The third annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival kicks off on April 25th with the Zombie Jamboree, a tiki tasting party at the legendary Mai Kai. Don’t miss it.
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LOSE YOUR SENSES WITH THE INFAMOUS ZOMBIE COCKTAIL
Named for its perceived effects upon the drinker, the Zombie cocktail is taking a front seat as seasoned mixologists create their own versions of the infamous concoction during the first-ever Zombie Jamboree held at the legendary Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Monday, April 25 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The ingredients of the original Zombie cocktail, invented more than 75 years ago by Don “The Beachcomber” in the 1930s, were never revealed, and like all good cocktails, the recipe has changed throughout the decades. To keep the tradition of the ever-changing Zombie cocktail alive, Don’s original drink will take on new forms as “Zombie” masters will serve up contemporary versions of the mixture using different rums. After the cocktail demonstrations and tastings, guests are invited to stay for a dinner and Polynesian-style dance and fire show at the Mai Kai.
“Zombie cocktail mixologists will use their favorite rums to deliver brand-new interpretations of a cocktail that truly epitomizes classic Tiki culture from the 1930s,” said Rob V. Burr, mixologist and host of the Zombie Jamboree. “It will be a treat to taste the many variations of a drink using a slew of cane spirits that will give the Zombie a whole new flair. This is the perfect event to jump start the Rum Renaissance Festival in Miami.”
Co-host of the Zombie Jamboree and author of five books on vintage Tiki libations and cuisine, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry will conduct a graduate-level thesis seminar on the original Zombie concoction. Jeff will share his ten-year adventure tracking down the lost recipe of the 1930s cocktail version. Guests will be able to sample Don “The Beachcomber’s” classic 1934 recipe and 1956 recipe, as well as enjoy demonstrations by other renowned mixologists and their own variations of the Zombie cocktail.
This interactive seminar and drink demonstration will allow guests to vote on their favorite Zombie cocktail. The winner will be crowned “Zombie Master” of Rum Renaissance 2011.
The launch of the Zombie Jamboree party, sponsored by DonQ rum from Puerto Rico, kicks off the third annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, a week-long celebration of the iconic cane spirits. The rum festivities will continue throughout the week with exclusive VIP rum parties leading up to the official Grand Tasting Event and Island Lifestyle Showcase at the Deauville Beach Resort, April 30 – May 1, 2011.
Cost for the Zombie Jamboree is $25 per person for the two-hour seminar and drink demonstration. For an additional cost guests are invited to stay after 7 p.m. for dinner and the Polynesian-style show. The Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant is located at 3599 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more information about the Zombie Jamboree and the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, visit www.rumrenaissance.com.
RSVP is required to attend the Zombie Jamboree and dinner; please contact the Mai Kai directly at 954.563.3272.
About the Rum Renaissance Festival
The third annual Rum Renaissance Festival featuring more than a hundred international rums from the Caribbean and around the globe, and highlights the history of rum, the distilleries, the families and the brands that have made rum the noble spirit of the Caribbean for the past three centuries. The event is organized and hosted by Robert and Robin Burr and their son, Rob V., of Quantum Leap Network, publishers of Robert Burr’s Gifted Rums Guide, and host of the annual Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise aboard the Celebrity Summit.
Tagged: Events
March 31st, 2011 at 8:54 am
We’ll be there.
March 31st, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Jeff at the Mai Kai for Zombees and then again for Hukilau. The near future looks very tiki for S. FL.
April 6th, 2011 at 7:21 am
Nice article, thanks for the information.
April 7th, 2011 at 7:42 am
Mike,
Are you going to this? I’m trying to come to South Beach to shoot a new bikini model and would love to do this as well.
Carl
May 8th, 2011 at 6:16 am
Wow, good party with a lot of wine, nice and yummy
Interesting writing. A new information for me. Glad to find a blog like this. Thank You