Drinking With Nolan

We’ve walked by The Lei Stand at Romer House Waikīkī so many times over the years and finally decided to step inside — and now I’m wondering what took us so long.

Tucked away with its neon glow and laid-back vibe, this spot delivered one beautiful cocktail after another. I only managed to grab the details for one drink, but every cocktail we ordered was as delicious as it was stunning to look at.

The one I did get the specs for was the Soup Soup — a fascinating mix of Angelisco Blanco, acid-adjusted pineapple, Oloroso sherry, falernum, cane, absinthe, and coconut clarification. It was silky smooth, with layer after layer of flavor unfolding with each sip.

The rest of the lineup was just as impressive. One came and was frosty blue topped with tropical garnishes, bringing all the island vibes. And the final cocktail was a gorgeous pink creation crowned with an edible flower, glowing like a Hawaiian sunset.

Great drinks, fun bartenders, great atmosphere, and one of those places that makes you wonder how you waited so long to finally stop in. We’ll definitely be back.

Here’s another fun one from our visit to QUIORA BY G.LION at the The Ritz-Carlton, Waikiki Beach

The cocktail menu here is never boring, and these two were packed with personality.

First up was Pray for Sets — a bright, bold, unapologetically tropical cocktail featuring Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum overproof rum “Pakaweli,” lilikoi butter falernum, Cherry Heering, and fresh lime. Rich, fruity, and layered with island flavor, it felt like the perfect Waikīkī cocktail.

Then came Hanafuda, which might have been the most intriguing drink of the night. Ginger-infused Pau vodka, Tanaka 1789 x Chartier “Pavillon” sake, coconut-washed yuzu curaçao, lemongrass, and lime come together in a cocktail that is silky, aromatic, and wonderfully unique. Bright citrus, subtle coconut, warming ginger, and just enough complexity to keep you thinking about it long after the glass is empty.

Quiora continues to prove that some of the most memorable cocktails come from bartenders willing to push the boundaries while still keeping every sip balanced and delicious. I can’t wait to see what they have for us to sample when we’re out there next!

It’s National Strawberry Shortcake Day weekend, so naturally I had to celebrate with a cocktail.

Meet my Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail — a sweet little tribute to one of my favorite desserts. Made with homemade strawberry cheong, Broken Shed Vodka, yellow chartreuse, and a splash of lemon, it strikes that perfect balance between bright, fruity, herbal, and refreshing. The strawberry cheong brings a rich berry flavor, the chartreuse adds an unexpected layer of complexity, and the lemon keeps everything lively and balanced.

And because presentation matters, I topped it off with a mini strawberry shortcake for garnish. Because if you’re going to celebrate Strawberry Shortcake Day, you might as well go all in.

Dessert? Cocktail? Why not both?

Best Cocktails

Let’s head back to Hawaii for one of my all-time tiki favorites — the Navy Grog

This classic is a rum lover’s dream, built with a powerhouse blend of Real McCoy 3, Banks 7, Smith & Cross, and St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, then balanced with grapefruit, lime, and demerara. The result is bold, complex, and incredibly refreshing.

What I love about a great Navy Grog is how it evolves with every sip. First you get the bright citrus, then the rich layers of rum start to shine through, followed by those warm allspice notes that tie everything together. It’s tropical without being overly sweet, strong without being overwhelming, and a perfect reminder of why tiki classics have stood the test of time.

One sip and I’m soaking up island vibes and dreaming about my next tropical escape.

Welcome to Laguna Beach, !

I was so excited to see the new location open up just steps from the beach. The best part? It’s everything I love about El Matatan — the same incredible food, the same amazing cocktails, and of course, the same awesome Oscar behind the bar.

After spending some time watching those absolutely crazy waves roll in, I settled in with a La Roma, and it was exactly what I needed. Bright, refreshing, and packed with flavor, it paired perfectly with the ocean views and salty sea air.

It’s always great to see your favorite spots grow, especially when they bring the same quality, hospitality, and creativity that made you fall in love with them in the first place. Here’s to beachside cocktails, great food, and many more visits to the newest El Matatan location.

Keeping the tiki adventure going at with a classic Jungle Bird!

There’s a reason this cocktail has stood the test of time. The combination of rum, tropical fruit, and that signature bittersweet edge creates a drink that’s refreshing, complex, and ridiculously easy to sip. It’s one of those cocktails that manages to be both bold and balanced at the same time.

Of course, no night out would be complete without Tyler causing a little trouble. Somehow the cocktails always taste a little better when there’s laughter involved.

Great drinks, great company, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. That’s what vacation memories are made of.

Back at , and it feels good to be surrounded by treasure, rum, and island vibes once again.

First up is their Crystal Skull (Clarified Zombie), and this cocktail is every bit as impressive as it sounds. Built with Skull & Crown’s rum blend, pineapple, lime, lilikoi, lehua honey, Chinatown spice tincture, Laʻie vanilla, absinthe, and bitters, then milk-clarified to crystal-clear perfection.

What I love most is how it takes all the bold, complex flavors of a classic Zombie and transforms them into something elegant and deceptively smooth. The tropical fruit shines, the spices linger just enough, and the clarification creates an incredibly silky texture that makes each sip feel almost too easy.

Skull & Crown never disappoints when it comes to creative tiki cocktails, and this one is a perfect reminder of why it remains one of my favorite stops whenever I’m in Hawaii.

It’s Mai Tai time!

I love a good classic Mai Tai, but you know I can’t resist putting my own spin on things. My version gets a float of bitters instead of the traditional rum float, and I’m convinced it’s the way to go.

The bitters add a beautiful pop of color, a subtle hint of anise and spice, and just enough complexity to keep you coming back for another sip. It doesn’t overpower the drink—it simply elevates everything that makes a Mai Tai great: rich rum, bright citrus, and that unmistakable tropical character.

Sometimes the smallest tweaks make the biggest difference. One sip and you might just skip the rum float forever.

After all the flights, hotels, and travel, it’s always a good feeling to make it back to my favorite spot —

Tonight’s drink of the day is the La Roma, and it’s exactly the kind of cocktail I needed to settle back in. Bright, refreshing, and packed with flavor, it’s one of those drinks that instantly reminds me why this place always feels like home.

Sometimes after being all over the place, the best thing is returning to a familiar seat, great food, and a cocktail made by people who know exactly what they’re doing. Cheers to being back!

This Golden Hour from .hb was exactly what I needed after a long day at an HR conference over at the .

Made with Nolet’s Gin, saffron-infused Dolin Blanc, peach, and cardamom bitters, it was light, elegant, and incredibly smooth. The saffron and cardamom gave it this subtle warmth and complexity, while the peach kept everything bright and refreshing — the perfect cocktail to ease into a well-earned happy hour.

Good drinks just hit differently after a full day of meetings and it helps get the networking started!