On Maui, I discovered aguachile in a way I never expected. Once just a classroom recipe I didn’t care for, it became unforgettable at Gather [on Maui, for food and drink]. Between a Savory Citrus Martini, ocean breezes, and two wild kittens on the terrace, I found a new appreciation for this Mexican seafood dish. Here’s the story, the authentic recipe, and the Maui-inspired version.

Maui is my paradise, and every visit brings new inspiration. This time it was cocktail foams. At Monkeypod Kitchen, the famous Mai Tai crowned with golden lilikoi honey foam showed me how something so light can transform a drink. That sip led me to explore the story behind this modern Hawaiian classic and to try making it at home. Here I share its history, my connection to Maui, and a precise recipe for silky lilikoi foam using a siphon.