Pearl Harbor Cocktail

pearlharborcocktail

December 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Islander is a Pearl Harbor girl. Her Daddy, who is retired from the U.S. Navy, was stationed at Pearl Harbor twice. Her Mommy still works as a civilian for MWR Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and had offices in Pearl Harbor and on Ford Island. The family lived in military housing and Islander went to Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School. Like her parents, she eventually worked on base, too. So Pearl Harbor holds a special place in her heart.

Many remember Pearl Harbor for the Japanese surprise attack on Dec. 7, 1941, launching the United States into World War II.

But Islander also remembers one of the old Hawaiian legends about Wai Momi (translated as “water of pearl” because the harbor was home to a lot of pearl oysters in the 1800s). Wai Momi was also home to a shark goddess and her family (brother or son) and they protected the entrance to the harbor. When the U.S. Congress approved the expansion of a naval base on Oahu in the early 1900s, construction began on the kapu (“forbidden”) area. But after much work had already been done, the dry dock collapsed. The natives had warned that it was because appropriate offerings were not made to the shark goddess in the first place. The skeptical builders followed Hawaiian traditions to appease her and, as work began again, they found the bones of a 15-foot shark lodged below the harbor. A kahuna (priest) performed all the necessary rites, construction went smoothly thereafter and the dry dock finally opened in 1919.

Today, Pearl Harbor is the home of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. There are several historical sites we have visited as well as hosted tourists: Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin, Battleship Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum. In 2016, several events are planned to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

HI Cookery remembers Wai Momi with a classic cocktail. Toast this tropical drink on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Aloha!

Recipe

(Adapted from About.com – Cocktails)

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce melon liqueur (like Midori)
  • pineapple juice
  • maraschino cherry and pineapple chunk, optional garnishes

Directions

In an old fashioned glass, fill with ice. Then add the vodka and melon liqueur. Fill with pineapple juice. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and pineapple chunk.

pearlharborcocktailsteps

Notes

  • Try a pineapple vodka for a fruitier flavor in this cocktail.
  • Eat Hawaiian food to celebrate Pearl Harbor Day. Search our blog for recipes.