Hawaii Beverages
Quenching Your Thirst
Known for its tropical beauty and unspoiled natural scenery, the islands of Hawaii are home to many vivid and exotic types of fruit trees and plants. Fruits such as guavas, pineapples, and coconuts are not only used in many cuisines of the’Aloha Islands’, but their juices and pulp are also used in many of its drink recipes. In addition to these fruity beverages (both alcoholic and non-), Hawaii is also home to a number of beer and ale brewing companies.
Beer and Ale Brewing Companies
Hawaii has been home to a number of brewing companies that produce some of the islands’ own domestic beers and lagers. Some of the establishments are now closed and are historical landmarks and tourist attractions. Presently, there are a number of ale and beer brewery companies located in the Hawaiian Islands. Most of these companies offer visitors free tours of the brewery, which may include samples of their product. During your stay, you can include a trip to any of the islands’ local breweries as an interesting and tasty part of your trip. Here is a listing of some of the beer brewing companies that have called Hawaii home:
- American Brewing Company – Brewed Royal Ale in Honolulu, HA, and closed in 1962
- Kona Brewing Company – Brews Fire Rock Pale Ale, Pacific Golden Ale, Lilikoi Wheat Ale, and is still currently open in Kailua-Kona, HA
- Ali’i Brewing Company – Presently open in Honolulu, HA
- Honolulu Brewing Company – Currently closed; Made the labels Diamond Head and Pali
There are also a number of microbreweries located throughout the Hawaiian Islands, including few located right in restaurants. For a taste of Hawaii, check out some of the beers and ales brewed at the island’s local breweries.
Fruit Drinks and Other Non-Alcoholic Beverages
A large variety of fruit plants grow on Hawaii’s tropical islands. These fruits are the perfect ingredients for colorful fruity drinks and smoothies. Vacationers who prefer not to drink alcohol can still enjoy the tropical tastes of island fruits with delicious non-alcoholic beverages such as banana mango smoothies, pineapple iced tea, strawberry punch, and many more yummy drinks made from the juice of fresh fruits.
Cocktails and Wine
An old adage says, “When given lemons, make lemonade.” On Hawaii, it’s more like when given tropical fruits, make delicious punches and mixed drinks. What island getaway would be complete without sipping a colorful, fruity, umbrella drink while watching the sunset on one the islands’ gorgeous white sand beaches?
One of the area’s most infamous cocktail drinks is its traditional rum Hawaiian punch. Many vacationers enjoy this enticing beverage while visiting the island, and with the following recipe you can sip on this refreshing cocktail even after you’re vacation is long over. With each sip you will be reminded of all the tropical beauty and exotic charm of your Hawaiian vacation.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups orange juice
- 4 cups guava juice
- 4 cups pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup grenadine, red
- 1 cup ginger ale
- 3 cups light rum
- 1/2 cup dark rum
Preparation:
After the fruit juices have been chilled, pour them into a large bowl, and then add the grenadine, ginger-ale, and light rum. Add cubes of ice to the mixture, and then float the dark rum on top of the punch without stirring it in. This recipe will serve approximately twenty people.
Other popular cocktails served on the islands include Piña Coladas, the Blue Hawaii, Mai Tai’s, and many more delicious adult beverages. In addition to the fruity cocktails and the various beers brewed on the islands, vacationers will be able to enjoy a great selection of fine wines. Hawaii’s history in wine only dates back to the 1970’s and’80’s, but there are three main wineries located on the islands. Here are the vineyards located on the Hawaiian islands:
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Tedeschi Vineyards – Featuring four types of wines (red white, sparkling, and specialty), this is the only commercial winery on the island of Maui and has been on the island for over 20 years.
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Volcano Winery – This winery is located on Hawaii’s Big Island, and is situated in between two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Here you will find wines of tropical blended fruits that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Visitors are invited to enjoy wine tastings and sample the wines for free.
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Diamond Head Winery -This winery is located in Honolulu, offersing tourists the opportunity to make their own wines and design their own bottle labels.
Although there are many opportunities to enjoy wine, beer, and spirits while visiting Hawaii at the islands’ bars, restaurants, breweries, and more, there are some rules when it comes to the consumption of alcohol here. Just like in the United States mainland, the legal drinking age in Hawaii is 21 years, and you must have photo identification in order to purchase alcoholic beverages. The island bars close at 2 a.m., but places with a cabaret license can stay open until 4 a.m. There are also open container laws in Hawaii, and consuming alcohol in public places such as parks and beaches is illegal. It is also a crime to drink alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Hawaii has a number of bars, pubs, wineries, and restaurants that serve enticing tropical beverages made from of the islands’ delicious fruits. So, vacationers can enjoy a refreshing sunset cocktail or tasty fruit smoothie, but being responsible is the key to a safe and unforgettable vacation in the Aloha Islands. Drink responsibly, and enjoy all of the amazing wonders Hawaii has to offer.