Cocktail Hour by Susan Campbell On this happy island every hour is happy hour! But there’s a time of day when the vibe begins slowly switching gears from fabulous fun on the beach to the first glimmerings of an enchanted tropical evening to come. And the best way to herald that magical transformation is by raising a glass in good company. Welcome to the cocktail hour – Aruba style. A little cocktail hour history
No doubt even the ancient pyramid builders must have had social get-togethers to raise a glass and shake off the trials of a hard day’s work. In fact, there are even forensic mixologists (yes, that’s a real job!) working to unearth exactly what kind of alcoholic libations the early Romans and Greeks were imbibing back then. But the coining of the term “cocktail hour” came much later. Today that expression evokes a civilized and sophisticated tippling time with ladies and gentlemen dressed to the nines socializing in some upscale setting. Even Christian Dior labeled classic designs “the cocktail dress.” But one might be surprised to discover that the origins of “cocktails” and the gatherings where they were consumed were of much grittier and far less merrier beginnings.
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It was a time of bootleggers, rum runners, and gangsters when the cocktail really came into its own. Prohibition that began in the 1920s forced many Americans to make their own spirits that resulted in alcohol that tasted more like turpentine and packed a punch more powerful than a freight train. So in order to make it more palatable, juices, creams, sweeteners, and mixes were added ostensibly creating a “cocktail culture.” Though the first appearance of the word cocktail in print was a New York newspaper in 1896, the socializing cachet surrounding its consumption came much later. Forced to drink underground during that time, secret liquor dens began opening that became known as “speakeasies.” The term is thought to have come from bartenders advising their clients to keep their voices down or
“speak easy” so as not to be heard by authorities. Though later those establishments became loud and deluxe entertainment venues ushering in modern music and also encouraging women to become modern and partake of cocktails alongside the men. It’s ironic that prohibition – though designed to stop people from drinking – instead, became the impetus behind today’s sophisticated cocktail culture! Cocktail hour Caribbean style
The islands have always had their own less formal version of cocktail hour, rarely taking place in plush old-fashioned parlors, but rather preferring nature’s glory instead as a backdrop, enjoying drinks on seaside terraces, outside garden patios, and piers. But that has also changed in the last few decades. Today there are many classy indoor enclaves like hotel lobby lounges and dining emporium cocktail bars for indoor imbibing. So if you wish to get gussied up and enjoy the transition in high style and with air conditioning, there are plenty of places on Aruba to do so. Many local business types prefer the downtown indoor watering holes for an after work get-together at cocktail hour.
But if you want to simply throw on a coverup after a day at the beach, there are plenty of happening bars by the sea that often offer complimentary snacks and live entertainment at the island’s many “happy hours.” And you need not even cover up if you want to belly-up to a swim-up pool bar to socialize at that time as well. In fact, there is no dearth of ideal spots to suit your style on this island during cocktail hour. There are bars with great sunset views, local sports bars, karaoke, and party bars. There are wine bars, sake bars, brew bars, and South Beach style enclaves in the sand as well as cigar lounges and many cool bars in the casinos! It all depends on your mood. You can also often order a cool concoction right from your lounge chair by simply raising a flag; no need to actually get up and go to a bar! Or you can order room service and enjoy a private romantic cocktail on your deck. But one would be remiss not to explore all the luxurious libations this island has to offer in so many inviting and diverse establishments. And when feeling particularly sociable, opportunities abound to meet other visitors and locals to share a drink and a yarn with around the wood. A good way E
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to find out where scheduled get-togethers are happening is by joining the online bulletin boards of groups like Travel Talk Online, www. traveltalkonline.com, or www.aruba.com. They often post where virtual visitors plan ahead to meet in person when on island at the same time. Or hop aboard a bar-hopping bus to discover some of Aruba’s most popular watering holes along the way. And taking a lovely sunset sail aboard a beautiful craft to enjoy cocktails with a group is also an inviting option. And who knows? You might even witness the famous green flash when the sun disappears beneath the waves while drinking a cocktail called the green flash! Expand your libation horizons
Once you’ve decided where to go, why settle for the same old, same old tropical rum punches when you get there? This island’s top mixologists have magical concoctions to enchant your taste buds and broaden your horizons. Aruba’s enthusiastic barkeeps keep their skills sharp by competing in local and international competitions throughout the year that encourage overthe-top creativity. Put them to the test – they’re up to the challenge! And you’ll quickly see on drink menus from barefoot beach bars to fancy lounges that imagination truly abounds in the drink offerings here. Flavored spirits and new fusions of liqueurs combined with fresh fruits, herbs and spices, and even vegetables and seafood are all making the rounds of cool cocktail ingredients. So why have a regular old piña colada when you can have a cocoa berry colada made with local coconut rum?
Many standard classic cocktails have also taken new twists here. How about a raspberry mudslide, a coconut ginger lemon drop martini, an apple cinnamon mojito, a strawberry basil gimlet, or a cucumber collins? Fun and fruity tropical concoctions with cute names like tropical itch, sneaky tiki, and the happy tourist are also offered alongside sophisticated creations like the fifth element – raspberry vodka, passion fruit, blue Curaçao, soda, and lemon, or the flirtini – vodka, champagne, pineapple juice, and lime. Feeling uptown? Try a Champs-Elysée with Mumm’s, Cointreau, and strawberry liqueur. Latin American flavors like caipirinhas made with real cachaça are also easily found while Mexican margaritas are taking on interesting flavor surprises like chocolate and even avocado. Or how about a Cuban kiss? Raspberry rum, triple sec, fresh strawberries, and lime should have you puckering up for romance in no time. And the popular trend of making “beer-ritas”– placing a frosty bottle of brew topside down right in the margarita, is a favorite on Aruba. E
Then there’s the thick and creamy, dreamy frozen delights and spiked fresh fruit shakes that come in a wide variety of tropical flavors like banana, coconut, watermelon, guava, mango, and strawberry to hit the spot on a very hot day. Some even have added protein in them to pack more power to their punch. Or ethereal before-dinner drinks like signature bellinis of sparkling wine and peach purée, or fresh fruitfilled white wine sangrias will also quickly sate a tropical thirst. And if you overindulge in liquid delights, most local mixologists have their own day-after drink cures like the bloody fisherman that’s almost a meal itself with baby shrimp, oysters, and squid in a bloody Mary mix. There’s no doubt that the sky’s the limit when it comes to creative cocktail choices here. So sample and enjoy as many different kinds as you can, and take notes so you can try to recreate them at home. Aruban specialties
However, there are some cocktails that you’ll not be able to recreate at home unless you purchase some locally made specialty spirits to take with you. Coecoei is one of them – the rich, ruby red liqueur made from agave sap, rum, and cane sugar that tastes like licorice. The recipe for this spirit was handed down from the ancient Indians, and today it is one of the main ingredients of the island’s most famous drink the Aruba ariba!
Pinchos Bar & Grill
Aruba ariba
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Bottom photo courtesy of Pinchos Bar & Grill
Top photo courtesy of The West Deck
Cocktail Hour at The West Deck
It’s also often used in place of grenadine for coloring. Then there’s ponche crema – a strong, liquor-laden eggnog type holiday drink that’s wonderful on its own but is also an interesting partner in local drink recipes like the Aruba sunset. It’s also often used as a potent creamer for coffee. Even the island’s famous aloe can be found in some signature cocktails here. Aruba also has its own locally distilled spirits and spiced liqueurs, and there’s even a vintner that makes signature wine from sea grapes! Of course, the Dutch influence is present – their rainbow assortment of liqueurs made in Holland (fashioned after the famous blue Curaçao made from bitter oranges and brandy) figure prominently to color and flavor many cocktails. Premium Dutch beer abounds, but Aruba also has its own refreshing brew called Balashi – the only beer in the world made from desalinated seawater! But don’t ask your server or barkeep for a “Balashi cocktail” if you’re seeking something strong. That term is local code for “a glass of water” since Balashi is also the region that desalinates the seawater used for the island’s delicious and safe-to-drink tap water! To unearth all the fabulous bars where you can try some of these cool cocktails, see the Nightbeat section in Aruba Nights magazine. Ask your concierge for your complimentary copy. Cheers! K 68