It seems as though Hawaii was so long ago – when in actuality it was just last month. I miss the clear blue beaches, the gorgeous flowers found only on the island, the divine sunsets and of course, the martinis at Roy’s Restaurant. There really is much to love about our 50th state. Besides the obvious beauty, I never saw anything icky I normally encounter on Cape Cod; ticks, snakes, mosquitoes, coyotes, raccoons, 90 year old ladies driving Lincoln Continentals with Florida license plates in which you only see hands on the steering wheel, yet no visible head…

This martini is just so darn good – anytime you can mix two different alcoholic beverages is always a cause for excitement! This recipe is best when you marinate the pineapples in the liquor for at least 2 days, you’ll find that it’s well worth the wait. A large glass jar or even a big glass would work beautifully. Malibu rum works very well!

Roy’s Hawaiian Martini
Yield: approximately 12 (4-ounce) servings

1-1/2 (750 mL) bottles Skyy Vodka (or 4-1/2 cups)
1/2 (750 mL) bottle Malibu Rum (1-1/2 cups)
1/4 bottle Stolichnaya Vanilla(3/4 cup)
1 pineapple cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges
1/4 cup sugar

Layer the pineapple wedges into the jar. Pour in the remaining ingredients and allow the pineapples to marinate for at least two days. To serve, ladle approximately 4 ounces of the liquor into a stainless steel shaker half filled with ice. Shake 30 times, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a wedge of marinated pineapple and enjoy!

Hawaii is often associated with paradise and there was much to take in. The scenery was top-notch, the food was excellent. I have a personal relationship with Poke now. I believe it has taken the place of pizza on my top ten food list. Unless it is poke pizza, I guess.

Ahi poke is as Hawaiian as, well, ahi poke. In fact, Hawaiians say a party just is not a party without it.

I decided to give a basic poke recipe alongside the Hawaiian martini as a nice accoutrement.

Ahi Poke
8 ounces tuna sashimi block, small dice
1/8 teaspoon Hawaiian salt
1/8 teaspoon kukui nut
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
Pinch chili flakes
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon green onion, chopped
1 tablespoon onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon Furukake spice
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Make this on the day you are eating it. It is phenomenal!

So, have any of you ever been to Hawaii?

Send us some exotic cocktails and comment below on your favorite spots in Hawaii!

Mahalo!