Artful Accoutrements — Mid-Century Maurer

Find this feature and more in
“*The Vibe*”

Atomic Ranch
- Design Issue 2021

Cocktails. I love making them just as much as I love drinking them. When it comes to mixing up something new and delicious, the creativity doesn’t stop at what goes in the shaker. Presentation deserves equal billing in my book, and it’s the finer details that make all the difference.

One of my favorite places to imbibe is Skull & Crown Trading Co. in Honolulu’s historic Chinatown. There you’ll find a team of master mixologists slinging top notch craft cocktails that are every bit beautiful as they are tasty. The space is unmistakably tiki, but with a uniquely dark and subtly creepy edge. It’s a must-see if ever you are on O’ahu.

Manila Sour cocktail at Skull & Crown Trading Co,. with Chinese lantern pick by Kon-Tigo.

It was at Skull & Crown’s Tiki in Waikiki celebration that I was introduced to the most delightful cocktail garnish I had ever seen — a colorful paper lantern hanging from a bamboo pole. The enchanted evening was limited to just a few attendees, but our hosts (and creators of the bar) Noa Laporga and Angelina Khan pulled out all the stops to show us true island hospitality. From being greeted with fresh orchid lei, to outstanding Thai-Lao cuisine from Olay’s, and a traditional Chinese dragon dance, we were in very good hands through the night. We were even fortunate enough to enjoy a brilliant live performance by the Alika Lyman Group, featuring many favorites from the Arthur Lyman song book. It was truly a journey to the past and an evening to remember.

As the night went on, the drinks were in a constant flow from the bar, and all were garnished with those adorable lantern picks. As folks finished up their final sips, the picks moved from mug to hairdos with lanterns bobbing along to the sweet sound of vibraphone melodies.

The evening wrapped up, but I needed to know more about these picks and where they came from. The bartender was kind enough to divulge that they are made by the folks at Kon-Tigo Tiki Bar. The rabbit hole went much deeper as I then discovered this charming garnish is attributed to Hawaii cocktail legend, Harry Yee. He is best known for popularizing the tiki scene in the 1950s-’60s, and for creating a number of signature cocktails, including the Blue Hawaii and Banana Daiquiri. He was also the first to use orchids, backscratchers — yes, backscratchers — parasols, and paper lanterns in tropical drinks! With this newfound knowledge, my appreciation for this lantern pick came full circle having discovered it in its birthplace of Honolulu.

Upon returning home, I thought it would be fun to create my own customized lantern picks, so I gathered supplies and dedicated a little time to make my own version inspired by Mr. Yee’s legacy. If you’re looking for a fun craft on a rainy day, try constructing your own lantern pick for a cocktail garnish that’s sure to impress your guests, and perhaps even yourself.

Be sure to pick up a copy of Atomic Ranch - 2021 Design Issue for a look at this craft, accompanying recipes, tiki mugs, and much more. Cheers!