Yellow cocktail with mint garnish.
By ERICA MARTINEZ
Give Gin A Tropical Twist With The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail

A lesser-known cocktail called the Royal Hawaiian takes the flavors and feels of the Aloha state and shakes them up with none other than gin.

Gin is a surprising choice for something "tropical," but the addition of lemon juice and almond (from the orgeat) balances out the liquor's pine flavor and strong botanical notes.

The Royal Hawaiian combines gin, pineapple, lemon, or orgeat into a cocktail shaker. The drink is shaken with ice and then served with a mint garnish over pebble ice.

Other versions of the drink are served straight up or without ice. Of course, if you want a maraschino cherry garnish, go for it.