SinIceStir Speakeasy, a cocktail lounge tucked away behind SinIceStir Shave Ice — located on the ground level of The Twin Fin Hotel Waikīkī — recently celebrated its grand opening. It’s currently open from 5 p.m. to midnight from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
Individuals need to direct message the business on Instagram to get the entrance password, which will change periodically. Right now, access to the speakeasy is on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are accepted.
“We want to keep the mystery of it, but we’re not keeping anyone out,” says Michael Miller, director of operations/partner of Tiki’s Grill & Bar.
“SinIceStir has been a passion project two years in the making, so this moment is a dream come true,” states managing partner Bill Tobin. “We created SinIceStir as an escape for adults looking for crafted cocktails in a more intimate setting, while still enjoying Waikīkī Beach views — and The Twin Fin Hotel Waikīkī had the perfect space for that.”
Both counter seating and booths are available in the speakeasy, which features a one-way glass, so guests can enjoy the views of Waikīkī Beach without passersby looking inside.
SinIceStir Speakeasy features handcrafted cocktails and Island flavors, coupled with the mystery and charm reminiscent of a hidden space. Its signature drinks and boozy shave ice were created by mixologist Jen Ackrill.
“I think the speakeasy connotation is dark and heavy; we came up with the concept of a beach-easy, since we’re right across from the beach,” Ackrill says. “We just wanted all of the drinks to be light and fun, but still delicious. We don’t want it to be too serious.
“I think people think a speakeasy is quiet and there’s all these rules, but if you think about the time where speakeasies were actually happening, it was rowdy,” she adds.
The most popular drink right now is the shave ice cocktail, called Hella Wanted ($32). It’s made with Blanco tequila, Aperol, lime, guava, mango, and li hing mui. It’s a tropical tequila sour, served over shave ice, which adds a refreshing element.
“The shave ice cocktail was the hardest one to make because you’re fighting science on that,” says Ackrill. “Shave ice is really fine, and alcohol loves to melt ice. We started trying to figure out what we could do to keep everything as cold as possible. The little bowls stay in the freezer; the cocktail itself stays in the freezer. It’s more of an interaction — you have a little shave ice, then you pour a little bit of the cocktail on it.
“The drink itself is called the Wanted, and I lived in California for a long time, so I thought ‘Hella Wanted’ was really fun,” she adds.
The Black Sands — which features an impressive smoking presentation — is a combination of whiskies and Giffard banana liqueur black lemon bitters with oak smoke
Other popular drinks so far include the Melona ($19) — Midori, Divino guava mezcal, yuzu, lemon, agave, saline black lemon and Ango orange bitters — and Kunia Quick Fix ($20). The latter includes Ketel One, Kō Hona Kokoleka, cold brew, ancho chili barrel-aged bitters and cinnamon dust.
The speakeasy also offers a variety of beers, wines by the glass, whiskey and more.
If you’re planning to visit the speakeasy, it’s recommended to park at Honolulu Zoo. Metered street parking is also available.
“We are very excited to finally be open and hope locals and visitors will seek us out for this new nighttime experience,” Tobin states.
CONTACT
SinIceStir Speakeasy
The Twin Fin Hotel Waikīkī
2570 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu
808-491-6306
sinicestir.com
Instagram: @sinicestirspeakeasy
Open 5 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays to Saturdays
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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
