Chief Lapu Lapu
ROYAL HAWAIIAN
Despite several ownership changes , the Royal Hawaiian ’ s Lapu Lapu stands the test of time with its recipe , which is still offered to customers in its original form as well as a modernized version . The new iteration , called the Chief Lapu Lapu , is concocted with light and dark rums , housemade passion fruit syrup , simple syrup and both orange and lemon juice . This showstopper is garnished with a cinnamon stick , fresh mint and a hollowed out passion fruit half that ’ s filled with rum and set on fire . A refreshing ode to nostalgia , the drink ’ s new twist creates a bridge between the past and the present .
The original Lapu Lapu from the 1940s — when the eatery was called the Royal Hawaiian Charcoal Broiler — can also be ordered as a secret menu item ; some customers request both for a tasting comparison .
“[ The Lapu Lapu ] has long been a staple of the imbibing community here in Laguna since the inception of The Royal Hawaiian and the Cabang family who made it famous ,” says Royal Hawaiian bar manager Julian Flores Torres . “ The main difference between the old and new version is that the new version is much more balanced in its flavor profile . The old recipe was missing citrus to balance and complement the sugars . … We also included a fiery bruleed passion fruit garnish to enjoy alongside the drink .”
THIS SPREAD : WALES COMMUNINCATIONS
Royal Hawaiian ’ s Chief Lapu Lapu features a fiery bruleed passion fruit garnish .
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 61