Signature drinks at 100 Sails highlight local flavors

As the Hawaii Prince Hotel continues its $55 million remodel — due to be finished next spring — one of the property’s primary dining destinations has already reopened with a new name and upgraded look.

The hotel’s 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar quietly debuted Nov. 21 and eased into service with a series of friends-and-family and VIP preview events in recent weeks. Under the direction of Hawaii Prince executive chef Kirby Wong and chef de cuisine Joseph Almoguera, the restaurant aims to continue offering a “just like Vegas” buffet like its predecessor, Prince Court, while adding additional a la carte and tapas-style dishes made predominantly with local ingredients.

But the first thing you’ll notice upon approaching the front entrance is 100 Sails’ new centerpiece bar, which seats about 15 people via traditional bar stools and is complemented by three comfortable couches near the host station, another half-dozen lounge tables on the mauka side, and a couple of community-style tables with built-in plugs for your electronic devices.

The bar itself is aligned parallel with the street fronting Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor out front, with the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows providing expansive views of the ocean from Ala Moana Beach Park to Hilton Hawaiian Village and beyond. Motorized blinds are hidden away and spring into service around sunset to help reduce glare for those facing the water.

While the dining menu at 100 Sails has expanded since the days of Prince Court, the cocktail lineup focuses on six solid signature drinks highlighting local flavors. Guava, mango, coconut and elderflower all make appearances here, with most drinks priced at $12. Classics like the Manhattan ($12), Old Fashioned ($12), traditional mojito ($10) and mai tai ($12) are also available.

Two signature cocktails — the Island Bouquet and Waiki-Tea (both $14) — are served in larger hurricane glasses and are probably where I would start on my next visit, despite the higher price. The Waiki-Tea is a sweeter take on a traditional Long Island iced tea, made with local Pau vodka and Hawaii-inspired Sammy Beach Bar Rum along with FID Street gin, Cointreau, house-made lemon sour and a splash of cola. The Island Bouquet, made with Tanqueray 10, is infused in-house with hibiscus and mixed with Aperol, fresh guava puree and the house-made sour before being shaken with pasteurized egg whites, giving the drink a silky mouthfeel.

But where the cocktail program really shines at 100 Sails is the Secret Rendezvous ($12), which utilizes Broadbent Rainwater madeira, Evan Williams Black Label bourbon and Giffard banana liqueur. Served in a martini glass with a splash of pomegranate reduction and a slice of pineapple as garnish, it’s deceptively smooth like the Island Bouquet yet has more bite thanks to the whiskey. At first I didn’t think I’d like mixing the flavors of fortified wine with bourbon and banana, but after a few sips I forgot about any doubts.

To help build a buzz for 100 Sails, the Hawaii Prince has enlisted the services of a number of local entertainers to present two special events this holiday season.

Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning trio Na Leo will headline the Na Leo & Friends Joyful Christmas concert at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday with special guests Jerry Santos, Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole and Miss Aloha 2016 Kaiulani Carr. The benefit for the Joyful Heart Foundation is $70 general admission and $85 VIP; call 441-9977, email info@naleo.net or visit naleotickets.com for more information.

At 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23, Kupaoa will be joined by Streetlight Cadence, Alx Kawakami and Blayne Asing during Home for the Holidays, an evening of Christmas classics and other holiday tunes. Tickets are $42 and include two cocktails, with food service available before and after the show at the restaurant.

Another buzz-worthy option is a secret happy hour menu that launched last week. It’s offered from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and again from 8 to 10 p.m. daily though Jan. 31, when those who sit in the bar/lounge area will be able to order three 5-ounce samples of beer (or one big 15-ounce glass, like this columnist requested) with three small bites for just $5.

Last week’s pupu plate included tastes of calamari, ahi poke and roast pork manapua; selections may change without notice. And if you’re not hungry, all draft beer and wine is $2 off during the secret happy hour. It’s a great way to get acquainted with 100 Sails without having to break the bank.

Jason Genegabus covers all things alcohol-related for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and has written about the local bar scene since 2001. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram or email jason@staradvertiser.com.