Halekulani (Oahu, HI) Celebrates The Art of the Cocktail

Halekulani, one of the world’s finest and most acclaimed luxury resorts, presents “THE ART OF THE COCKTAIL” as part of its ongoing annual luxury and lifestyle series, Halekulani Living. The weekend celebration takes place Friday, September 17 through Sunday, September 19 and includes a variety of events where guests interact with some of the world’s finest mixologists while sampling their spirited creations.

Throughout the weekend leading mixologists Dale DeGroff, Julie Reiner, Tony Abou-Ganim, Simon Ford, Chandra Lam, and Tim Rita host gatherings and informational seminars designed to enhance appreciation for “THE ART OF THE COCKTAIL”. Guests are also invited to take part in hands-on experiences to acquire expert techniques. The summit reinforces Halekulani’s philosophy and unwavering commitment to offering an enriched lifestyle, sophisticated elegance, innovative guest programming and gracious hospitality.

The Halekulani Living luxury and lifestyle series is designed to provide guests with immersive, authentic and memorable experiences by celebrating three distinct elements, Halekulani Connoisseur, Halekulani Wellness and Halekulani Masterworks. These programs aim to enrich lifestyles with everyday luxury, health and wellness, culinary escapes and masterful works of art.

Advance reservations are required for all “THE ART OF THE COCKTAIL” events. A 5-seminar package is available for $160. Alternatively, guests can select their activities on an a-la-carte basis with rates ranging from $40 to $125 per person. Ocean View room accommodations are available during the event at a special rate of $460 per night including daily breakfast for two (plus applicable taxes). For information and reservations, please call (808) 931-5040.

ART OF THE COCKTAIL Schedule of Events:

Friday, September 17
Kick Off Cocktail Party Rub elbows with many of the world’s finest mixologists while sampling their spirited creations and enjoying delicious appetizers, accompanied by live jazz music.

Saturday, September 18
Spend the day in lively seminars, discussions and classes hosted by our who’s who of mixology.

The Evolution of the Cocktail
Mixologists Julie Reiner, Dale DeGroff, Tony Abou-Ganim and Simon Ford engage in a panel discussion on where the industry was, where it is today and what we can look forward to in the future.

Gin: The Noblest Spirit of All?
Simon Ford presents a historical overview of gin while Julie Reiner creates Classical and Contemporary cocktail creations.

Tequila: The Treasured Agave Distillate
Dale DeGroff and Tony Abou-Ganim walk through a brief history and tasting of tequila while creating awe-inspiring cocktails, sharing insight on how to make the perfect margarita.

Island to Island
Julie Reiner and Simon Ford prepare the most innovative cocktails while utilizing island influences from England to Hawaii.

Stocking and Tending Your Home Bar
Tony Abou-Ganim, the “Modern Mixologist,” highlights the secrets of creating cocktails at home, explaining what should be stocked in a bar, tools of the trade, and how to use them.

Experience an evening of scintillating conversation at the Cocktail Palooza while guest mixologists shake and stir their signature specialties.

Sunday, September 19:
Wrap up the weekend at the Bloody Mary Brunch featuring the opportunity to create a signature bloody mary while enjoying a delectable 3-course brunch.

About “The Art of the Cocktail” Guest Mixologists
Dale DeGroff, also known as “King Cocktail,” is universally acknowledged as the world's premier mixologist. He developed his extraordinary techniques and talent tending bar at famed establishments, including New York’s Rainbow Room. Dale was awarded the James Beard Wine & Spirits Professional Award in 2009 and acts as the founding President of The Museum of the American Cocktail, a non-profit organization with an exhibit in New Orleans that brings to life the 200 year history of the cocktail. Dale also authored the award-winning "The Craft of The Cocktail,” and "The Essential Cocktail" (Random House).

Julie Reiner draws much of her inspiration from her native Hawaii, utilizing fresh fruit and the highest quality spices and spirits available in her original cocktails. Beverage director and co-owner of Flatiron Lounge and Clover Club; and co-owner of Pegu Club, she has been elevating the cocktail scene in NYC for the last decade. Flatiron, Pegu and Clover opened to rave reviews and have enjoyed top rankings among the best bars in the world. Julie has also been featured on The Food Network’s Iron Chef, Martha Stewart Radio, CNBC and the Fine Living network.

Tony Abou-Ganim is famous for his take on modern-day cocktails, an approach which highlights the use of spirits and ingredients available to today’s Mixologists without forsaking classic traditions and techniques. In 2007, Tony was featured in the Iron Chef America competition with Mario Batali and released his first DVD “Modern Mixology: Making Great Cocktails at Home.” Most notably featured demonstrating the art of cocktail preparation on the Fine Living Network program “Raising the Bar: America’s Best Bar Chefs,” Tony also operates his own beverage consulting firm specializing in bar staff training, product education and cocktail development. He is the author of “The Modern Mixologist, Contemporary Classic Cocktails.”

Simon Ford acts as the Plymouth Gin Brand Ambassador and the Brand Director for Trade Outreach and Brand Education at Pernod Ricard USA. After working for more than fifteen years in the spirits industry, running a wine shop, opening some of England’s most lauded cocktail bars, judging spirits in competition and writing bar guides for liquor.com, Simon has become a highly respected voice in the spirits industry. He has received the following awards: Best International Brand Ambassador at the New Orleans Tales of the Cocktail 2007, Best US Brand Ambassador 2009 and was named an Industry Visionary in the UK. Simon’s award-winning bar, Koba, was selected as one of the Top 10 cocktail bars in the UK by the Guardian Newspaper.

Chandra Lam is the Director of Mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits of Hawaii. She has been in the restaurant and bar industry for 14 years at various prominent venues in Hawaii. Chandra is currently working towards her Master accreditation with the USBG and is the Vice-President of the Hawaii Chapter. She has consulted for properties such as The Four Seasons, St. Regis and Trump International.

Tim Rita is the Head Bartender at Lewers Lounge at Halekulani, where he creates specialty cocktails and cocktail menus for all the restaurant and bar outlets in the hotel, including La Mer, Orchids and House Without a Key. Tim worked and trained with Dale DeGroff from May 2005-December 2007. He scored in the Top 25 of all competitors at the “Shake It Up Battle of the Mixologists,” Las Vegas (2009 and 2010) and won the “Best of Hawaii Hamilton Beach Bargreen Ellingson Cocktail Competition” (2009). In December 2009, he was featured in Honolulu Magazine’s “Best Bars Edition.”

About Halekulani
Since its inception in 1984, Halekulani has received more than five hundred accolades, awards and honoraria, and is consistently ranked among the world’s finest hotels. SpaHalekulani, amongst many others, earned the coveted Mobil Four-Star rating, the highest bestowed upon any spa by the Mobil Travel Guide, and was ranked the #2 Best Resort Spa in North America by Conde Nast Traveler. Halekulani’s fine dining restaurant, La Mer, is Hawaii’s longest ranked AAA-Five Diamond restaurant. Halekulani is managed by the Hotels and Resorts of Halekulani, a brand management division of the Honolulu-based Halekulani Corporation, which also manages newly redesigned Waikiki Parc Hotel. Halekulani is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and is aligned with Tokyo’s legendary Imperial Hotel. For reservations and information, please contact a travel planner, call Halekulani at (800) 367-2343 / (808) 923-2311 or visit the Halekulani website (www.halekulani.com)