JASON VENDRELL

Monkeypod Kitchen

At Monkeypod Kitchen’s bar we feature handcrafted cocktails, craft beer and boutique wine, all served with aloha. It’s that simple. I’m having champagne if I’m sitting at the bar. It’s a tough call because I’m really into bourbon right now. I just went to Kentucky and did a lot of “tasting.” We sell more of our whiskey-based cocktails than we do well vodka. I’m glad to see people drinking more flavorful liquors.

For years, I’ve been trying to get people to appreciate gin. We have a great selection and people are starting to substitute gin for vodka, which makes me so proud. Our No Ka Oi cocktail is served with vodka, lilikoi, Thai basil, egg whites, lime and simple syrup and is actually fantastic with gin.

When folks aren’t sure what they want, I ask them for a category, then take it from there. I will usually try to get someone to try a gin or whiskey-based cocktail. I want to encourage people to be adventurous.

If you’re here at Happy Hour, the food is 50 percent off. The Pumpkin Patch Ravioli and Mushroom Pizza are a few of my favorites and all of our cocktails are delicious. We love supporting local beverages–we feature Maui Brewing Company, Ocean Vodka, Old Lahaina Rum, Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, Maui Dark Rum and several other brands from other islands.

Honey is one of my favorite ingredients to work with right now. I really like using it as an alternative to simple syrup. We use it in our Pistol Pete’s Sazerac with Templeton Rye Whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters and a touch of absinthe. It’s delicious!

Open Daily 11:30am-11pm. Happy Hour every day, 3pm-5:30pm & 9pm-11pm. Specials: $8 specialty cocktails, $6 Ocean vodka, $4.75 select beers, $7 premium beers, $6 house red and white wines, $9 pizzas, 50 percent off most appetizers. Free wifi

Monkeypod Kitchen (10 Wailea Gateway Pl.) 808-891-2322; monkeypodkitchen.com