Since the opening of Roy’s Po‘ipu Bar & Grill 18 years ago, bartender Clark Nakashita has been mixing cocktails to the delight of locals and tourists alike. This week’s drink is an award-winning cocktail that is smooth, sweet and perfect
Since the opening of Roy’s Po‘ipu Bar & Grill 18 years ago, bartender Clark Nakashita has been mixing cocktails to the delight of locals and tourists alike.
This week’s drink is an award-winning cocktail that is smooth, sweet and perfect for a hot summer day: the Po‘ipu Sunset priced at $9 is Roy’s signature drink; it consists of Bacardi Limon, Malibu rum, orange and pineapple juice, guava concentrate, splashed with Grenadine and garnished with a slice of pineapple.
“Back in 1995 Bacardi had a contest to promote Bacardi Limon,” Nakashita said. “Bartenders throughout the state submitted their drinks, and my creation (the Po‘ipu Sunset) took third place in the state of Hawai‘i. They had 60 entries, looked over the recipes and narrowed the choices down to 10. They brought us over to the Sheraton Waikiki and had a pour-off there. I got really lucky with that one.”
The Po‘ipu Sunset is a blended cocktail, delicious, with a taste that is subtle and tropical. This cocktail goes hand-in-hand, while overlooking the gorgeous sunset in Po‘ipu. Dreams of tropical nights are the thoughts that came to mind as I sipped this marvelous concoction.
Nakashita was not done, however, for he created another splendid cocktail blended just right. The Koloa Colada, also priced at $9, is Roy’s newest drink. It is a simple drink that is made from Koloa Dark Rum, pineapple juice and Coco López.
“I want to feature this drink because the Koloa Dark Rum is an award-winning rum,” Nakashita said. “If people taste a pina colada with this rum, people will have the pleasure of tasting the characteristics of this award-winning, local rum. It also helps to promote local products — something Roy really likes to do.”
The Koloa Colada is yummy. It really is. Like other pina coladas, it has a milky flavor that is easy to drink. However, combined with the Koloa Dark Rum, this pina colada is even more of a treat to drink. Knowing that you’re drinking a local product is enough incentive to try Roy’s newest cocktail.
Roy’s Po‘ipu Bar & Grill, located on 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr. in Po‘ipu, is open nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. For reservations and more information call (808) 742-5000 and visit www.royshawaii.com/poipu.html.
