Mala Ocean Tavern invites you for an evening of inspiration and execution for our first Tavern Shakedown, an oceanfront cocktail showcase!
The Shakedown will take place every 4th Saturday of each month in 2023, starting February 25th. Doors open at 10pm. NO COVER. 21+
Each week two of Maui’s best mixologists and bartenders will go head to head to find out who is the master of their craft, hosted by MALA Mixologist Dennis Day. Each bartender will be given a mystery ingredient box, and will face off using the same ingredients and spirit to craft a cocktail that highlights the ingredients in the box, in partnership with Heaven Hill.
Heaven Hill is the largest independent, family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier in the country. Over the last three decades Heaven Hill has built on its foundation of American Whiskeys to become a broadly diversified supplier of Whiskeys, Liqueurs, Vodkas, Rums and other spirits, and we are excited to partner with them for the first ever Tavern Shakedown.
Semi Finals and the Tavern Shakedown Finale will come at the end of 2023. Finalists will be participating for the Finale’s Grand Prize; a VIP Trip for Two for the Ultimate Heaven Hill Experience in Kentucky, provided by Mala Ocean Tavern.
Local Experts will choose the favorite cocktail presented, and guests will have the opportunity to cheer on participants and also sample the culinary delights. Drink tickets will be available for purchase.
Tavern Shakedown bartenders and mixologists are below, followed by the featured Heaven Hill spirit featured each week.
February 25 Leslie @ Lima Cocina + Cantina vs. Alvaro (Best Cocktail) @ Mala Ocean Tavern - Mellow Corn Whiskey
Local Experts: Jake Evans @ Maui Gourmet Food, Garrett Marrero @ Maui Brewing Co.
March 25 Suzanne (Best Cocktail) Ester's Fair Project vs Jen @ Honu Oceanside - Rittenhouse Rye
Local Experts: Chuy @ Merriman’s , Jonathan Floyd @ Duckhorn Wines, Mari @ Pacific’O
April 22 Heather @ Taverna vs. Jess (Best Cocktail) @ Ester's Fair Project - Tequila Ocho Plata
Local Experts: Oliver Welch @ Waikulu Distillery, Caleb Hopkins @ Mala Tavern, & Ingrid Lynch @ Down The Hatch
May 27 Ryan @ SugarCane Dane vs. Rio (Best Cocktail) @ Duckine - Rittenhouse Rye
Local Experts: Dillon Dray @ Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Justin Newman @ Honu Oceanside, Ginny Block @ Belly
June 24 Alejandro Blanco (Best Cocktail) Macadangdang vs. Nathalie @ Down The Hatch - Bluecoat Gin
Local Experts: Sugarcane Dane , Adam Rath Ester's Fair Project, & Ka’ai Fong Makawao Public House
July 22 DJ @ Merriman's vs. Jessie (Best Cocktail) @ Monkeypod Kaanpali - Widow Jane 10YR
Local Experts: Aunty Becky Speere @BeckyEatsMaui, Chris Speere, Chef Alvin Savella Duckine
August 26 Morgan @ Monkeypod Wailea vs. Kai @ Pacific’O - Elijah Craig Bourbon
September 23 Chase @ Lehua Lounge vs. Wildcard - Evan Williams White Label Bourbon
October 28 Semi - Finals TBA - Larceny Bourbon
November 25 Semi - Finals TBA - Deep Eddy Vodka
December TBA Finals TBA
If you are interested in more information, please email info@malatavern.com.