Classic Cocktails and Mixology in Side: On and Off the Menu

At Hawaii Restaurant & Bar in Side old town, the menu lists classics such as the Margarita, Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule, Daiquiris and White Russian. Bartenders can also mix other classic or modern cocktails off-menu when the ingredients are in stock, so just ask the bartender. Kids' alcohol-free cocktails are available too.

Two kinds of cocktail at Hawaii

It helps to know there are two ways to order a cocktail here. The first is from the printed menu: drinks we make every day. The second is a custom request: you name a classic or modern cocktail that is not on the list, and the bartender tells you whether they can make it tonight. The difference matters, because off-menu drinks depend on what is behind the bar that evening.

(a) Classics on the menu

These are listed on our cocktail menu. Where the menu names the ingredients, we have included them.

The menu also has house creations such as the Blue Hawaii (Malibu, Bols Blue, pineapple juice), Hawaii Special, Hawaii Martini, Jamaican Sunrise, San Francisco, Power Of Love and a range of frozen Twisters. Read about them in signature cocktails and the Blue Hawaii. Current prices are on the live menu.

(b) Custom and off-menu cocktails

Our bartenders can mix other classic and modern cocktails that are not printed on the menu, as long as the ingredients are in stock. If you have a favourite from home, name it, describe how you like it, and ask the bartender whether they can make it tonight. We will not promise that any particular off-menu drink is always available, because stock behind the bar changes. If a drink cannot be made exactly, the bartender can usually suggest something close.

Tips for a good custom order:

• Tell the bartender the base spirit you like and whether you prefer sweet, sour, bitter or dry.
• Say whether you want it short and strong or long and refreshing.
• Order custom drinks when the bar is calmer, early in the evening, if you want a chat about it.

Mixology basics: how cocktails are made

Knowing the technique helps you choose. Most cocktails fall into one of four styles.

Shaken

Shaking with ice chills, dilutes and aerates a drink. It is used when a cocktail contains citrus, cream, milk or fruit, giving a lighter, slightly frothy texture. The Margarita and Cosmopolitan are classic shaken drinks, and an Espresso Martini is shaken hard for its foam. See our Espresso Martini in Side guide.

Stirred

Stirring with ice chills and dilutes gently without adding air, so spirit-forward drinks stay clear and silky. Stirred cocktails tend to be short and strong. If you want one, this is usually a custom request, so ask the bartender.

Built

Built drinks are poured straight into the glass over ice, often topped with something fizzy. The Mojito, Cuba Libre, Moscow Mule and Long Island Ice Tea are built drinks: quick, long and refreshing. Give them a stir before you sip.

Frozen and blended

Blended with ice into a slush, frozen drinks are the coldest option on a hot Side evening. Our Daiquiris and the Twister range are good examples. Read Daiquiri in Side for the full story.

Alcohol-free: kids' cocktails and mocktails

Children have their own alcohol-free cocktails on the menu: Barbie, Hawaii Cocktail, Redkiss and Spider Man. Adults who are not drinking can ask for a mocktail, and the bartender can build one around fresh fruit, juices and soft drinks with what is in stock. If you are unsure what separates a cocktail from a mocktail, see cocktail vs mocktail explained, and for options read mocktails and alcohol-free drinks in Side.

How to choose a classic

• Sour and fresh: Margarita, Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Daiquiri.
• Long and easy: Cuba Libre, Moscow Mule, Tequila Sunrise, Sex On The Beach.
• Creamy and sweet: White Russian, Pina Colada.
• Strong: Long Island Ice Tea, which combines several spirits in one glass.
• Coffee: Espresso Martini, a good after-dinner choice.

Not sure? Tell the bartender two or three flavours you like and let them recommend something from the menu.

When to come

Happy Hour runs daily from 19:00 to 20:00, a good moment to try a classic you have never had. We are open every day from 10:00 to 02:00 in Side old town. For the bar's atmosphere and planning a night out, read our cocktail bar in Side page. Book on the reservation page or message +90 533 930 12 83.