Let me tell you how much I love vacations. It’s an escape from my normally hectic life. It usually involved a beach and fun in the sun. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear as little clothing as possible. But one of my favorite vacation indulgences is  the frilly drinks.  While I love my occasional glass of wine or cocktail in the city, the time is few and far between for many reasons. On vacation, I don’t have to pay an arm and a leg or have do fully deal with the ramifications if I had a little bit too much to drink. (Thank goodness we only have 20 more days until we leave for Belize!)

Halekulani, the infamous Waikiki resort, gladly sent along some of their best summer drink recipes for us to enjoy!  Even if you’re not going on vacation, you can pretend like it with some fun, summery cocktails!

Cachaca Samba

1 ½ ounce Cachaca

½ ounce Cedilla Acai Berry Liqueur

3 lime wedges cut in halves

½ ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce rock candy syrup

Method:  Place the lime wedges in a mixing glass and muddle briskly with juice and rock candy syrup, then add cachaca and 1 scoop of ice and shake well.  Pour into a double old –fashioned glass (do not strain), add more ice if needed and serve with a float of Cedilla. Garnish with Orchid.

Mango Mint Freeze

1 ½ ounce Malibu Rum

2 ounce Mango Puree

1 ½ ounce Sweet n Sour

4 Mint leaves

Method:  Add all ingredients to blender with ice and blend thoroughly.  Pour into rocks glassGarnish:  Dehydrated mango slice and mint sprig

The Charlie Chan

1 ½ oz Barsol Pisco (Primero)

½ oz Orchid Guava Liqueur

½ oz Strawberry Puree

½ oz Lime Juice

Method: shake all ingredients with ice. Serve straight up into a chilled martini glass.Garnish: half strawberry on the rim and kafir lime leaf.