Royal Hawaiian Cocktail is the refreshing, vibrant gin cocktail you need this Spring and Summer! Made with fresh pineapple juice and Empress Gin, it’t the perfect easy cocktail recipe everyone will enjoy.
Summer is just around the corner, guys! What better way to usher in the new season than with a classic Royal Hawaiian Cocktail? Have you seen a prettier gin cocktail for the season? Not us!
This gin cocktail will come together with just a few simple, fresh ingredients in under a few minutes. I dare you to have just one!
WHAT IS A ROYAL HAWAIIAN COCKTAIL?
A Royal Hawaiian cocktail is a delicious summer cocktail full of fresh pineapple flavor with hints of marzipan. Many often refer to it as the Princess Kaiulani cocktail, this gin and orgeat based drink pairs perfectly with maraschino liqueur to elevate the flavor profile even further.
THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN COCKTAIL HISTORY
The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail was originally called the Princess Kaiulani in the early 1920’s, but was renamed in the 1950s. Named for one of Waikiki beach first popular resorts, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, this gin cocktail combines gin with fresh pineapple juice, lemon juice and orgeat into a frothy, fruity (but not too sweet) island drink.
It served as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s signature drink throughout much of its history. Since then, the Mai Tai has taken the Royal Hawaiian’s place as the hotel’s signature cocktail, but that doesn’t make the gin-based tropical cocktail recipe any less delicious.
TIPS FOR MAKING A ROYAL HAWAIIAN COCKTAIL
When possible, we recommend using both freshly squeezed pineapple juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice in this delicious tropical cocktail. You can certainly used canned pineapple juice and lemon juice, however, using fresh juice will really elevate the flavors.
If you prefer, you can also use crushed iced as opposed to ice cubes. Keep in mind, using crushed ice melts quicker and can water down the cocktail.
WHAT IS THE BEST GIN TO USE?
The key to making a Royal Hawaiian Cocktail is the Empress Gin topper. As you may notice, Empress Gin is a vibrant color which not only makes this cocktail taste delicious, it’s also what makes it a perfect photographable drink.
If Empress Gin is not your alcohol of choice, you can also choose to substitute with blue curacao.
WHAT IS EMPRESS 1908 GIN?
Handcrafted in small batch copper-pot stills, Empress 1908 Gin is a collaboration between Victoria Distillers and the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia.
On top of traditional botanicals, Empress 1908 Gin add a signature blend of black tea served at the Empress Hotel and butterfly pea blossom, an exotic herb that balances the traditional citrus notes of gin with a warm herbal earthiness, and gives the gin its natural indigo colour.
Empress 1908’s combination of exquisite taste, delicate aroma, soft texture, and remarkable presentation provide the perfect base for a new aesthetic of cocktail creation and enjoyment.
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INGREDIENTS FOR ROYAL HAWAIIAN
- 1.5 OUNCES EMPRESS GIN
- 1 OUNCE UNSWEETENED PINEAPPLE JUICE
- 1/2 OUNCE FRESH SQUEEZED LIME JUICE
- 1/2 OUNCE ORGEAT SYRUP
- PINEAPPLE WEDGE FOR GARNISH
HOW TO MAKE A ROYAL HAWAIIAN
- Add all incredients gin with in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a collins glass with crushed ice, layer gin on top. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
LOOKING FOR OTHER DELICIOUS COCKTAIL RECIPES? HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES:
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- 1.5 ounces Empress Gin
- 1 ounce unsweetened pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce ORGEAT SYRUP
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
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Add all incredients gin with in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a collins glass with crushed ice, layer gin on top. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
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