idine

In The Mix

January 24, 2012 | By Lacy Matsumoto

From tropical and fruity to rich and decadent, Waikiki has a selection of cocktail concoctions that will tantalize your taste buds in venues that boast views of the sunset, ocean or offer an intimate ambiance.

Purple Pleasure

Doraku Sushi
2233 Kalakaua Ave.
(808)922-3323

Located in Royal Hawaiian Center, this trendy sushi restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Japanese food and a loungy ambiance. its cocktail menu is a reflection of quality and precision with hand-crafted drinks. One of its signature drinks (and our fave) is the Murasaki Geisha, a balance of Sapphire gin, sake and Chambord, which creates a feminine purple hue, thus the appropriately named “Murasaki” which means purple and “Geisha.”

Scratch Your Itch

Duke’s Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua Ave.
(808)922-2268

Nothing beats sipping a cocktail at this oceanfront location. With your toes practically in the sand, enjoy one of Duke’s Waikiki’s popular concoctions like the Tropical Itch, a mix of vodka, rum, passion fruit juice and orange Curacao, topped off with your own backscratcher keepsake.

Hawai‘i Five-Oh!

Five-O Bar and Lounge
2233 Kalakaua Ave.
(808)922-0550

We all know the television show that made waves in the ’70s and is back in action. But this bar is far more than a tribute to the show. The relaxed atmosphere offers several flat-screen televisions showing more than the popular episodes, but also your favorite sports. This is a great spot for post-shopping liquid elixirs or a late-afternoon pau hana session. Don’t miss the Five-O Ginger Cosmo made of cranberry juice, vodka and ginger liqueur—it will have you saying “Book ‘em, Danno!”

Lava Light

MAC 24/7
2500 Kuhio Ave.
(808)921-5564

Looking for a bit of lava to light things up? Head to Mac 24/7, which is known for large portions of American comfort food. However, its specialty cocktails are nothing short of inspiring. Our pick of the mix is the Macano, which serves up hefty pours of Bacardi 151, Bacardi Superior, Bols orange Curacao, Whalers Dark Rum, with a cushion of fresh guava puree and a dash of bitters. The mixture is then set ablaze and served in a large martini glass.

Sippin’ the Sweet Stuff

Mai Tai Bar
2259 Kalakaua Ave.
(808)923-7311

There’s no more Hawaiiana experience than sipping on a mai tai at an oceanfront bar. Doing so at The Royal Hawaiian hotel’s namesake Mai Tai Bar is as quintessential as it comes—not to mention the venue where many an A-lister can be spotted sippin’ the sweet stuff. The Scratch Mai Tai consists of freshly squeezed pineapple and orange juice, orange Curacao, Bacardi superior rum and a float of Whaler’s dark rum.

Going Rogue!

Side Street Inn
614 Kapahulu Ave.
(808)739-3939

This eatery, a local favorite, boasts its own line of Rogue beer. The handcrafted ale is made in Oregon with specific wheat and notes, which complement the tenderness of Side Street Inn’s pork chops. Whether purchasing the beer as a keepsake or as an accompaniment to your meal, this malty beverage is a must-try.

Longest Yard

Yard House
226 Lewers St.
(808)923-9273

Known for its extensive selection of large beer “yards,” this American favorite also has an exclusive Fresh & Skinny menu. Made from all-natural fresh fruits, the menu offers the healthier version of handcrafted cocktails. Our favorite is the Juniper Fusion, a medley of Hendrick’s Gin, fresh strawberries, cucumbers and a dash of orange bitters served over crushed ice.

Greg Brady’s Brew

Tiki’s Grill & Bar
2570 Kalakaua Ave.
(808)923-8454

This indoor/outdoor restaurant offers unobstructed views of the Hawaiian sunset and the Pacific Ocean. Its cocktail menu ranges from tropical libations to standard well drinks with a decent selection of beers on draft. Our favorite cocktail here is the Greg Brady Wipeout. Named after the eldest Brady boy’s thorough thrashing during the iconic Hawai‘i vacation episodes from the Brady Bunch series, this cocktail is a combination of vodka, Malibu coconut-flavored rum, passion fruit juice, banana liqueur and a splash of soda. Get a take-home keepsake by requesting your cocktail be served in the tiki mug.