There’s something so magical about the way a drink can transport you. Maybe it’s the color, maybe it’s the flavor, maybe it’s the memory it stirs up—but when it comes to these Moana Cocktails, it’s all of the above. Inspired by tropical waves, sunny skies, and that warm, salty breeze of island life, this cocktail is a celebration in a glass. It’s creamy, fruity, just a little boozy, and wildly fun to serve at any gathering.

When I first made these for a beach-themed birthday party, they were an instant hit. Everyone kept commenting on the color—this stunning, beachy-blue ombré—and the taste, which hits the sweet spot between indulgent and refreshing. I knew then I had to write this recipe down and share it. So here it is: my go-to drink when I want the vibe of a tropical getaway without leaving home.

Why You’ll Love These Moana Cocktails

This recipe is all about fun. Whether you’re planning a Moana-themed birthday, a casual summer cookout, or simply sipping by the pool, this cocktail fits right in. The Blue Curaçao gives it a striking blue hue reminiscent of the ocean, while the coconut rum and pineapple juice offer that unmistakable island flavor.

Even better, this drink is highly customizable. You can easily adjust it for kids, make it frozen, or serve it in a big pitcher for parties. It’s playful and pretty without being complicated. Think of it as your instant ticket to a summer state of mind.

Key reasons to try this recipe:

Easy to make in just five minutes
Gorgeous to look at with its tropical blue layers
Sweet, fruity flavor with a creamy finish
Fun garnishes make it endlessly customizable
Can be served frozen or on the rocks
Great for parties or a relaxing solo treat

What Do Moana Cocktails Taste Like?

This drink strikes a beautiful balance between creamy and fruity, with just the right amount of sweetness. The coconut rum delivers that mellow beachside vibe, and the pineapple juice cuts through with its tropical brightness. Blue Curaçao adds a citrusy orange note that rounds everything out, and if you choose to add coconut cream, it creates a silky texture that turns it into a dessert-like treat.

Every sip is like a mini vacation. It’s the kind of drink you could imagine sipping under a thatched umbrella with waves in the background—even if you’re just lounging on your balcony or patio.

Benefits of Making This Cocktail at Home

Beyond the taste and looks, there are practical reasons to fall in love with this recipe.

Budget-friendly: Way cheaper than ordering fancy beach drinks at a resort
No complicated bar tools required
Make-ahead friendly for parties
Great conversation starter thanks to its color and garnishes
Easy to scale up for a crowd
Non-alcoholic version available for kids or guests who don’t drink

Whether you’re an experienced home bartender or just starting out, this recipe gives you a great foundation for experimenting with flavor and presentation.

Ingredients List (Serves 2)

Here’s everything you need to make two vibrant and refreshing Moana Cocktails.

1 oz Blue Curaçao

1 oz Coconut rum (Malibu or similar)
½ cup pineapple juice
½ oz coconut cream (optional, but highly recommended for creaminess)
½ cup crushed ice

Optional Toppings and Garnishes:

Whipped cream
Gummy candies (sharks, tropical shapes)

Rainbow sour belts
Maraschino cherry or lime wedge
Mini cocktail umbrellas
Colorful paper straws

You can garnish as simply or as extravagantly as you like. The more playful the better—this is not the time for restraint!

Tools Needed for Preparation

You don’t need much to create this cocktail at home.

Cocktail shaker or small blender
Measuring jigger or shot glass
Two clear cocktail glasses or plastic party cups
Spoon or straw for stirring
Small knife (if using fresh fruit for garnish)

If you’re planning to make these for a party, consider pre-slicing your garnishes and prepping a small “drink station” with all the toppings in bowls.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this cocktail is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand. Here are a few swaps and additions that work beautifully.

Make it a mocktail: Skip the Blue Curaçao and coconut rum. Use blue sports drink or blue raspberry lemonade, and add orange juice for a citrusy balance.

Switch up the juice: Mango juice or guava nectar adds a tropical twist. Just keep the ratios the same.

Add fizz: A splash of lemon-lime soda or coconut sparkling water can brighten the drink and add some effervescence.

Make it frozen: Toss all the ingredients (including ice) into a blender and blend until smooth. Top with whipped cream and garnishes for a slushy version.

Upgrade the rum: Try spiced rum or dark rum for a more complex flavor. Coconut vodka also works well if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Make Moana Cocktails Step-by-Step

Step 1: Mix the Liquids

In a cocktail shaker or small blender, combine the Blue Curaçao, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream (if using). Shake or blend until well mixed. If you’re using a blender and plan to make a frozen version, add the crushed ice and blend until smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Glasses

Add crushed ice to each glass until they’re about halfway full. The crushed ice not only chills the drink but also helps create that layered effect when you pour the mixture.

Step 3: Pour the Mixture

Carefully pour the cocktail mixture over the crushed ice. You’ll see the layers settle into a stunning ombré effect, with the deep blue at the bottom transitioning into a creamy top.

Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream

Add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top. This softens the visual presentation and adds a sweet, dessert-like touch.

Step 5: Garnish

Get creative with your garnishes. Add a gummy shark or tropical candy, a rainbow sour belt, or even a maraschino cherry. Insert a mini umbrella and colorful straw to finish the look.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

These drinks are best served fresh while the ice is cold and the whipped cream is fluffy. Hand them out with a smile and watch everyone light up.

Serving Suggestions

These cocktails are an instant party hit. Serve them alongside finger foods and snacks with tropical flair:

Fresh fruit skewers (pineapple, strawberries, kiwi)
Coconut shrimp with dipping sauce
Hawaiian chicken sliders
Tropical salsa with tortilla chips
Grilled fish tacos

They also make a fun signature drink for birthday parties, pool days, or even a beach-themed movie night.

Tips for Perfecting Your Moana Cocktail

Use clear glasses to show off the color gradient
Chill all ingredients beforehand to avoid dilution
Crushed ice works better than cubes for the ombré effect
Add whipped cream and garnishes right before serving
Don’t overfill the glass—leave room for toppings

If you’re hosting, set up a mini garnish bar so guests can customize their own drinks. It adds a fun interactive element to the party.

How to Store or Make Ahead

The cocktail mix (minus the ice and garnishes) can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge. Shake before serving. Once mixed with ice and topped, however, it should be served immediately.

For a large party, consider pre-making a batch and storing it in the fridge, then assemble individual drinks with ice and toppings when guests arrive.

Fun Background: The Island Inspiration

While this drink isn’t an official Disney recipe, it was inspired by the bright tropical palette and island charm of the movie Moana. The character’s adventurous spirit and connection to the sea are captured in this vibrant, beachy cocktail. The Blue Curaçao mimics the color of ocean waves, while the tropical flavors bring to mind sun-soaked beaches and palm trees swaying in the breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, the liquid base can be pre-mixed and refrigerated. Just add ice and toppings when you’re ready to serve.

Is it strong?
Not overly. The alcohol content is mild, making it ideal for sipping during long, sunny afternoons. You can adjust the rum to taste.

What’s a good non-alcoholic substitute for Blue Curaçao?
Blue sports drinks, blue raspberry lemonade, or a splash of blue food coloring in lemonade can work well.

Can I serve it frozen?
Absolutely. Blend all the ingredients with ice for a slushy, frozen version.

Can I make this in a big batch?
Yes. Simply multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings and mix in a pitcher or punch bowl.

Conclusion: A Taste of Summer, Anytime

The Moana Cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s a moment. It captures the spirit of summer, of carefree afternoons, of laughter shared under the sun. It’s the perfect combination of playful and delicious, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Whether you’re hosting a big backyard bash or just winding down after a long week, this cocktail brings a bit of magic to your glass. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can keep experimenting with flavors and garnishes that suit your mood or theme.

Looking for more vibrant, beachy drink ideas? Try these other delicious cocktails that are guaranteed to impress:

Key Lime Pie Mojito Cocktail — a zesty, creamy drink with a minty twist
Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail — whimsical and wildly fun, perfect for party centerpieces
Pink Lemonade Punch with a Boozy Candy Twist — sweet, sparkling, and totally crowd-pleasing

Share Your Creations

If you make this cocktail, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a review, share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram, and tag your creations. What toppings did you try? Did you go frozen or classic? Your feedback helps make this space even more fun and delicious.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 170
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 16g
Fat: 2g (with coconut cream)
Protein: 0g
Alcohol content: ~10% ABV

Moana Cocktails: A Beachy-Blue Tropical Drink for Your Next Summer Escape

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

Moana cocktails are a fun, tropical drink inspired by sunny skies and ocean waves! With their beachy-blue ombré layers, fruity pineapple-coconut flavor, and playful toppings like whipped cream and sour candy, they’re the ultimate summer party drink. Perfect for themed celebrations or casual afternoons by the pool. Make a batch, add the umbrellas, and let the island vibes roll!

Ingredients

Scale

1 oz Blue Curaçao
1 oz Coconut rum (like Malibu)
½ cup pineapple juice
½ oz coconut cream (optional, for added creaminess)
½ cup crushed ice

Optional toppings:

Whipped cream
Gummy candies or rainbow sour belts
Maraschino cherry or lime wedge (optional)
Mini cocktail umbrellas
Colorful paper straws

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker or small blender, combine Blue Curaçao, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream (if using). Shake or blend until smooth.
Fill two clear glasses halfway with crushed ice.
Slowly pour the mixed cocktail over the ice, letting the color settle into a beachy-blue ombré.
Add a swirl of whipped cream on top.
Garnish with sour candy, gummy shapes, a cherry or lime wedge, and a mini umbrella.

Serve immediately with a colorful straw and enjoy your island-inspired moment!

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, swap the rum and Blue Curaçao with blue sports drink or blue raspberry lemonade, and a splash of orange juice.
Frozen variation? Blend all the ingredients (including ice) until smooth. Top with whipped cream and candy.
Hosting a party? Scale up the recipe and serve from a punch bowl with a DIY garnish station!

Best enjoyed fresh—but the cocktail base (without ice) can be mixed up to 24 hours in advance and stored chilled.