Get into the ‘spirits’

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: BESPOKE AT AMUSE ($35)

Amuse Wine Bar at Stage Restaurant in the Honolulu Design Center offers an exciting monthly cocktail event with featured spirits paired with craft cocktails and craft beers.

Known as Bespoke at Amuse, these occasions generally happen on the third Thursday of every month, but the next event will be held on the fourth Thursday, Aug. 22 starting at 6 p.m. Each month features a different theme, and attendees can sample each of the cocktails prepared. Tickets are priced at $35 each.

Every month, Amuse head bartender Ian Ortiz crafts cocktails for the evening and discusses the unique characteristics of the spirits and a history of the cocktails in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.

Representatives of Southern Glazer’s, including Dan Fullick, Dave Powers and Chandra Lucariello, assist with creating these cocktails and elaborating on the story behind these spirits.

Ortiz explains that for the past year, they have been providing “a laid-back environment with product knowledge, spirits tasting, and then a flavored cocktail profile with each spirit every month.”

“This month we’ll feature local spirits Old Pali Road Whiskey, Ko Hana Rum and Ocean Vodka. The cocktails will be a local inspired Moscow mule (with Ocean) and mai tai (with Ko Hana). My Bespoke cocktail will feature Old Pali Road Whiskey,” Ortiz shares.

HOT TICKET

Attendance for Bespoke is limited to about 25 guests. Reservations are highly recommended.

ACCESS

Free parking for Amuse is from Piikoi and Pensacola streets.

REFRESHING

Bespoke at Amuse for $35 includes three cocktails and a sample of each featured spirit.

SPECIAL OCCASION

Chef Ron DeGuzman will prepare a special appetizer or two available a la carte for each Bespoke at Amuse event. The Amuse Wine Bar menu is also available during the event.