They mixed. They muddled. They shook icy and exotic ingredients in martini shakers. Bartenders from 11 top resorts and restaurants on Maui tried their hand for the top three slots in the Pre Mix-off Mai Tai Competition held last Wednesday at Royal Lahaina Resort in Kaanapali.
All used Sammy's Beach Bar Rum in their recipes and, of course, rocker and rum owner Sammy Hagar was one of the celebrity judges along with drummer Brad Hargreaves of Third Eye Blind, who will appear at a concert during the Ka'anapali Fresh event at the hotel Sept. 2.
The top three winners of the competition get free round trip airfare, transfers, accommodations at the Royal Kona Resort, and entry to the Fourth Annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival Aug. 18, which features a $10,000 prize and coveted title of the "World's Best Mai Tai."
Article Photos
Rocker Sammy Hagar and his wife, Kari, flank their two daughters at the
recent Pre Mix-Off Mai Tai competition at the Royal Lahaina Resort in Kaanapali, in which bartenders used his Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum in their recipes.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
First-place winner Christopher Nevins of the Four Seasons Resort Maui's Lobby Lounge dazzled the judges with his Kipahulu Lulu. Second place winner was Blair Anderson of Mala Ocean Tavern Lahaina, who impressed with The Modern Mai Tai; and third place went to James Shoemaker of Moana Cafe in Paia with his Year of the Dragon.
The final Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival will feature Battle of the Barbecue, rock concert, Mai Tai Marketplace more. Call (808)-329-3211.
