Coffee Mocktails for Pau Hana at Home

In Hawaii, the end of the workday is called pau hana, which means finished work. Today the phrase often refers to the time after work when you relax, gather with friends and nourish with food and drinks. You might know this experience as happy hour. While cocktails and small plates are a popular choice there is a growing desire for mocktails or non-alcoholic drinks that still feel elevated and indulgent.

With 100% Kauai Coffee as your base, you can make tropical coffee mocktails at home that capture the spirit of pau hana in every sip. Whether you crave cool and creamy, sparkling and tart, or rich and decadent we have a coffee mocktail recipe that will bring a taste of paradise home.

The Story of Pau Hana

The phrase pau hana comes from the Hawaiian language, where pau means finished or complete and hana means work or labor. During the sugar cane era, pau hana marked the moment the day’s responsibilities were done and it was time to rest before the next day’s work began.

As Hawaii’s communities evolved, traditions merged, and the hospitality industry grew, restaurants and hotels embraced the term to describe early evening gatherings with food and drink specials.

Today, pau hana is more than an after-work refreshment. It is a time to gather with friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and enjoy good company and community.  Whether you gather on the beach with a plate of pupus (small bites), or in the backyard with a mocktail or cocktail pau hana is all about savoring the moment together.

Why Choose a Coffee Mocktail for Pau Hana?

Coffee mocktails are a perfect choice when you want the festive feeling of a cocktail without the alcohol. When you start with our rich, island-grown coffee and combine it with fresh and unique ingredients, the result is a beverage that is equally energizing and refreshing.

Tips for Making the Perfect Coffee Mocktail

1. Start with freshly brewed, 100% Hawaiian Coffee. Our Estate Reserve collection is the top of our crop and features single-estate blends and single varietals with unique flavor profiles and characteristics that will make your mocktail one of a kind.
2. Chill your coffee before mixing to avoid too much ice melting and diluting your drink.
3. Use fresh squeezed juice and locally sourced ingredients if you can.
4. Layer your mocktail in a clear glass so you can enjoy the visual appeal as much as the flavor and texture.
5. Add ice to keep your drink perfectly chilled.

Three Island-Inspired Coffee Mocktail Recipes

Coconut Coast Cooler

Flavor Profile: Smooth, creamy, nutty

Ingredients

• 6 oz. (3/4 cup) 100% Kauai Coffee, cold brewed. We recommend something with nutty notes like our Kalaheo Estate or Kauai Sunrise.
• 2 tablespoons cream of coconut (tip: look for this in the mixers aisle of your local store)
• 1 tablespoon orgeat (optional, an almond-flavored syrup. Some may contain alcohol, but most do not.)
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream or cold foam, and toasted coconut flakes for garnish

Instructions

1. Add ice cubes, cold brew, cream of coconut and orgeat to a cocktail shaker and shake thoroughly.
2. Strain the mixture into a coupe or highball glass.
3. Garnish with whipped cream or cold foam and toasted coconut.

Guava Java Spritz

Flavor profile: tart, fizzy, floral and earthy. Using 100% Kauai Coffee Rum Barrel Aged coffee makes this a complex mocktail you’ll crave!

Ingredients

• 1 shot (2 oz.) Estate Reserve Rum Barrel Aged Coffee, chilled
• 4 oz. guava juice
• 2 oz. sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a tall, clear glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour guava juice into the glass.
3. Slowly pour the chilled coffee over the top for a layered look.
4. Top the mocktail with sparking water and garnish with a mint sprig.

Minty Menehune Mocha

Flavor profile: Sweet, chocolatey and cool

Ingredients

• 6 oz. chilled Kauai Coffee. We suggest Rooster Alarm or McBryde Estate for their chocolatey flavor notes.
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (one part water, one part sugar)
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves
• Chocolate syrup

Instructions

1. Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add coffee and ice and shake vigorously.
3. Drizzle chocolate syrup around your glass, fill it with ice and strain the mocktail into the glass.

Bringing the Spirit of Pau Hana to Your Home

The magic of pau hana is not only in the drink but in the atmosphere. Set the mood with Hawaiian music, a plate of fresh island fruit or pupus, and friends or family to share the moment. Serve your coffee mocktails in chilled glasses and garnish them with colorful umbrellas or fresh flowers.

More Coffee Mocktail Ideas

Experiment with juices like mango, lilikoi (passionfruit), or pineapple for different tropical notes.

• Try flavored Hawaiian Coffees for an easy way to add layers of taste.
• Infuse your simple syrup with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or vanilla bean.
• Want to add alcohol? Try Koloa Kauai Coffee Rum, it is two tastes of paradise in one!

Ready to make these refreshing coffee mocktails? Stock up on your favorite Hawaiian Coffees from our shop and bring the spirit of Hawaii home.