As I strolled down the sidewalk by Kalapaki Beach, I noticed a bartender prepping ingredients before his shift. He appeared to be enjoying himself, cutting pineapples swiftly but cautiously and arranging glasses in a perfect manner. He did it all
As I strolled down the sidewalk by Kalapaki Beach, I noticed a bartender prepping ingredients before his shift. He appeared to be enjoying himself, cutting pineapples swiftly but cautiously and arranging glasses in a perfect manner. He did it all with a smile on his face.
I approached him and learned that his name was Mark Balaan. Balaan has been a bartender at Duke’s Kaua‘i for 12 years. He had a friendly vibe about him. When he asked me what I was doing at Duke’s Barefoot Bar, I said I was there to cover the Drink of the Week. After conversing for about 10 minutes or so, I asked him what was good, and he recommended the pineapple mojito priced at $9.50.
Pineapple Mojito
The Pineapple Mojito consists of crushed pineapple, mint, a dash of simple syrup, lime and four ounces of Island 808 pineapple vodka. The ingredients are mixed, shaken and later garnished with a cherry and a lime. All the ingredients are fresh.
The Pineapple Mojito was created in house, and it is a very refreshing beverage. The pineapple added with mint fuses perfectly, creating a taste that is unique and complex. It is very smooth to consume.
“This is a drink that a lot of visitors really love,” Balaan explained. “When they come to Hawai‘i, it is this kind of drink that they expect to have.”
Balaan was right. Both islanders and visitors would enjoy this drink, especially sipping it right next to the ocean.
The Barefoot Bar, located in Duke’s Kaua‘i on 3610 Rice St. in Lihu‘e, is open from 11 a.m. to midnight. Aloha hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. daily. During aloha hour, all draft beers are $4 and house martinis and tropical beach drinks are $6.
For more information, call 246-9599 or visit www.dukeswaikiki.com/menus/barefoot-bar.
