Emma Fire and ice and all things nice
Aloha 65 is a spirit and uniquely a hot sauce too both with a summery, tropical vibe. Focussing on the drink, it’s 27% ABV, coming in 70cl bottles RRP £22.50, it’s also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, made with 100% natural ingredients it has no artificial colours nor refined sugar. A 25ml shot has less than 47 calories.
Like a big wave, you won’t know what’s hit you when you first try Aloha 65. Infused with pineapple, ginger, lemon, some secret herbs, and the fire of scotch bonnet chillies it has a strong, fresh pineapple aroma and a citrusy pineapple taste with heat from the chillis and ginger and a dry finish. It isn’t a rum, nor is it a gin, though it is made in a similar way, it’s a versatile drink that can be served as a shot or with tonic, or can be used to create a variety of chilled or warmed cocktails – we have a few recipe ideas further below.
Why the name?
The name and look of the bottle says to us Hawaii but it was actually born on the other side of the USA in Florida.
Inspired by sun, sea and surf, Aloha 65 is the brainchild of British ex-pat barman Stephen Thorp who, when based in Florida around 30 years experimented with adding tropical botanicals to neutral spirit to create the perfect chilled shot for surfers at his beach bar. After returning to the UK, and after 65 attempts (!) to get it just right, Aloha 65 was ready to be bottled for the UK market.
Is it just a summer drink?
Although our turquoise coloured bottle, complete with Hawaiian lei-wearing surfer screams summer drink, and the neck even says “Chill, Shake, Serve” there is also a winter version of the bottle to appeal to skiers rather than surfers. The spirit can be warmed and used to make a mulled cocktail. The added heat from the ginger and chillis makes for a good winter drink.
Alohan Cocktail
Aloha 65
Ginger ale
Ice
Lemon or orange and mint to garnish
Pour 1 part Aloha 65 and 2 parts ginger ale into a jug or pitcher.
Add loads of ice, lemon or orange slices, mint sprigs and stir gently.
Aloha 65 Alohan Cocktail
Ingredients
- Aloha 65
- Ginger ale
- Ice
- Lemon or orange and mint to garnish
Instructions
- Pour 1 part Aloha 65 and 2 parts ginger ale into a jug or pitcher.
- Add loads of ice, lemon or orange slices, mint sprigs and stir gently.
Aloha Matata
50ml Aloha 65
Apple juice
4 Lime wedges
5-6 Mint leaves
Pinch of cinnamon
Ice
Layer ice, lime wedges and mint leaves in a highball glass.
Add Aloha 65, top with apple juice, a pinch of cinnamon and stir gently.
Aloha Matata
Ingredients
- 50 ml Aloha 65
- Apple juice
- 4 Lime wedges
- 5-6 Mint leaves
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Ice
Instructions
- Layer ice, lime wedges and mint leaves in a highball glass.
- Add Aloha 65, top with apple juice, a pinch of cinnamon and stir gently.
Winter Warmer from Aloha 65 – Mulled Matata
Ingredients
200ml Aloha 65
1 cinnamon stick
1 litre of cloudy apple juice
Method
Heat all the ingredients in a pan until piping hot and serve.
Aloha 65 Mulled Matata
Ingredients
- 200 ml Aloha 65
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 litre of cloudy apple juice
Instructions
- Heat all the ingredients in a pan until piping hot and serve.
Where to buy Aloha 65
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Disclaimer: we received a complimentary bottle of Aloha 65 to taste and review.
