What Is Hawaiian Coffee (Café del Hawaii) and How to Make It

You’ve seen ‘Hawaiian coffee’ on menus or in old recipe books—but what makes it Hawaiian? In truth, this drink isn’t from Hawaii at all. It’s most commonly found in Mexico, and earns its name from just one tropical touch: pineapple juice. If you’ve been curious about this sweet, creamy espresso-based treat but can’t find a reliable recipe, here’s everything you need to know.

Café del Hawaii is made with 150ml of cooled dark-roast espresso (with sugar), 70ml of pineapple juice, and one scoop (using a #16 ice cream scoop) of coffee ice cream. All ingredients are blended together until smooth, then served in a glass. That’s the whole formula—and the only way to get it right.

What Is Café del Hawaii?

Café del Hawaii is a layered, sweet coffee cocktail that combines espresso, pineapple juice, and coffee ice cream. Despite the name, it’s not a traditional Hawaiian drink. It’s actually most popular in Mexico, where it’s served as a refreshing, dessert-like coffee beverage. The only Hawaiian element is the pineapple juice—making it more of a tropical-inspired espresso treat than an authentic island drink.

Why Is It Called Hawaiian Coffee?

The name “Hawaiian coffee” or Café del Hawaii suggests a connection to Hawaii, but the only ingredient that ties it to the islands is the pineapple juice. The name likely comes from the tropical flavor profile the pineapple provides, evoking a beachside or exotic vibe. In reality, this cocktail is widely enjoyed in Mexico, where it’s a well-known way to enjoy coffee with a fruity, sweet twist.

What Ingredients Are in Café del Hawaii?

Here’s the exact ingredient breakdown, measured precisely as in the original recipe:

• 150ml of dark-roast, cooled espresso (sweetened)
• 70ml of pineapple juice
• 1 scoop (using a #16 ice cream scoop) of coffee ice cream

No milk, no syrup, no extra sugar—just those three components. The espresso should be strong, dark-roasted, and already cooled slightly. The coffee ice cream contributes both creaminess and caffeine depth, while the pineapple juice adds a bright, tangy contrast.

How to Make Café del Hawaii Step by Step

Making Café del Hawaii is simple but requires precision with the ingredients:

1. Brew a strong shot (or shots) of dark-roast espresso. Let it cool to room temperature or chill it slightly—do not use it hot.
2. Scoop one full #16 ice cream scoop of coffee ice cream. That’s roughly one standard serving size.
3. Measure out 70ml of fresh or high-quality pineapple juice. Avoid juices with added pulp or artificial sweeteners if possible.
4. Combine all three ingredients—the 150ml cooled espresso, 70ml pineapple juice, and coffee ice cream—in a blender or shaker.
5. Blend or shake vigorously until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. There should be no chunks of ice cream left.
6. Pour the blended mixture into a glass and serve immediately.

The result is a cold, creamy, semi-sweet coffee drink with fruity brightness and a bold espresso base. It straddles the line between a coffee float, an affogato-style drink, and a tropical milkshake.

Why This Drink Works

This coffee cocktail works because it balances three contrasting elements: the bitterness of dark-roast espresso, the richness of coffee ice cream, and the acidity and sweetness of pineapple. The cooling effect of the ice cream contrasts with the fruity juice, making it especially refreshing in warm weather. Despite the strong coffee presence, the overall drink feels like a dessert or after-dinner treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hawaiian coffee actually from Hawaii?

No, Café del Hawaii is not originally from Hawaii. Despite the name, it’s most commonly associated with Mexico, where it’s a popular coffee-based cocktail. The only Hawaiian-related ingredient is pineapple juice, which gives the drink its tropical name and flavor.

Do I have to use dark roast coffee for Café del Hawaii?

The original recipe specifies a dark-roast espresso, and it should be sweetened. A lighter roast may not provide the same boldness or balance against the sweetness of the ice cream and juice. Using a dark roast ensures the coffee flavor stands up in the sweet, fruity mix.

Can I use regular ice cream instead of coffee ice cream?

The original recipe calls for one scoop of coffee ice cream. While you could substitute regular vanilla or dairy ice cream, using coffee ice cream enhances the coffee flavor throughout the drink and keeps the theme consistent. It also adds a slight caffeine boost.

Is this drink alcoholic?

No, Café del Hawaii is not an alcoholic drink. It contains only espresso, pineapple juice, and coffee ice cream. It’s a sweet, coffee-based cocktail-style beverage served cold, often as a dessert drink or afternoon treat.

What’s the best way to serve Café del Hawaii?

Serve it cold, blended or shaken until smooth, and poured into a tall glass. It’s best enjoyed fresh, shortly after blending, so the ice cream remains creamy and the textures are well combined. No garnish is mentioned in the original recipe, but a pineapple slice could complement the theme.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Blended Espresso Drinks

For a Café del Hawaii with bold espresso character, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—offering blueberry, jasmine, and winey depth—or their Yirgacheffe with notes of lemon, bergamot, and honey. Both single origins shine in sweet, fruity coffee blends and won’t get lost next to pineapple. For a darker option, their Classic Blend delivers chocolate and caramel tones, balancing the ice cream and juice. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.