Designated drivers, dedicated to doing the right thing, get the short end of the stick when it comes to drink options. They’re often stuck with an unappealing choice of bottled water or boring soft drinks as everyone else is jumping on the mixology train, sampling the latest microbrews or pouring themselves a glass of wine.
But being responsible doesn’t have to be boring this holiday season, thanks to a “Mocktails” recipe booklet featuring more than a dozen alcohol-free cocktails created by some of Hawaii’s most talented bartenders. The collection was released by the state Department of Transportation with the help of DTRIC Insurance and the Hawaii Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild.
Mixologist Dave Newman, president of the guild’s Hawaii chapter and owner of Pint + Jigger, said it wasn’t hard to find a willing lineup of bartenders ready to showcase their creativity.
“We kicked around a few ideas and came up with this booklet,” he said. “The (guild) is big on making sure people don’t drink too much. Our members will always do their best to make you something you can enjoy, regardless if it has alcohol in it or not.”
In 2014 more than one-third of Hawaii’s fatalities were alcohol-related, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As of Friday, five of 46 fatal collisions in Oahu were alcohol- related, said a spokeswoman for the Honolulu Police Department.
“The idea of people taking these recipes and making them at home is pretty cool,” said Newman. “You can have a Fourth of July party or something like that and make something fun for your guests.”
One example is Joey Gottesman’s Helemoa-Jito, which utilizes coconut, lime and pineapple to satisfy those looking for something that’s refreshing without being overly sweet. Gottesman is the mixology expert at Young’s Market Hawaii.
The drink will be featured Friday at Ten Eleven, the bar within the food-truck marketplace Makers & Tasters, at the old Fisherman’s Wharf location near Kewalo Basin.
“There’s definitely different layers of flavors involved instead of just pouring out a soft drink,” said Ten Eleven’s Derrick Stevens. “There are a lot of designated drivers going out with family and friends, as well as people who aren’t really into drinking at all. Now they can participate in what we’re doing at Ten Eleven.”
Pick up a free copy of the “Mocktails” booklet 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Makers & Tasters and 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday at Honolulu Night + Market, 449 Cooke St. An online version of the booklet is available via the Transportation Department’s website; go to 808ne.ws/mocktails-booklet.
Helemoa-Jito
Courtesy Joey Gottesman, Young’s Market Hawaii
1 fresh pineapple wedge, plus slice for garnish
10 fresh mint leaves, plus small sprig for garnish
1 ounce fresh-pressed lime juice
1 ounce Coco Real Cream of Coconut
2 ounces pineapple juice
In glass, muddle pineapple wedge and fresh mint leaves. Add lime juice, Coco Real Cream of Coconut and pineapple juice. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain over ice into 12-ounce glass. Garnish with pineapple and mint. Serves 1.
