Pearl Harbor Drink Recipe: A Legendary History in a Glass
When one thinks of Pearl Harbor, it’s hard not to immediately recall the tragedy that occurred there on December 7th, 1941. The Japanese attack on the US military base claimed over 2,400 American lives and led to America’s entry into World War II. But amidst the sorrow and loss, something unexpected emerged: a cocktail that would become a lasting tribute to the bravery of those who fought in the Pacific.
The Pearl Harbor drink recipe is said to have originated in Hawaii, where it quickly became popular among locals and tourists alike. Its name is a nod to the events that unfolded on that fateful day in history – a reminder that even amidst darkness, there can be moments of light and joy.
Ingredients
Servers: 1
Taster’s Guide Tip 239: Pearl Harbor Drink Recipe
Pearl Harbor drink is that it is classified as a tiki cocktail. Tiki cocktails gained popularity in the mid-20th century and are known for their tropical flavors and exotic presentation. The Pearl Harbor drink fits into this category with its combination of rum, vodka, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice, creating a delightful and tropical flavor profile that is reminiscent of the Polynesian-inspired tiki culture.
Directions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add light rum, vodka, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice to the shaker.
- Add a splash of lime juice to the shaker.
- Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
- Place a strainer on top of a hurricane glass or your glass of choice.
- Pour the mixed drink into the glass, straining out the ice cubes.
- Garnish the drink with pineapple wedges or cherries if desired.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious and refreshing Pearl Harbor drink!
Introducing The Pearl Harbor Drink Recipe
So what exactly goes into making this iconic cocktail? Surprisingly, it’s quite simple! You’ll only need four ingredients: vodka, melon liqueur (such as Midori), pineapple juice, and sweet and sour mix.
The result is a sweet yet tangy drink with just enough kick to make you feel like you’re on island time. Whether you’re sipping one by the beach or mixing them up at home for your next party, this drink is sure to transport you straight to paradise.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating this delicious concoction at home – from which ingredients work best to tips for perfecting your pour. So put on some Hawaiian tunes and get ready for a taste of the tropics!
Information about Ingredients
The Role of Each Ingredient in the Recipe
The light rum and vodka work together to create a balanced base for this cocktail. The rum adds a subtle sweetness to the drink, while the vodka provides a clean taste with no overpowering flavors. Blue curaçao is a liqueur made from bitter orange peels that gives this drink its iconic turquoise hue.
It has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with tropical fruits like pineapple. Pineapple juice is essential for making this cocktail as it adds natural sweetness and acidity to balance out the other flavors in the drink.
It also complements the hint of citrus added by the splash of lime juice. Lime juice adds tartness to balance out the sweetness from the other ingredients and give this cocktail an extra zing!
Don’t forget to use freshly squeezed lime juice for best results. When combined, these ingredients create a tasty combination that will transport you straight to paradise!
Tips on how to properly mix and serve the drink
When preparing any cocktail, proper technique is key. To ensure that your Pearl Harbor tastes just as good as any bar-made version, try not to overfill your shaker with ice or alcohol.
Additionally, when shaking the ingredients together in your cocktail shaker, be sure to shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds. This will help chill and blend everything together properly.
And finally, when serving your delicious creation remember that presentation is everything! Be creative in how you choose to garnish your cocktail – fresh fruit always makes for an impressive garnish and will have everyone talking about how amazing your homemade cocktails are!

Variations
The great thing about the Pearl Harbor drink recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily tweak the recipe to your liking by adding different types of alcohol or fruit juices. Here are some suggestions for variations:
Add Rum
If you’re a rum lover, try adding a splash of dark rum to your Pearl Harbor drink. This will give the cocktail a richer, more complex flavor that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. You can also use spiced rum or coconut-flavored rum for an extra tropical twist.
Swap Pineapple Juice with Mango Juice
Pineapple juice is a key ingredient in the Pearl Harbor drink recipe, but if you’re looking for something a little different, try using mango juice instead. This will give the cocktail a sweeter, more tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Add Blue Curacao
If you want to give your Pearl Harbor drink an extra pop of color and flavor, add some Blue Curacao. This bright blue liqueur has a sweet orange flavor that complements the other ingredients in this cocktail perfectly. Plus, it’ll make your drink look super Instagram-worthy!
No matter how you choose to customize your Pearl Harbor drink recipe, be sure to experiment with different flavors and find what works best for you. With so many delicious options available, there’s no limit to what you can create!

Fun Facts
The History and Origin of the Pearl Harbor Drink Name
There are a few different stories about how the Pearl Harbor drink got its name. Some people believe it was named after the famous attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, while others think it simply has to do with the green color of the drink resembling the color of seawater. However, there is one story that seems to be the most widely accepted.
Legend has it that a bartender in Honolulu created this cocktail in honor of his friend who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. The friend didn’t like to talk about his experiences during the war, so instead, they would toast to those who had fallen and those who had made it through with this delicious green beverage.
Unique Facts About Some of The Ingredients Used In This Recipe
One key ingredient in this drink is Midori liqueur, which is a bright green melon-flavored liqueur that originated in Japan. It was first created in 1964 for an event celebrating Japan’s hosting of the Summer Olympics and quickly became popular worldwide.
Interestingly enough, Midori takes its name from the Japanese word for “green.” Another ingredient used in this recipe is pineapple juice.
Pineapples were first brought to Hawaii by Spanish explorers in 1527 but didn’t become widespread until much later when James Dole began growing them commercially on Oahu’s central plateau around 1900. Another unique ingredient used in this cocktail is blue curacao, which is a bright blue liqueur made from bitter oranges.
It was first developed on Curacao Island off Venezuela as an alternative to triple sec and has since become a staple ingredient in many tropical cocktails. Learning about these fun facts adds an extra layer of enjoyment when making or ordering a Pearl Harbor drink at your next outing or gathering with friends!
Conclusion
Recap: Pearl Harbor and its Namesake Drink
Pearl Harbor is a historic site that serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War II. The namesake drink, Pearl Harbor, pays homage to this event with its blue and green colors that represent the ocean and landscapes of Hawaii. The combination of sweet pineapple juice and coconut rum makes for a delicious tropical cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
Encourage Readers to Try Making this Delicious Cocktail at Home
If you’re looking for a new cocktail recipe to try at home, look no further than the Pearl Harbor drink. It’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and can be customized to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer it sweeter or stronger, there are many variations you can try.
Not only is it delicious, but serving this drink can also be an opportunity to educate others about the history of Pearl Harbor. You can share stories about the events that occurred on December 7th, 1941 while enjoying this refreshing beverage.
So go ahead and mix up some Pearl Harbor drinks at your next gathering or simply enjoy one on your own while reflecting on history. Either way, you’ll be sipping on a tasty beverage with a meaningful backstory.