Hawaiian Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
Hawaiian Iced Tea Nutrition Facts
Calories:350
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:35g
Alcohol:22%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Hawaiian Iced Tea cocktail is a tropical twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea. It was created in the late 20th century, as bartenders sought to bring the flavors of the Hawaiian Islands to the popular cocktail. This drink is perfect for those who love fruity, tropical flavors and enjoy a strong, yet refreshing beverage.
How Hawaiian Iced Tea Tastes?
The Hawaiian Iced Tea has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of tropical fruitiness. The combination of various spirits gives it a strong, yet well-balanced flavor. The addition of pineapple juice adds a refreshing and exotic touch.
Interesting facts about Hawaiian Iced Tea
- The Hawaiian Iced Tea is a variation of the Long Island Iced Tea, which is known for its deceptive strength due to the mix of multiple spirits.
- This cocktail is perfect for luaus, beach parties, and other tropical-themed events.
- The drink gets its name from the addition of pineapple juice, which is a popular fruit in Hawaii.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
- Rum: 1 oz(30ml)
- Gin: 1 oz(30ml)
- Tequila: 1 oz(30ml)
- Triple sec: 1 oz(30ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Sweet and sour mix: 1 oz(30ml)
- Cola: 1 oz(30ml)
A few good options for Hawaiian Iced Tea are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
A few good options for Hawaiian Iced Tea are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Vodka
Not just any old spirit, vodka is the backbone of many a cocktail, providing a kick without overpowering the other flavors. If you leave it out, you’ll miss the party in your glass. Go easy though, or you’ll find yourself dancing solo!
Alex Green
Rum
Who doesn't love a bit of rum? It adds a warm, tropical twist to the mix. Without it, your cocktail might just be a bit too stiff. Think of it as the friend who knows how to get the dance floor going.
Mary Mitkina
Gin
Gin is like that person with a quirky personality—it adds a distinctive herbal note that can't be mimicked. Subtract it, and the drink might lose its character. Keep it balanced to avoid turning the drink into a botanical garden.
Emma Rose
Tequila
The life of the party! Tequila brings that distinctive punch, ensuring your Hawaiian Iced Tea is not just a wallflower. Not a fan? Skipping it might make your drink less memorable, but it also might prevent any impromptu conga lines.
Alex Green
Triple Sec
Sweet and citrusy, Triple Sec rounds out the sharper edges of its boozy companions, giving your cocktail a smooth talking point. Ditch it, and you may have a conversation with more bite than you bargained for.
Mary Mitkina
Pineapple Juice
The taste of sweet, sweet paradise. It's what makes this cocktail a Hawaiian. Forget this, and you're just on a standard island, not the tropical haven you signed up for.
Emma Rose
Sweet and Sour Mix
This little marvel is your cocktail's mediator, balancing the sweet with the sour, the yin with the yang. Leave it out, and you might tip the scales toward a less harmonious concoction.
Alex Green
Cola
Just a splash, like a dash of paint on a canvas, adds color and a hint of earthy sweetness that brings everything together. Omit it, and the masterstroke is missing—your painting still looks good, but it lacks that certain je ne sais quoi.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Hawaiian Iced Tea Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, and sweet and sour mix to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
- Top with a splash of cola for color.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
- Use fresh pineapple juice for a more refreshing and authentic taste.
- Serve in a chilled glass to keep the cocktail cool for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Coconut Shrimp: The sweetness of coconut complements the pineapple juice in the cocktail.
- Poke Bowls: The varied textures and the freshness of poke can balance out the strength of the cocktail.
Main Courses
- Hawaiian Pizza: Controversial? Maybe. But the ham and pineapple on a pizza shares tropical vibes with the Hawaiian Iced Tea.
- Grilled Fish Tacos: The lightness of fish tacos contrasts nicely with the cocktail's potent mix.
Desserts
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake: A dessert that echoes the pineapple flavor in the drink.
- Macadamia Nut Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness would be a delightful counterpoint to the tangy cocktail.
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What you could change in Hawaiian Iced Tea
- You can substitute Triple Sec with Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
- If you don't have all the spirits, you can use only vodka and rum, but the taste will be different.
- Lemon-lime soda can be used instead of cola for a different flavor twist.
Explore all drinks starting with H here
And of course - twists🍹
Green Hawaiian
- Substitute the cola with a splash of blue Curaçao and soda water.
- The result is a more tropical, refreshing version, giving the drink a beautiful turquoise hue reminiscent of the Hawaiian seas.
Spicy Iced Tea
- Add a half teaspoon of chili powder to the shaker before mixing.
- This will add a kick that contrasts with the sweet and sour elements, offering an adventurous take on the original recipe.
Smokey Hawaiian
- Replace the regular rum with a dark, smokey rum.
- This twist will impart a deeper, more complex flavor profile with a smoky finish that could transport you from the beaches of Hawaii straight to a bonfire under the stars.
In case you forgot basics how to make Hawaiian Iced Tea
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Hawaiian Iced Tea
Can I use any type of vodka, rum, gin, and tequila?
Yes, but the taste may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and types you use. Premium spirits are usually smoother and more flavorful.
What is Triple Sec and where can I find it?
Triple Sec is a type of orange-flavored liqueur. It's widely available in most liquor stores or online.
The instructions mention 'sweet and sour mix'. What is that?
Sweet and sour mix is a common cocktail mixer made from a simple syrup and lemon or lime juice. You can purchase it pre-made or make it at home.
Is it necessary to garnish the drink?
No, it's not necessary but it can enhance the cocktail's aesthetic appeal and potentially its flavor.
Can this cocktail be prepared in large batches for parties?
Yes, you can multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of servings you want to make.
Is this a high-alcohol content cocktail?
Yes, the Hawaiian Iced Tea is considered to be a high-alcohol cocktail due to the several types of spirits it contains.
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