By Kristin Hashimoto

Wolfgang Puck, photo by Alex Berliner

Wicked, decadent, dangerously smooth, are just a few words to describe the cocktails at Spago located within the Four Seasons resort in Wailea. Celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck’s Maui Restaurant is seriously dedicated to its mixed drink menu and wine list. The beverage choices are extensive and range quite dramatically in price. Still, if a cocktail is what you’re looking for, take a seat at the anemone orange, red and chocolatey-brown themed bar, and let yourself venture away from the comfortable cosmopolitan.

It’s nice to be pleasantly surprised when peeking at a cocktail menu. Cucumbers? Really? In a drink? This will either be spa-water like refreshing, or disappointingly reminiscent of a wilted salad. Spago does not fail with their cucumber martini. It is delicate, light and refreshes the palate. Nothing is cloying about this drink. It finishes clean and leaves you wanting more.

Need a little more heat to your night? Try the Haleakala Fire. Jalapeno peppers, thai basil, herradura anejo tequila, and grapefruit juice combine for a jolt of bitter-sweet heat from the citrus and peppers. Add that nip of tequila and the drink goes down way too easily.  This savory drink is a must try.

For the sweeties out there, the Lychee Martini is a good solid choice. Made with Belvedere vodka, pureed lychee, and fresh lime juice. The lime juice adds that necessary mild-bitter to offset the sweet and aromatic lychee.

Sweet Lychee

These cocktails are mid-range in price at around $15 each. The bar is open nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. If you’re hungry, dinner is available until 9:30 p.m. Dinner reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit www.fourseasons.com/maui/dining/spago, or call 874-8000.