Holiday Cocktails, Hawaiian Style

This past year has been, well, rough to say the least. The holidays are probably going to look a little different this year for a lot of us. But who's to say we can't still make this a great holiday season - spice things up in your home with some creative new cocktails! And what better way to do that than to bring the spirit of Hawaii into your home - literally.

Mele Kalikimaka Mai Tai (The Christmas Mai Tai)

Why We Love:

Mai Tai's are Hawaii's signature beverage. They have gotten so creative with the different twists on the traditional Mai Tai now - most restaurants have 10 or more options on their menu... This holiday season we bring to you a take on the Christmas Mai Tai. The cranberry juice in this Mai Tai tones down the sweetness compared to most traditional Mai Tais - making it easier to drink more than one! Topping it off with some sugared cranberries will really give you the final touch to make it look festive.

Ingredients:

-2 oz. gold rum

-2 oz. spiced rum

-1 oz. dark rum

-1oz. orange curacao

-1oz. orgeat

-6-8 drops of bitters

-1/2 oz. simple syrup

-2 oz. lime juice

-1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice

-1 oz. cranberry juice

Use a cocktail shaker to mix all ingredients and pour over ice.

Optional Garnish:

-Sugared Cranberry Skewer

-Pineapple slice

Hawaiian Mimosa

Why We Love:

Whether it's Hawaii or another tropical destination, you've got to order a Pina Colada at least once while you're sitting beach side! A lot of Hawaiian restaurants like to incorporate the traditional Pina Colada with the traditional Mimosa - because, why not?! Introducing to you, the Hawaiian Mimosa. The touch of coconut rum, and swapping out pineapple juice for orange juice, gives you a fun, new take on the Mimosa. If you want, you can even add a little orange juice to tone down the Pina Colada taste - instead of 2 oz. pineapple juice, just do 1 oz. and then 1 oz. orange juice. I don't know about you but this is how I plan to start my day on Christmas morning this year!

Ingredients:

-1 oz. Coconut Rum

-2 oz. pineapple juice (Or 1oz. pineapple juice and 1oz. orange juice)

-Top with champagne

Optional Garnish:

-Pineapple Slice

-Cherry

Coconut Blue Hawaiian

Why We Love:

If you're a fan of blended tropical beverages, then the Coconut Blue Hawaiian will be the drink for you. The blue caracao mixed with the Pina Colada flavor is a nice compliment and makes a seriously refreshing beverage and super fruity. Most places serve this with coconut shavings on the rim!

Ingredients:

-1 cup pineapple juice

-1/2 cup light rum

-1/2 cup blue curacao

-1/2 cup cream of coconut

-10-12 ice cubes

Blend on high for 45 seconds.

Optional Garnish:

-Pineapple Slice

-Cherry

-Coconut shavings on the rim (If you're skilled!)