Aloha, readers! We hate to interrupt your regularly scheduled summertime programming, but we thought it was high time we livened up your feed with some fresh cocktail goodness to enjoy this season, inspired by the flavors and craft-makers of Maui, Hawaii.
Located in the ultra charming Upcountry town of Makawao, we’ve rounded up some exceptional locally crafted cocktail recipes with a little help from our friends at Hali’imaile Distilling Company, home to boozy brands like PAU Maui Vodka, Mahina Premium Rum, Paniolo Blended Whiskey and Fid Street Hawaiian Gin.
Want to taste these delights for yourself? Join our Taste of Upcountry, Taste of Maui or Pineapple Express Tours for a behind-the-scenes tour of the production facility and private tasting.
Maui Craft Recipe Round-Up: Hali’imaile Distilling Company
All photos and recipes courtesy of Hali’imaile Distilling, PAU Maui Vodka and Fid Street Gin.
Cocktail Recipe #1: Lei Over
The signature cocktail of the 2018 Surfer Awards, we’re pretty positive this drink is best enjoyed by a body of water, whether it be a golden sand beach fronting the Pacific Ocean, the deck of a friend’s boat on the nearest lake, or a blow-up baby pool in the backyard you’re pretending is the adult pool at the Four Seasons Resort.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. PAU Maui Vodka
- 1/2 oz. Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur
- 1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
- 1 oz. Coconut Water
- Top with Soda Water
Ideal for sipping in the sunshine, this fresh cocktail recipe is one of our summer favorites.
Cocktail Recipe #2: Beet It
It’s true: no one wants to be defeated, and you won’t with this tropical take on everyone’s favorite hangover classic, the Bloody Mary. Made with PAU Maui Vodka, the mixture of fresh juices and dash of locally crafted hot sauce is a surefire way to wash away that lingering Saturday and Sunday morning grogginess once and for all. (Or at least until Monday.)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. PAU Maui Vodka
- 1 1/2 oz. Fresh Beet Juice
- 1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Apple & Orange Juices
- Maui Preserved Hot Sauce
Bonus: Stock up on other Maui made hot sauces like HI Spice and Adoboloco to round out your Hawaiian hot sauce collection, and serve the ‘Beet It’ with a Wahi bamboo straw, side of crackers and Surfing Goat Dairy cheese.
Cocktail #3: PAU-loma
For a Mauian twist on the classic paloma cocktail, the PAU-loma is both delicious and subtle, ideal for parties, pre-gaming with friends and accidentally boosting your immune system (mahalo, grapefruit). Even better, whip up a few simple rim ingredients to your liking, and add a bit of spice to your sipping skills.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. PAU Maui Vodka
- 2 oz. Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice
- 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 oz. Simple Syrup (or tsp. of sugar)
- Top with Soda Water
- Garnish: Lime, Grapefruit (wedges or circles)
- Rim: Salt, Sugar & Crushed Chili Pepper Mix
Directions:
Rub part of the glass in spice mixture. Pour PAU Maui Vodka, juices and simple syrup in, and top with club soda. Garnish with lime and grapefruit.
Substitutions: Grapefruit soda can be used instead of grapefruit juice and club soda. Sugar can be stirred in until dissolved if simple syrup is not available.
Cocktail #4: The Aviator
A tropical take on the classic Aviation cocktail, this version uses The Valley Isle’s own locally-distilled Fid Street Gin, the first gin crafted on Maui and the second in all of Hawaii. In the days of the cocktail renaissance, this cocktail was among those dubbed a ‘bartender handshake,’ or cult-favored drinks ordered by those in the know. Known for its floral flavors, The Aviator is a must-try for gin lovers.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Fid Street Gin
- 1/2 oz. Maraschino Liqueur
- 1/4 oz. Crème de Violette or Crème Yvette
- 3/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- Garnish: Dark Cherry and/or Lemon Twist
Directions:
Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe cocktail glass, and garnish.
Cocktail #5: Gin & Jam
Grown a little weary of your go-to G&T, gimlet, and gin & juice orders, have you? Us too. Bring a little innovation to your gin cocktails with the Gin & Jam, a delectable sparkling adult beverage made with your jam of choice, or in this case, elderberry. Yum. Perfect for weekend brunch or your next holiday party, this fruity gem will be a new staple in your cocktail repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Fid Street Gin
- 5 oz. Sparkling Water
- 1 tbs. Elderberry Jam
- 2 Sage Leaves
- Garnish: Lemon Twist
Directions:
Muddle sage leaves with Fid Street Gin and jam, stir well. Add sparkling water and lightly stir. Add garnish.
Mahalo to Hali’imaile Distilling Company for the recipes, photos and general cocktail inspiration, and be sure to tag us in your photos on Facebook and Instagram to let us know how these beauties taste in real life. Aloha!