Chi Chi Cocktail
Aug 04, 2025 01:53 AM
If you love tropical drinks, the Chi Chi is one you need to know. It’s essentially a piña colada, but with vodka instead of rum. Vodka is rarely the star in tiki cocktails, which are usually all about rums (and often elaborate lists of ingredients). But here, its clean, neutral flavor lets the sweet pineapple and creamy coconut shine. It’s smooth, rich, and dangerously easy to sip on a hot day.
The Chi Chi first gained popularity in the 1970s, especially at beach bars and resorts in Hawaii. This version is adapted from the original “Macadamia Nut Chi Chi” that appeared in Don the Beachcomber’s tiki bars, though it skips the macadamia nut liqueur and keeps things simple with just three ingredients — vodka, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut.
Perfect for summer parties and backyard hangouts, it’s especially great with fun appetizers like crab rangoon or coconut shrimp. Garnish the drink with a wedge of pineapple, a colorful paper umbrella if you want to lean into the tiki vibe, or just pour it over crushed ice and enjoy as-is.
Ingredients:
- Crushed or pebbled ice
- 4 ounces 100% pineapple juice, such as Dole
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce cream of coconut
- 1 fresh pineapple wedge, for garnish (optional)
- 1 maraschino or Luxardo cherry, for garnish (optional)
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Total Time:
5 minutes
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