TIKI CULTURE

It’s International Exotic Cocktail Day! (Plus your weekend drink, the Mai Tai)

(Aloha! This is the post from 2010. 2011’s International Exotic Cocktail Day is set for October 7. Check out the Facebook Page for more info and updates, and cheers!)

It’s here - the day we’ve all been waiting for - International Exotic Cocktail Day! So come on in swingers, pull up a drink and get fabulous!*

We’ll be celebrating at the Mai Kai in Fort Lauderdale tonight. They don’t know it yet, but they are about to become the world’s starting gate for the event. Who knows, maybe in 20 years it will be something else they are known for!.

So wherever you are kids, grab a drink, mix a drink, make a virgin drink if you’re too young or on the wagon, and toast to the wonderful life full of Tiki and retro fun stuff that we’re all so luck to be hip to.

Cent’Anni! Cheers, and Mahalos to you all!

-Tiki Chris

*I stole that line from Futurama.

Your Weekend Cocktail: The Mai Tai

In honor of the day, I thought it appropriate to feature the drink that started it all, the Mai Tai. Depending on who you talk to it was created by either Don the Beachcomber or Trader Vic in the 1930s or 1940s. I’ve done extensive research on the subject (translation: I looked at a couple of websites) and have found that the Beachbum Berry is probably the most reliable source, and he says it was Don the Beachcomber, so I’m going with that. Check out BB’s page on the subject at BeachBumBerry.com.

Here’s the classic DTB recipe, updated for modern availability:

•    1 oz Rhum Clément VSOP Martinique rum
•    1 oz Appleton Estate Extra dark Jamaican rum
•    1 oz fresh lime juice
•    1/2 oz Orange Curacao.
•    1/4 oz Simple Syrup.
•    1/2 oz Orgeat Syrup

Add to a shaker with crushed ice and shake it up, baby. Pour over rocks in a Tiki mug or Old Fashioned glass and garnish with mint sprig, so that you sense the mint as you take in the drink. An umbrella is mandatory, unless you have a fresh tropical flower to replace.

Make no mistake, this is the REAL Mai Tai. Anything with pineapple juice, anything red, anything that tastes sweet and sticky is not a Mai Tai, although lesser bars will try to pass off these concoctions to you. Insist on the best, or make it yourself!

Aloha!

Hey Tiki Lovers! Don’t Miss The First Annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival At The Royal Kona Resort In Hawaii!

There’s a decades-old feud as to who invented the ultimate Tiki Bar Drink, the Mai Tai…Trader Vic, or Don the Beachcomber. Well at The Royal Kona Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii, there is no question at all. On August 22, 2009, they will host the first annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival! Unfortunately yours truly will be thousands of miles away in Sunny South Florida, but I promise to have a Mai Tai in spirit.

For those of you lucky enough to be in the South Pacific, here’s a run-down of the fun (A big thank you to Liz Bell at Royal Kona for providing the information and photos):

The Mai Tai Marketplace — A gathering of local vendors selling their produce, crafts, art and other local designed, inspired and grown goods!

Battle of the BBQ — A food tasting competition. Vote as esteemed Big Island restaurants battle it out for title and People’s choice awards for taste and presentation!

BEACHBUM BERRY Seminar — Be intrigued by the famed rum and tiki expert while he explores the true father of the Mai Tai – a paternity test between Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic!

Battle for the World’s Best Mai Tai — 24 contestants have been chosen from the many entries to compete for title and the $10,000 CASH prize…don’t miss it!

HAPA — the legendary and award winning duo of Barry Flannigan and Nathan Aweau will enchant the Big Island with their Hawaiian music and hula. You won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to listen to their magic on the beautiful oceanfront ground of the Royal Kona Resort.

“CALLING ALL BARTENDERS”
ALL ENTRIES must be submitted with payment no later than July 29, 2009 — DON’T DELAY!
Enter your favorite Mai Tai recipe, using Bacardi Rum, and compete to win top honors and the GIANT Cash Prize. A panel of judges will score the recipes based on various factors that will include flavor and presentation. 24 Finalists will be chosen out of all of the registrations who will be required to travel to the Royal Kona Resort for the final ‘Mix Off’ competition. All recipes must use Bacardi Rum. The winning ‘Mixologist’ and their recipe will also be featured in printed material after the competition.

$25 to register your Mai Tai Recipe and to participate in the competition. Please submit your contact information and we will contact you with a Registration form.
Special hotel room rates are available for competitors as well as guests and non-competitors. So if you’re in the neighborhood…

For more information call 808-270-9780 or email liz@hawaiihotels.com.
Royal Kona Resort
75-5852 Alii Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740