Rum Renaissance Festival

[Maria de los Angeles]

I attended this event last year and totally recommend it! If you like rum, this is a great way to taste some of the world's finest. Or, if you don't know anything about rum at all and are curious, it's a fun way to become acquainted with this beverage. You'd be surprised, there is way more to rum than just Cuba Libres and Mojitos.

Rum is experiencing a Renaissance around the world as more savvy consumers discover the incredible flavors of fine rums from the Caribbean islands and every region of the Americas. Mark your calendars now for one of the premier international rum events in May as the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival presents a unique and exciting celebration of the finest rums in the world... featuring a slew of great VIP parties, a grand exhibition of the best rums in the world, celebrity seminars and workshops, an opportunity to rub shoulders with dignitaries and notable experts, rum competitions, plus a big beach and pool party event. We'll be celebrating island cultures and the bon vivant lifestyle with hot music, great food and an amazing array of tropical libations.

Learn more here: Rum Renaissance Miami: May, 2010

These are my blog posts from last year:

sex and the beach: Rum Running in South Beach, Part 1
sex and the beach: Rum Running in South Beach, Part 2

[Maria de los Angeles]

It's that time of the year again, folks!

Miami-Dade is quickly becoming the go-to place for all things rum. Although there are rum festivals all over the world (including an important one in London), this year's Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is a week-long exploration of cane spirits in what we might call the "gateway" to rum with our tropical neighbors as historical producers and distillers.

Who's going? I'll be there for the Zombie Jamboree at Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale, where we'll explore the history of the legendary Zombie cocktail and enjoy some Polynesian food and entertainment.

A teaser about the Zombie:

It first appeared in the 1930s soon after prohibition was repealed.

Perhaps the most infamous American cocktail of the 20th century, the Zombie was invented by Donn Beach (formerly Ernest Raymond Beaumont-Gannt) of Hollywood's Don the Beachcomber restaurant.

The rest of the festival will hold various VIP tasting parties throughout the week at different venues on the beach, but headquarters will be at the Deauville Resort in North Beach. I highly recommend the grand tasting either on Saturday or Sunday! Don't miss the seminars. Drinking rum is like drinking history; this by-product of sugar was more influential in early American history than the "tea party".

For more information, visit http://www.rumrenaissance.com/

[coach]

I concur. This event is ridiculous. Look at it this way, all other events charge you money for some other theme and get maybe 1 or 2 alcohol sponsors. This event does away with all that extraneous stuff and just goes for the alcohol. The Grand Tasting is something like $25 and you can drink dozens of different types of rum all day long. Honestly, I don't think I could even do a two day pass. $25 for all you can drink 2pm-8pm. Seriously, how can you beat that?

[Jess]

Wow, I was offered a pass for this for free and said no. Maybe I'll have to re think!

[Maria de los Angeles]

Jess, I'll be there Saturday! Rethink! Rethink!

[katalina]

ummm I'm thinking about going.. What's in the Zombie cocktails?

[Jess]

Jess, I'll be there Saturday! Rethink! Rethink!

It would be Sunday if at all, I am sorry! My drinking partner who has the tickets is thinking of taking his old roommate now which to be honest may be better. Let them get shitfaced as I enjoy a peaceful Sunday

[Maria de los Angeles]

I had a great time at Mai Kai last night. The Polynesian dinner theater was less kitschy than I expected it to be, but I really loved the grounds and bar -- the bar is decorated so you feel like you're on a pirate ship!

I think I definitely want to have my next birthday party there!

Oh and the Zombie drinks were delicious. The first Zombie comes from circa 1934 by famous bartender and restaurateur Don the Beachcomber in California. The whole tiki bar craze died down after a few decades, but it's making a comeback. Mai Kai is definitely a great tiki bar.

We are not talking your average bland and boring strawberry daiquiris or piña coladas here. These are serious tiki drinks.

I think the Mai Kai should be experienced by all South Floridians at least once ... well worth the drive to Fort Lauderdale if you're coming from Miami.

[Maria de los Angeles]

ummm I'm thinking about going.. What's in the Zombie cocktails?

I posted on the event at the Mai Kai on my blog. Here's an excerpt:

A refreshing Zombie made with DonQ.

A good Zombie is not your ordinary fruity cocktail. Forget your average strawberry daiquiri or piña colada here; this is the mother of all tiki drinks, and while it does contain fruit juices, this vintage beverage also packs a buzz, hence its namesake. All Zombie's feature various rums in combination with other liqueurs, juices, falernum and bitters. A Zombie is a classy, elaborate tropical concoction with intense flavors -- quite the cut above the watered-down slushy drinks you'll find at the average bar.

Read the rest of the post for more info on the history of Zombie cocktails and rum and tiki resources in South Florida: http://sexandthebeach.blogspot.com/2...th-zombie.html

[Maria de los Angeles]

My recap is up: http://sexandthebeach.blogspot.com/2...d-tasting.html

But you might enjoy just watching the video. It says it all! I shot this whole thing on my iPhone.

Jess, I bumped into your other half. Missed you!