I am determined to celebrate the holiday season this year. With the threat of a circuit breaker/lockdown/tier 99 arrangement hanging over us it seems even more important to try and look on the bright side so here's a couple of festive cocktails made using Aloha 65, the all natural spirit featuring six carefully selected fresh botanicals including pineapple, lemon, ginger and Scott Bonnet Chilli.
I recently celebrated a Hawaiian style Christmas at Kua'Aina, a fabulous intimate venue in Foubert's Place, just off Carnaby Street in London where the unique Aloha 65 was used to give some traditional cocktails an exotic twist. The London Kua'Aina was opened 10 years ago and is authentically based on the venue of the same name which has been a fave of surfers and US presidents alike on Hawaii's North Shore since 1975.
We were lucky enough to be able to taste test some of Kua'Aina's famous lava-grilled burger offerings paired with spicy Aloha 65 hot sauce. We also braved shots of Aloha 65 armed with sweet and spicy hand crafted small batch chilli-infused pinapple chunks. Bombs away!
Fancy adding something different to your drinks cabinet this year? There's still time to snag a bottle of Aloha 65, Aloha 65 or a whole Aloha 65 hamper via Amazon (even if you don't have Prime if you hurry). Or order direct from the Aloha 65 website where you can also find more cocktail inspiration. You could have fun creating your own cocktails using this versatile spirit? Or just serve it straight with ice, or with your go-to mixer.
Mulled Matata
Ingredients:
200ml Aloha 65
1 cinnamon stick
1 litre of cloudy apple juice
Method:
Heat all the ingredients in a pan until piping hot and serve, perfect for a festive heart warming tipple.
Aloha Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
30ml Aloha 65
20ml of Bourbon
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 dashes Angostura bitters
orange peel
cherry
Method:
Build on the rocks serve with orange peel and a cherry
Disclaimer: I attended an event promoting Aloha 65 at Kua'Aina where I ate and drank free. View and opinions remain honest and my own.