By michael vivar
Hawaii is a land that radiates mystique in the psyche of most Americans. With its landscape lush with native flora and fauna, the archipelago is an aspirational destination.
The islands entered the world stage when explorer James Cook reached them in 1778. He provided local monarch, King Kamehameha with military technology to bring tribes in line and establish the new kingdom as a trading hub.
Hawaii has been crossroads for people, cuisine and libations since its induction as the 50th state in 1959. Here are Hawaiian cocktails that remind you that "Aloha" means, "Hello," and make you forget it also means, "Goodbye."
3 ounces pineapple juice 1/2 ounce simple syrup 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce blue curacao 1/2 ounce rum
Combine pineapple juice, simple syrup, lime juice, blue curacao and rum in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into a polo grande glass.
1 ounce lime juice 1/2 ounce orange liqueur 1/2 ounce amaretto 1 ounce dark rum 1 ounce gold rum 2 dashes grenadine
Combine lime juice, orange liqueur, amaretto, rum and grenadine in an ice-filled cocktail mixer. Strain into an Collins glass over ice. Garnish with pineapple wedge.
1 1/2 ounces vodka 1 1/2 ounces lychee liqueur 1/2 ounce coconut water (canned)
Combine vodka, lychee liqueur and coconut water in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with peeled lychee fruit, if available.
3 ounces fresh pineapple juice 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce macadamia nut liqueur 1/2 ounce banana liqueur 1 1/2 ounces coconut rum
Combine pineapple juice, lie juice, macadamia nut liqueur, banana liqueur and coconut rum in a cocktail mixer. Shake vigorously. Strain into a polo grande glass Can also be served in a hollowed pineapple rind for a tropical feel.