Can't-miss events at Hawaii Cocktail Week
Sponsored Edition: We've Got Spirits
This week should be a write-off. Between President's Day and the sugar crash induced by 50 percent off Valentine's Day candy binges, the only thing that can get your full attention is your Pandora/Spotify playlist on the office computer.
So let's focus on a crucial deadline you can't afford to miss. Hawaii Cocktail Week is on and you have just five more days to catch the best craft cocktail events ever in the Islands.
Pau hana. Let's get down to business.
Buy tickets now for:
Cruzan Rum "Don't Hurry" Catamaran Cruise – Thursday, 5-7 p.m.
Why: Because you don't remember your last catamaran cruise or, thankfully, the drinks you had on it. Banish that experience forever on this limited space sunset sail with cocktails by Kyle Reutner featuring Cruzan Estate Rums. $50.
Reverse Cocktail Pairing – Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Beachhouse at the Moana
Why: Beachhouse at sunset. Sample three cocktails by Southern Wine and Spirits of Hawaii's mixologist Chandra Lam Lucariello and six perfectly paired appetizers by Beachhouse's Chef William Chen for just $40.
Modern Tiki: A Pirate's Life for Me! – Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Moana Surfrider
Why: Julie Reiner is a badass. Really, Google her. So if this Hawaii native-turned-New York cocktail trailblazer says Tiki is the way to go to punch up your next party, we'd listen. Hell, if she and star New York bartender Brian Miller said to stock our bar with Zima, we'd listen. $35.
Late Night Bite at V Lounge – Friday & Saturday, 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., V Lounge
Why: Prima's Chef Alejandro "Aker" Briceno and Chef Lindsey Ozawa serve up with cocktail pairings for just $15. This beats your last midnight session with that blue box of mac-n-cheese hands down.
Bail out of work early for:
Getting Spicy with Manny Hinojosa – Thursday, 2-5 p.m., Monkeypod Kitchen at Ko Olina
Why: Nothing makes for a better escape than pau hana at Ko Olina (especially since driving the H-1 at 1 in the afternoon is a 60+mph cruise). Plus, this is a two-fer. After you master mixing fresh chiles and spices into your cocktails with advice from Bacardi's own Portfolio Mixologist, Manny Hinojosa, you'll slide right into the Bacardi Tasting Room with pupu at the new Monkeypod Kitchen. $35.
Sauza Tasting Room at The Manifest – Thursday, noon-4 p.m.
Why: Last Cinco de Mayo left a bad taste in your mouth — a sugary, overly sweet sour taste. Regain your shot-ability by trying the refined portfolio of Casa de Sauza served up with subtler, more intriguing enhancements. $20.
Pen In:
Hendricks Showcase at Manifest – Tonight, 9 p.m.
Why: No cover, just $3 Hendricks cocktails created by Honolulu's Most Inspired Bartender, Justin Park. Plus, you'll get the best seats for the Late Night Bite that starts at 10:30 p.m.
Bacardi & The Pacific Sessions Pro/Am – Friday, 7-10 p.m.
Why: When the country's top bartenders compete, the pours have to be good. HONOLULU Magazine's Martha Cheng will be helping pick the best. Bacardi will be providing the drinks. Any questions? Free with a ticket or wristband from any other Hawaii Cocktail Week Event.
Hendricks Tea and Cocktails – Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., R&D
Why: Sadly, hot water and leaves rarely result in a buzz. Hendrick's Gin and a local Hawaii tea expert have the recommendations not meant for tea-totalers. Free as a benefit for Interisland Terminal.
Grey Goose & St. Germain Tasting Room – Saturday, 3-6 p.m., Brasserie du Vin
39Hotel Pairing – Saturday, 6-8 p.m.
Why: It's a sweet deal for a Saturday. Three cocktails paired with bites at Brasserie du Vin, followed by three pairings from 39Hotel's new roomSERVICE menu for a total of just $40.
Hawaii Cocktail Week continues through Sunday's after party. Get all the details at HawaiiCocktailWeek.com and watch for more updates on HonoluluMagazine.com.
