Hawaiian Island Surfer

The Hawaiian Island Surfer is a frosty, fruit-forward mocktail built for hot days. It’s essentially a blended orange creamsicle with a tropical twist, leaning into the sweet and creamy side. Expect to serve this to designated drivers, kids, or anyone looking for a vibrant, non-alcoholic escape. It’s pure vacation in a glass, without the hangover.

Hawaiian Island Surfer

4.40 from 53 votes

Calories: 98kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 4 oz Orange Sherbet
▢ 2 oz Apple Juice
▢ 1 oz Coconut Cream

Instructions

▢
Blend briefly with half a glassful of crushed ice in a wine goblet. Garnish with fruit. and serve with straws.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 98kcal (5%)Carbohydrates: 13g (4%)Sugar: 12g (13%)

Mocktail

Where it came from

The Hawaiian Island Surfer likely comes from a resort poolside or a family friendly restaurant menu, designed to evoke tropical relaxation without the alcohol. It’s a modern creation, probably originating in the late 20th or early 21st century, when mocktails began getting more creative than just juice and soda. It’s built for broad appeal, not historical accuracy.

This drink sits squarely in the blended, non-alcoholic fruit cooler family. Think of it as a virgin Orange Julius crossed with a creamy tropical smoothie. Unlike a simple fruit juice blend, the sherbet and coconut cream give it a richer, dessert like texture and mouthfeel, making it more substantial than a typical mocktail.

You’ll find this drink requested at resort bars, cruise ship decks, or family oriented restaurants. It’s a reliable choice for brunch menus where non-alcoholic options are expected, or for anyone wanting a sweet, refreshing treat during the day. It’s a solid option for designated drivers or anyone needing a break from the hard stuff.

What it tastes like

The first sip delivers a burst of creamy, sweet orange, reminiscent of a melted creamsicle. The apple juice then cuts through with a subtle tartness, balancing the initial sweetness before the coconut cream rounds out the mid palate with its rich, tropical notes. The finish is smooth, lingering with a sweet orange and mild coconut aftertaste, leaving a refreshing chill.

The Hawaiian Island Surfer is a completely non-alcoholic drink. Its ABV is 0%, making it a refreshing option for any time of day. You can expect no buzz or tipsiness from this blend, which is a stark contrast to even the lightest beer or a standard cocktail.

The technique

Building this drink is straightforward: combine the sherbet, apple juice, and coconut cream in a blender. Add half a glassful of crushed ice. Give it a brief blend until smooth and frothy, but don’t over process it into a watery mess. Pour it into a wine goblet, add your fruit garnish, and serve with a straw.

The key technique here is not overblending the ice. You want a smooth, thick consistency, not a watery slushie. Overblending will melt the ice too much, diluting the flavors and ruining the creamy texture the sherbet and coconut cream are meant to provide. Blend just until it’s uniform.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Orange Sherbet

Use: Any good quality, vibrant orange sherbet will work well. Brands like Breyers or store-brand options are fine, as long as the orange flavor is pronounced.
Skip: Orange sorbet is too icy and lacks the essential creaminess. Orange ice cream is too heavy and will make the drink overly rich and milky, changing the texture entirely.
Why: Orange sherbet is load-bearing because it provides the dominant orange flavor, a significant portion of the sweetness, and the crucial creamy, frosty texture that defines the drink.

Coconut Cream

Use: Canned coconut cream, often found in the international aisle, is what you want. Look for brands like Chaokoh or Aroy-D.
Skip: Coconut milk is too thin and will result in a watery drink. Cream of coconut, while creamy, is heavily sweetened and often contains thickeners that will make the drink overly sweet and syrupy.
Why: Coconut cream adds a rich, luxurious mouthfeel and a distinct tropical depth that rounds out the fruit flavors. It’s essential for achieving the desired creamy consistency and tropical profile.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Spiked Surfer

Add a kick to your island escape.: For an adult version, add 1.5 to 2 oz of white rum, vodka, or even a citrus flavored liqueur like Cointreau before blending. Adjust ice as needed.

Mango Island Surfer

A sunnier, sweeter tropical twist.: Swap the orange sherbet for mango sorbet or even fresh mango chunks for a different tropical fruit profile. You can also use a splash of mango nectar instead of apple juice.

Berry Blast Surfer

Fruity and tart with a vibrant color.: Introduce a handful of frozen mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries into the blender along with the other ingredients for a tart, colorful variation.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Orange Sherbet?

Use 3 oz orange juice and 1 oz vanilla ice cream for a similar flavor and texture, though it might be slightly less vibrant.

No Apple Juice?

Pineapple juice or white grape juice can be used as a substitute for the apple juice, offering a different but still complementary sweetness.

No Coconut Cream?

Full-fat canned coconut milk can work, but the drink will be noticeably thinner and less rich. Use the thick cream from the top of the can.

No Wine Goblet?

A hurricane glass, a large tumbler, or even a pint glass will work perfectly fine. The key is a glass that can hold the volume and show off the color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Hawaiian Island Surfer?

The Hawaiian Island Surfer contains orange sherbet, apple juice, and coconut cream, blended with crushed ice.

Is the Hawaiian Island Surfer alcoholic?

No, the Hawaiian Island Surfer is a completely non-alcoholic mocktail.

What does a Hawaiian Island Surfer taste like?

It tastes like a sweet, creamy orange drink with tropical coconut notes and a subtle tartness from the apple juice.

Can I make a Hawaiian Island Surfer with alcohol?

Yes, you can add 1.5 to 2 ounces of white rum or vodka to make it an alcoholic cocktail.

What kind of ice should I use for blending?

Crushed ice is ideal for blending as it breaks down easily and creates a smoother consistency.

How do I make the Hawaiian Island Surfer thicker?

To make it thicker, use slightly less crushed ice or increase the amount of orange sherbet.

Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream?

You can, but the drink will be thinner and less rich. Coconut cream provides a superior creamy texture.

What garnishes work best for this drink?

Fresh fruit garnishes like orange slices, pineapple wedges, maraschino cherries, or a sprig of mint are all good choices.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read