Her Majesty’s Pearl
Her Majesty's Pearl: A rum-based tiki cocktail by Misty Kalkofen of Drink, Boston. Concocted for The WAITIKI 7.
One of the tunes on the upcoming album is an original ballad called “Her Majesty’s Pearl.” Penned by Randy Wong, “Her Majesty’s Pearl” features a simple, yet elegant melody evocative of sweetly nostalgic Hawaiian melodies like “Akaka Falls”, “Ke Kali Nei Au”, and “‘Imi Au ‘Ia Oe.” Its melody is gently passed between vibraphone and piano, with a brief violin interlude. In line with the belief that the popularity of French Impressionism foreshadowed the success of Les Baxter, Martin Denny, and other exotica composers, the arrangement is bookended by passages Wong lightly quoted from Claude Debussy’s Nuages.
The recording also features Lopaka Colon, who voices lower-register birds and pond animals like frogs, crickets—creatures that one might encounter while hiking on O’ahu’s Windward side, perhaps up to Maunawili Falls or through the Ko’olau mountains.
Listen to a clip of “Her Majesty’s Pearl”
Our friend Misty Kalkofen (the famed bar chef of Green Street Grille and now, Drink Fort Point) graciously conceived this cocktail to complement Wong’s ballad. One sip, and the link between this tiki drink and its music becomes clear.
Recipe for Her Majesty’s Pearl
1.5 oz Rhum Agricole
0.5 oz Pierre Ferand Ambre
0.5 oz St. Germaine
0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
0.25 oz Simple syrup
7 drops rose water
If you’re ever in Boston, stop by Drink (348 Congress Street, Boston) and experience Her Majesty’s Pearl for yourself.