Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/35876
HULA GIRL: Ready to Drink, Ready to Mix Samantha Rogers of Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho got her Hula on. HULARITA ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 1 oz. Hula Girl Moonlight Mai Tai 1 oz. Hula Girl Sex in a Bottle 2 oz. silver tequila ½ oz. agave nectar 1 blackberry, raspberry, mango slice and tangerine wedge ■ ■ Pinch of salt and a dash of lime Add ice; blend until smooth. ROCK SAKé: Sushi Not Required Attention, universe: Saké is not just for sushi bars. Proving this point with gusto is Rock Saké, the American-made brand that’s easy to remem- ber—not to mention drink! With its super- premium and smooth Junmai Daiginjo perfect for sipping straight and its Cloud expression’s creamy, nuanced profile just begging to be mixed into cocktails, Rock Saké is perfect just about anytime, anywhere. Poolside Appeal: Rock Saké owner Seth Podell, ever the category ambassador, knows that Rock Saké is a light and refreshing cocktail builder perfect for those long, hot summer days. “Rock Saké is gluten- and preservative- free,” announced Podell, “and we support local [Northern CA] rice farmers.” Our Panel’s Palate: “A cocktail for the ‘thin- dustry’—low cal and delicious. The saké is a wonderful transition from other spirits.”- Nicole Greenberg “I love the saké on its own: creamy with a nice balance. You can taste it in the cocktail.” —Jared Sowinski STRAWBERRY CLOUD 2 oz. Rock Saké Cloud ■ ■ 1 ½ oz. Funkin Strawberry Daiquiri purée ■ ■ ½ oz. Stoli Strawberry Garnish with mint. july 201 1 / the tasting panel / 93 Seth Podell, owner of Rock Saké. Now, with the Hula Girl product lineup, tropical fun in a bottle has never been easier, and all it takes for consumers to experience the flavors of Hawaii is to twist off the cap on one of these sexy little bottles. But mixologists can get in on this action as well, proving that all of the Hula Girls (Bikini Bling, Moonlight Mai Tai, Wild Wahine, Sunset Sensation and Sex in a Bottle) are versatile Wahines. Poolside Appeal: Samantha Rogers, who tends bar at the très retro Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ knew that Hula Girl was a brand built to be enjoyed poolside. Serving up our first and only frozen cocktail of the day, Rogers was inspired by those hot Arizona summer days. “When it’s over 100 degrees out, it’s all about the frozen cocktails to help you cool down,” says Rogers, who found Hula Girl’s fruity flavors the perfect base for mixing and playing. “Throw in some ice and fresh fruit, and they’re just like a smoothie!” she says. Our Panel’s Palate: “The fresh fruit gar- nish with the frozen drink invigorates for a ‘healthy’ treat.” —Todd A. DeSilva “All the best flavors of summer.” —Ray Klemp