Ripe for the Drinking

A few months ago you would have bagged, borrowed, and peeled for a taste of your favorite summer fruits.

But several bouts of mango bread, mango salsa, mango salads, and mango smoothies later, you’re dying to branch out with a new way to use up that bumper crop.

We'll help you shake things up with some tasty cocktail recipes using seasonal fruit stirred up by Hawaii’s top mixologists.

Summer Majestic
Bartender Tim Rita, Lewers Lounge, Halekulani

4 pieces of local mango, approximately 4 oz.
1/2 oz. lime juice
1 part Grand Marnier
2 parts Plymouth Gin

Muddle mango pieces and add lime juice and spirits. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel. Instead of fresh mango you can substitute Rotui Mango juice found in most supermarkets.

Dragonfruit Daiquiri
The Waikiki EDITION's Master Mixologist Christian Self

4 cubes Big Island Red Dragonfruit
1 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz agave nectar
1 ½ oz Bacardi Dragon Berry
1/2 oz Grey Goose Citron

Shake ingredients together and pour over ice.

Tropical Mojito
The Kahala Hotel & Resort's Head Bartender Stan Lum

2 slices ripe mango
2 chunks of pineapple
4 mint leaves
2 lime wedges
1/4 oz passion juice concentrate or ¼ oz mango puree
1 packet sugar
1 oz pineapple juice
2 oz Malibu coconut rum

Muddle all ingredients in a cocktail shaker until mixed well. Add ice and shake vigorously. Pour mixture into a 14-16 oz. glass, fill rest with club soda and 7-Up.

Tropical Sangria
Also from The Kahala’s Head Bartender Stan Lum

2 bottles red wine
8 oz brandy
6 oz peach puree
1 mango, orange, lime, and lemon all cut into slices
1/2 can of frozen lemonade concentrate

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate for a few days. When ready to serve, pour into a wine glass over ice and top with 7-Up or sparkling wine. Garnish with any fruit.

Watermelon Sangria
The Manifest's Roxanne Siebert
1 oz rum
1/2 oz red wine
1/2 oz st. germaine liquer or simple syrup
1 oz. watermelon puree
3/4 – 1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
a splash of soda

Mix and serve chilled.

Need a few nibbles to go along with your fabulous new cocktails? Whip up some gourmet pupus with our simple five-step recipes from some of Hawaii's top chefs.