Are you planning a trip to Maui? Definitely part of the preparations should include a taste of the islands.  Whip up one of our favorite island cocktails–they are as colorful as they are flavorful. We’ve even added a lo-cal option so you can indulge and still rock your beachwear. Take a sip, imagine ocean breezes and swaying palm trees, then book your oceanfront condo. Here are some great recipes to get you started.

Mango Li Hing Mui Margarita

The combination of sweet mango combined with the bite of fresh lime and li hing mui powder on the rim are an intoxicating combination. Li hing mui is a wonderful sweet and sour concoction (available on Amazon). This local island favorite is made of ground plum skin that has previously been pickled in a combination of licorice, salt and sugar (the licorice is very subtle).  It may sound odd, but is just one of those things you have to try! 

1 1/2 ounces tequila (recommended: Coaps Reposado)
1/2-ounce orange-flavored liqueur (recommended: Cointreau)
1-ounce lime juice
1 1/2 ounces sweet and sour mix
1/2-ounce mango puree
2 teaspoons li hing mui powder (available locally at Foodland)

Sprinkle Li hing mui powder on a small plate. Moisten the rim of an 8oz glass with lime juice and dip into the Li hing mui powder so that the rim is fully covered. Fill a blender with a few cubes of ice (or more if making a larger batch), add all the ingredients, except powder, and blend. Pour into the middle of the glass and serve immediately.

A Lo-Cal Traditional Margarita

Traditional margaritas are made with fresh squeezed lime, something we have in abundance on sunny Maui, and are always served on the rocks. Milagros in Paia has delicious traditional margaritas and wonderful selection of fine tequila.  We concocted a drink that is a combination of a traditional margarita with some zero calorie flavor drops used to enhance water.  You might have to adjust the flavor drops to your taste, but here is the recipe for our favorite diet drink:

1 medium/small lime
6oz filtered water
1 1/2 ounces gold tequila
1 squirt  Tropical Mango Pineapple  drink enhancer
2 squirts Orange drink enhancer
Li hing mui powder

Cut the lime in quarters and squeeze all the juice into a cocktail shaker. You can use the expended lime to moisten the glass rim and rub in Li hing mui powder (yes, we REALLY like it!). Add water, tequila and two drink enhancers to the shaker.  Shake. Taste with a spoon and adjust flavoring as necessary. Add a few cubes of ice to the glass, and pour the contents of the shaker into the glass.  Enjoy guilt free!

Best Mai Tai Recipe

We squeezed this recipe out of a well known fine dining establishment. Here’s what you’ll need to get your Mai Tai on:

1 oz. light or amber rum
1 oz. dark or black rum (not spiced)
1 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice
½ oz. orange Curaçao or triple sec
½ oz. orgeat syrup
¼ oz. simple syrup
fresh mint for garnish
2 cups of cracked ice

Add all the liquid ingredients to your cocktail shaker. Proportion matters, so use a bar measure if possible instead of eyeballing it. Add the ice to the shaker, cap it, and shake for a good 10 to 15 seconds. Pour into your glass (no need to strain). Top with more cracked ice if you come up short and garnish with mint. (Bruise the mint first between your palms for fragrance. It won’t look as pretty, but it improves the experience.)

Mail Order Blue Hawaii

The iconic drink of Hawaii, a blue Hawaii is the color of nearshore waters, and pairs nicely with a slice of fresh pineapple.

Forgo the list of ingredients and order this mix from SoHa Living. Just add your favorite booze, blend and imbibe. 

Field testing

If you don’t want to test your bar tending skills while on vacation, check out these great island watering holes.