This Independence Day, trade in the usual burgers and hot dogs for something a little more island-inspired. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, beachside gathering, or family potluck, we’ve created a tropical menu that brings bold flavor, local flair, and a whole lot of aloha to your celebration.

No stress, no complicated prep—just good food, great company, and unforgettable bites infused with the spirit of Hawai‘i.

We’ve rounded up our favorite summer recipes, tested and loved over the years, to help you craft a delicious spread that’s festive, flavorful, and easy to make. Most ingredients are simple to find—and a few tropical essentials are available right here in our shop!

Scroll down for the recipes and bring the taste of aloha to your backyard BBQ!

Hawaiian Hibiscus Spritzer

INGREDIENTS (1 serving):

• 2 tbsp Hamakua Coast Premium Hibiscus Roselle Syrup
• 1/2 cup sparkling water 
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice 
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Fresh mint, pineapple wedges, or edible hibiscus flower for garnish (optional)
• For a 4th of July twist - add watermelon and blueberries

METHOD:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add the hibiscus roselle syrup, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Top with sparkling water and gently stir again.
5. Garnish with fresh mint, a pineapple wedge, or a hibiscus flower.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of aloha!

Optional Boozy Twist:
Add 1 oz white rum, vodka, or sparkling rosé for an adult version.

Tropical Passion Fruit Coleslaw

INGREDIENTS

For the Slaw:

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple (optional for extra tropical flair)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tbsp Dip into Paradise Lilikoi Syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt & pepper to taste

METHOD:

1. Prep the Veggies:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, pineapple (if using), cilantro, and green onions.
2. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, passion fruit syrup, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss & Chill:
   Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Serve:
   Give it a final toss before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a fun island touch.

Paniolo Baked Beans with a Hawaiian Kick

Ingredients

• ½ lb bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced (divided in half)
• ½ medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 tbsp Aloha Spice Hanapepe Smokey Coffee Rub
• 2 (15 oz) cans of your favorite baked beans
• ¾ cup Old Hawaiian Recipe Kiawe Smoke BBQ Sauce
• ⅓ cup Dip Into Paradise Pineapple Mustard
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon with half the diced onion until crisp and golden. Transfer the bacon-onion mixture to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
2. Brown the Beef:
   In a separate skillet, sauté the ground beef with the remaining onion and green bell pepper. Season with Aloha Spice Hanapepe Smokey Coffee Rub and cook until beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large foil or baking pan, add baked beans, beef mixture, and bacon mixture. Stir to mix well.
4. Flavor Boost:
   Add Old Hawaiian Recipe Kiawe Smoke BBQ Sauce, Dip Into Paradise Pineapple Mustard, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly to combine.
5. Bake:
   Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
6. Garnish & Serve:
   Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Grilled Bratwurst with Pineapple Mustard

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package bratwurst (5 sausages)
• 2 (12 oz) bottles domestic lager beer
• 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
• 5 tsp Dip Into Paradise Pineapple Mustard
• 5 Hoagie Rolls

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Simmer the Brats:
   In a large pot, combine bratwurst, sliced onion, and beer—enough to fully cover the sausages. Bring to a gentle simmer (avoid boiling). Let brats cook for 10–15 minutes, or until plump and opaque.
2. Grill to Finish:
   Preheat grill to medium-high. Using tongs, transfer bratwurst from the pot to the grill. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until browned and lightly crisp.
3. Serve with Aloha:
   Place brats in hoagie rolls and top generously with Dip Into Paradise Pineapple Mustard. 

4th of July Popsicles

INGREDIENTS:

With Dairy:

• 1 ¾ cups NOH Coconut Milk, prepared per package directions
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp Wai Meli Macadamia Nut Blossom Honey 
• ¼ cup fresh raspberries
• ¼ cup fresh blueberries
• ¼ cup fresh blackberries

Dairy-Free Option:

• 1 ¾ cups prepared Hawaii’s Best Coconut Syrup & Delights Package
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp Wai Meli Macadamia Nut Blossom Honey 
• ¼ cup fresh raspberries
• ¼ cup fresh blueberries

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare Coconut Base:
   In a mixing bowl, prepare your coconut milk according to the package instructions. Stir in the vanilla extract and honey until fully combined.
2. Assemble the Popsicles:
   Divide the fresh raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries evenly among 8 popsicle molds. Try to include a bit of each color for that classic red, white, and blue look!
3. Fill the Molds:
   Pour the coconut milk mixture into each mold over the berries until full.
4. Freeze:
   Place the lids on your molds, insert popsicle sticks, and freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight for best results.
5. Serve & Celebrate:
   Enjoy these tropical pops under the sparkle of fireworks, and share the aloha with your ohana!

From drinks to dessert, this spread is sure to impress—and best of all, it’s easy enough to pull together with minimal time in the kitchen.

So grab your grill, turn up the island tunes, and celebrate freedom, flavor, and family with a Taste of Aloha!