A Bali Hai cocktail tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass—bright, fruity, and just a little bit spicy. With sweet pineapple, a zing of lime, and a warm kick from spiced rum and ginger liqueur, it’s the kind of drink that instantly transports you to a beach somewhere, even if you’re just in your backyard. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting the recipe: always use fresh lime juice—it makes all the difference.
Bali Hai
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Equipment: Cocktail shaker, jigger or measuring spoons, tiki mug or hurricane glass
Ingredients
– 4 oz (120 ml) pineapple juice
– 2 oz (60 ml) spiced rum
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) ginger liqueur
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– Crushed ice
– Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method
- Pour the pineapple juice, spiced rum, ginger liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice, then shake well—about 10–15 seconds—until the outside feels cold.
- Fill a tiki mug or hurricane glass with crushed ice, then strain the drink into the glass.
- Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry on top. Serve with a straw and enjoy right away.
Tips & Tricks
- Fresh juice is key: Bottled lime juice just doesn’t have the same brightness. Squeeze it fresh if you can.
- Too sweet? Cut back the simple syrup to ¼ oz (7 ml), or swap it for agave nectar or honey for a more natural flavor.
- No ginger liqueur? Try a dash of ground ginger or use allspice dram for a warmer spice note.
- No tiki mug? A tall glass works just fine—it’s more about the drink than the glass.
- Make ahead: Mix everything but the ice and garnish, then chill in the fridge. Shake with ice just before serving.
Storage
This cocktail is best served fresh, but you can mix the liquid ingredients ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake with ice when ready to serve. Don’t store it with ice, as it’ll water down the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends. It’s perfect for barbecues, beach days, or anytime you’re craving something fruity and fun. Pair it with:
Grilled Seafood
Think shrimp skewers or grilled mahi-mahi. The smoky, salty flavors balance the cocktail’s sweetness beautifully.
Spicy Small Bites
Try Thai spring rolls or jerk chicken wings. The heat from the food plays nicely with the cool, fruity drink.
Fruit-Based Desserts
A mango sorbet or pineapple upside-down cake echoes the tropical notes and makes for a sweet ending.
Recipe Variations
Caribbean Escape
– Add a splash of blue curaçao for a bold, tropical color.
– Make the drink as usual, then float the curaçao on top for a layered look.
Spice Islander
– Add a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of nutmeg over the top.
– Great for cooler evenings when you still want that tropical vibe.
Polynesian Punch
– Mix in 1 oz (30 ml) of coconut water for a lighter, fresher version.
– Shake it all together with the other ingredients.
Virgin Bali Hai
– Skip the alcohol. Use 4 oz pineapple juice, 1 oz lime juice, and top with 2 oz ginger ale.
– Shake the juices with ice, strain over crushed ice, and top with ginger ale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I batch this cocktail for a party?
Absolutely! Just multiply everything by how many guests you’re serving. Mix the ingredients (except ice) in a pitcher or punch bowl and keep chilled. Shake individual servings with ice when ready to serve.
What’s the best rum to use?
A good-quality spiced rum works best. You can also experiment with coconut rum for a sweeter twist.
Is fresh lime juice really that important?
Yes! Bottled lime juice has a dull, flat taste. Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the drink a bright, zesty kick that really makes it shine.
Can I use mango juice instead of pineapple?
Definitely. Mango adds a rich, velvety sweetness that’s just as tropical. Feel free to experiment.
Is there a “secret” ingredient?
Many bartenders add their own signature touch—like a dash of bitters or homemade spiced syrup. Feel free to make it your own.
Is it healthy?
Like most cocktails, it’s a treat. Pineapple juice does have vitamin C, but the sugars and alcohol make this more of an indulgence than a health drink.
Enjoy your Bali Hai with good company and warm breezes—even if they’re coming from a fan on your patio.
