The namesake of a Waikiki Beach resort in the 1950s, the Royal Hawaiian is a tropical cocktail classic with gin as the unexpected base spirit.
This tiki-esque cocktail is easy to execute with just three other ingredients: pineapple juice, fresh lemon and orgeat, the almond syrup that’s a key ingredient in many tiki drinks.
Rather than shaking everything, save the gin for a floater and create a beautiful lavender-hued layer with butterfly pea blossom infused Empress 1908 Gin.
A beautiful sunset cocktail presentation, the Royal Hawaiian is pure sunshine in a glass.
Hosting Hack: Batch and bottle everything but the gin and keep chilled. (Batch instructions follow.) Pre-order bottles of orgeat plus fresh, loose orchids from Amazon for a beautiful tropical garnish.
Royal Hawaiian (Batch)
Bottle everything but the gin to serve several Royal Hawaiians at a time.
![](https://milkpunch119.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_3684-800x800.jpg)
Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice, strained
- 1 cup orgeat (almond syrup)
- Empress 1908 Gin, to top
- Fresh orchids or pineapple slice, for garnish
Instructions
In a pitcher, combine pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice and orgeat. Stir well. Transfer to an empty glass liquor bottle. (There will be 1 cup leftover.) Chill the bottle.
When ready to serve, shake well in the bottle and pour over ice (preferably pebble ice) in a highball. Slowly pour 1 1/2 ounces Empress Gin over the top.
Serve with a straw and garnish with a fresh orchid or pineapple.
Makes about 6 drinks.
For more cocktails to make at home and adventures in New Orleans and beyond, follow Milk Punch on instagram.
![](https://milkpunch119.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/gravatarR-7841-450x450.jpg)
written by
Melissa Townsend
Founder and fearless leader of the Milk Punch Media pack, Melissa makes a mean espresso martini. She’s also silently correcting your grammar.