Time For Study Hall

At first glance, the bookshelf in the lobby of The Modern Honolulu is just a bookshelf. But cleverly hidden behind it is an upscale lounge with plenty of seating, dim lighting and live music.

If the exclusivity of lounging behind a bookshelf isn’t too appealing to you, wait until you uncover the cocktail menu. (And if The Study still sounds like something you would not appreciate, then your grade is an F.)

The Study is stocked with beers, house wines and well drinks like Bacardi and Jack Daniel’s — all of which feature deals during happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays, and from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday Thursday.

But I recommend one of The Study’s 11 crafted cocktails, which all cost $13. (These are not included on the happy hour menu, but the taste is worth the price.)

The first one I tried, HuckleBERRY Fin, contains Grey Goose vodka soaked with fresh berries, raw cane sugar and fresh-pressed lemon juice. While I was impressed with the freshness of the cocktail, it tasted too much like grape vodka.

Next up, I tasted Champagne Haze (pictured). It was fruity and well-balanced, containing Bombay Sapphire gin, fresh lemon juice, honey and strawberries, and topped with Prosecco. The bubbly beginnings led to a strong honey taste and a bite from the gin.

My last drink of the night was Women Are From Venus (yes, there is a Men Are From Mars drink, too) with Jose Cuervo, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, sweet and sour, and a Cabernet top. While I am not typically a fan of tequila, I was craving something different, and this drink delivered. It had a distinct flavor without trying too hard. The tequila managed to complement the Cabernet by sweetening the dry wine with agave, and the elderflower liqueur neutralized the strong flavors.

The Study also has live entertainment by artists who include Jeremy Cheng, Alex Oasay, Melanie, Simple Souls and Jason Laeha.

That’s enough of my lecture — it’s time for you to do your own research. So get to The Study before 2 a.m. You never know when there may be a pop quiz.

baumsammi@gmail.com