Hawaiian Eye

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (20 ratings)

Serve in a Tiki mug or collins

Ingredients:
1 13 oz Light gold rum (1-3 year old molasses column)
23 oz Light white rum (charcoal-filtered 1-4 years old)
23 oz Difford's Falernum liqueur
23 oz Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
12 oz Monin Pure Cane Syrup (65.0°brix, equivalent to 2:1 rich syrup)
14 barspoon Xanthan gum (E415) optional
× 1 1 serving
Read about cocktail measures and measuring

How to make:

  1. Select and pre-chill a Tiki mug or collins glass.
  2. Prepare garnish of orchid or other edible flower.
  3. DRY BLEND (without ice) first 5 ingredients on slow setting and gradually add Xanthan gum while continuing to blend.
  4. Add 7oz scoop of crushed ice and BLEND some more.
  5. POUR into chilled glass.
  6. Garnish with an edible flower.
  7. Serve with a straw.

Strength & taste guide:

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Strength 5/10
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
Sweet to sour 6/10

Review:

Subtle clove spice and lime juice sits harmoniously with a duo of rums. A much used flavour combo but still a great cocktail worthy of a fresh outing.

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History:

A famous Tiki cocktail created circa 1963 by Tony Ramos at China Trader restaurant in Toluca Lake, California, USA, for the cast of the TV series of the same name who were filming at the nearby Warner Brothers Studios. Originally served in an iconic and now very collectable Hawaiian Eye mug.

Difford’s Guide remains free-to-use thanks to the support of the brands in green above. Values stated for alcohol and calorie content, and number of drinks an ingredient makes should be considered approximate.

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John Hinojos’ Avatar John Hinojos
22nd August 2024 at 01:31
This is the cocktail which was created by Tony Ramos in 1963. It was created at China Trader in Toluca Lake district of Los Angeles. Tony would make the cocktail for the cast when they were in LA doing the sound state filming at the Burbank Studios.
Matt’s Avatar Matt
15th August 2024 at 02:35
Really nice adult slushy (- BRAIN FREEZE!! -) the blended drink dilutes the flavors, but this is still (IMO) tasty, doesn't taste boozy.
John Champion’s Avatar John Champion
16th April 2024 at 22:54
Hey Simon, any thoughts on the Harry Yee version of the Hawaiian Eye? According to his daughter Marilyn, Harry invented his version in 1959 when the Hawaiian Eye started filming at the Shell Bar where he worked. It's also quite a bit different from this version, using grapefruit and guava juices.
Simon Difford’s Avatar Simon Difford
15th August 2024 at 08:44
Sorry, John. Not a version I've come across or have knowledge of.
Jose Cruz’s Avatar Jose Cruz
7th April 2024 at 03:34
alright, that's my last blended drink ever, they always disappoint and dilute fine ingredients i go out of my way to use. Serve this on crushed ice or swizzle it.
Yorey C’s Avatar Yorey C
3rd July 2024 at 20:34
haha some people like a diluted drink
John Hinojos’ Avatar John Hinojos
2nd April 2023 at 01:46
Not being a fan of blended cocktails, we made this over the rocks. You have to give it a minute to get enough water in the cocktail, but it was pleasant. Very tiki 1960s. Went perfect with a spicy Mexican dinner.