Celebrating the Mai Tai: A California Original

The iconic Mai Tai cocktail was created in California, but it has become a staple libation everywhere in Hawaii.

The Mai Tai, an iconic iced cocktail synonymous with Hawaii, is actually a drink invented by a restauranteur nicknamed either “Trader Vic” or “Don the Beachcomber.”  Both men laid claim to the tropical drink and both shook up their first concoctions in California.  Originally consisting of rum, lime juice, triple sec, and syrup, there are today hundreds of recipe variations that tantalize the taste buds of thirsty people worldwide.

Victor J. Bergeron claimed to have invented the Mai Tai in 1944 at his restaurant called Trader Vic’s in Northern California. His rival, Donn Beach of Don the Beachcomber fame, said he created it at his place in Hollywood in 1933. Don’s recipe was a bit more involved than his competitor’s and the taste differences were quite distinct.

In 1953, the Matson Navigation Company tapped Vic to come up with a signature drink for the then-new Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Oahu. The mixologist added pineapple juice to his Mai Tai recipe, which is still served today at the resort.

Since then, it’s still unclear as to who really should be credited with the libation, but the one thing that is indisputable is that the Mai Tai and all of its variations are enjoyed the world over.

Visitors can celebrate the Mai Tai August 16, 2016 at the Don the Beachcomber Festival at the Royal Kona Resort.

August 16, 2016, the Royal Kona Resort on Hawaii’s “Big Island” will hold its 8^th Annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival to celebrate the legendary Mai Tai in all its glory.  Over 20 top Hawaiian and international bartenders will converge on the resort to mix it up in a battle for the title of “World’s Best Mai Tai” and a $10,000 first prize.

The full-day event is admission-free, with all kinds of activities, non-stop from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. During the day, there is a Mai Tai Marketplace displaying island crafts and other products, a Battle of the BBQ to determine the best BBQ in the Islands, and a Pool Party with live entertainment—all leading up to the big mix-off in the early evening.

Great location. Tons of fun. Both Don and Vic would be proud.  For more information, go to www.royalkona.com.