Tropical Escapism in a Glass
The Mauna Kea Mist is a delightful tiki cocktail that offers a tropical escape with its refreshing flavors. Hailing from the Gang Plank Lounge of the Ship’s Tavern Restaurant at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Waikiki, Hawaii, circa 1960s, this cocktail is a true embodiment of island living.
A Creamy and Indulgent Blend
The Mauna Kea Mist is known for its relaxing and creamy taste, heavy on pineapple and coconut, with a subtle bitter orange note from the Grand Marnier. The recipe calls for a blend of unsweetened pineapple juice, sweet and sour, half & half, coconut cream, light Puerto Rican rum, and Grand Marnier.
The Perfect Tropical Sip
To prepare this tropical delight, simply blend the ingredients with crushed ice until slushy, then pour it into a chimney glass and add more crushed ice to fill. Garnish with an orange slice and an orchid (or a cocktail cherry if an orchid is not available) for an authentic island touch.
The creator of the Mauna Kea Mist describes it as a “lovely cocktail that is heavy on the pineapple and coconut, with a subtle bitter orange note from the Grand Marnier.” They also mention that the “half and half combines with the coconut cream to make it a lovely creamy, frothy drink, perfect for escaping to the warm breezes of Waikiki.”
The Recipe: Mauna Kea Mist
Ingredients:
- 1.00 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice
- 0.50 oz. sweet and sour
- 0.50 oz. half & half
- 0.50 oz. coconut cream
- 0.50 oz. light Puerto Rican rum
- 0.75 oz. Grand Marnier
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients with a cup of crushed ice until slushy.
- Pour into a chimney glass and add more crushed ice to fill.
- Garnish with an orange slice and an orchid (or a cocktail cherry).
The Mauna Kea Mist is a classic tiki drink that embodies the spirit of tropical escapism, making it a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing and indulgent cocktail experience.
