These Are a Few of My Favorite Cocktails in Honolulu
Black brandied cherries and warm winter spices. Eggnog goes eggless while mezcal entices. Three new boozy concoctions brimming with cheer can be found around town if you know where to peer.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Heyday’s Dave Power reimagines holidays in the Islands with liliko‘i roasting on an open fire. For Tropical Propaganda, notes of clove and lime come through the house-made falernum, shaken with egg white for a frothy head like Waikīkī waves. Fresh orange juice balances smoky mezcal, bitters and fresh thyme.
$16, 431 Nohonani St., (808) 924- 7263, whitesandshotel.com, @heydayhawaii
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
EP Bar bartender Sam Trusty’s The Stylus layers stone fruit and spice and everything nice. The bright notes of clarifi ed mandarin orange juice and eff ervescent soda lift deeper black cherry cordial and holiday spiced vermouth. Suntory Toki whisky fills the gap with a light smokiness, providing warm vibrations as you slip into the grooves of the dimly lit Chinatown vinyl lounge.
EP Bar will open Jan. 4, 2022, $12, 1150 Nu‘uanu Ave., Unit A, (808) 753-9720, epbar.com, @ep.bar
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Allie Haines of Wild Orange serves up Nutty Nog. Raw cashews and orgeat give body to a vegan nog mixed with Kō Hana Rum and a spiced pear liqueur for a lush and still delicate brew with glimmers of citrus and aromatics. Fresh nutmeg hits the spot.
$15, 1687 Kalauokalani Way, (808) 892-6966 (text for a reservation)
