit Platters: A simple fruit platter can act as a refreshing counterpart to this sweet, tropical drink.
• BBQ Pork: The sweetness of the cocktail can work well with the savory flavors of barbecued pork, especially with a pineapple glaze.

Drinks Pairings

• Light Beers: To cleanse the palate between sips of the cocktail, offer a light beer that doesn't overpower the drink's flavors.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime complements the cocktail's tropical character.

• Light rum: Can be substituted with vodka for a less sweet taste
• Dark rum: Can be substituted with bourbon for a smoky flavor
• Pineapple juice: Can be substituted with orange juice for a different tropical twist
• Cream of coconut: Can be substituted with coconut milk for a lighter version

Bali Spice

• Use spiced rum instead of light rum
• Add a dash of angostura bitters
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but with spiced rum and a dash of bitters for a warming kick. The spiced rum brings notes of vanilla and cinnamon, mingling beautifully with the tropical flavors. This version will have a little more heat, perfect for those who like a bit of spice in their life.

Hawaiian Sunset

• Use coconut rum instead of light rum
• Include a splash of grenadine
• Recipe: Replace the light rum with coconut rum, adding depth to the coconut flavor. Include the grenadine, pouring it in last to create a 'sunset' effect. This version is sweeter, more coconut-forward, and visually stunning.

Virgin Bali Hike

• Omit the rums
• Use coconut water instead of cream of coconut
• Recipe: Skip the alcohol and use coconut water, giving you a fresh, non-alcoholic alternative that still keeps the tropical vibe alive. It's perfect for a midday refreshment when you're on a 'hike' through the Bali-like scenery of your backyard.