Maui Time

  • News
    • Walk Story: Mauitime 2018 Candidate Interviews
    • Business
    • Education
    • Health
    • Law Enforcement
    • News of the Weird
    • Politics
    • Science and Environment
    • Surf & Sports
  • Eh Brah
  • Culture
    • Activities
    • Fashion
    • Health and Wellness
    • History
    • Horoscope
    • Letters
    • Maui Community
    • People
    • Wedding
  • Entertainment
    • Art
    • Calendar
    • Community Events
    • Film Critique
    • Movies & Showtimes
    • Music
    • Stage
  • Food & Drink
    • Food News
    • Maui Bars
    • Made on Maui
    • Maui Restaurants
    • Recipes
  • Best of Maui
    • Best Restaurants and Bars, Food and Drink on Maui
      • BEST BAR ON MAUI
      • BEST BARISTA ON MAUI
      • BEST BBQ ON MAUI
      • BEST BENTO ON MAUI
      • BEST DINNER ON MAUI
      • BEST KEPT SECRET ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL BREWER ON MAUI
      • BEST BREAKFAST ON MAUI
      • BEST BURGER ON MAUI
      • BEST BURRITO ON MAUI
      • BEST BUSINESS LUNCH ON MAUI
      • BEST CHEF ON MAUI
      • BEST CHINESE ON MAUI
      • BEST COCKTAIL ON MAUI
      • BEST DINING WITH A VIEW ON MAUI
      • BEST DIVE BAR ON MAUI
      • BEST FARMERS MARKET ON MAUI
      • BEST FEMALE BARTENDER ON MAUI
      • BEST FINE DINING ON MAUI
      • BEST FISH AND CHIPS ON MAUI
      • BEST FISH SANDWICHES ON MAUI
      • BEST FISH TACOS ON MAUI
      • BEST FOOD BOOTH AT FAIR ON MAUI
      • BEST FOOD TRUCK ON MAUI
      • BEST HAPPY HOUR ON MAUI
      • BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE ON MAUI
      • BEST HOSTESS BAR ON MAUI
      • BEST ITALIAN FOOD ON MAUI
      • BEST JAPANESE ON MAUI
      • BEST KID FRIENDLY ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL CHEAP EATS ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL COFFEE HOUSE ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL FARM ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL FOOD ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL FOOD PRODUCT ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL HOT DOG ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL ICE CREAM ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL LATE NIGHT FOOD ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL LIQUOR STORE ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL PIZZA ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL SANDWICH ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCALLY MADE BEVERAGE ON MAUI
      • BEST LUAU SHOW ON MAUI
      • BEST LUNCH ON MAUI
      • BEST MAI TAI ON MAUI
      • BEST MALE BARTENDER ON MAUI
      • BEST MEXICAN FOOD ON MAUI
      • BEST NEW BAR ON MAUI
      • BEST NEW RESTAURANT ON MAUI
      • BEST NOODLE SHOP ON MAUI
      • BEST PANCAKES ON MAUI
      • BEST PAU HANA ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO BUY ADULT BEVERAGES ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO BUY POKE ON MAUI
      • BEST PLATE LUNCH ON MAUI
      • BEST PUPUS ON MAUI
      • BEST RESTAURANT ON MAUI
      • BEST RESTAURANT WITH KAMAAINA DEAL ON MAUI
      • BEST SAIMIN/RAMEN ON MAUI
      • BEST SEAFOOD ON MAUI
      • BEST SECRET WINE CELLAR ON MAUI
      • BEST SERVER ON MAUI
      • BEST SERVICE ON MAUI
      • BEST SHAVE ICE ON MAUI
      • BEST SMOOTHIE ON MAUI
      • BEST SPAM MUSUBI ON MAUI
      • BEST STEAK ON MAUI
      • BEST SUSHI ON MAUI
      • BEST VEGETARIAN ON MAUI
      • BEST VIETNAMESE ON MAUI
    • Best Arts Entertainment and Nightlife on Maui
      • BEST AKAKU PROGRAM ON MAUI
      • BEST BAND ON MAUI
      • BEST DINNER AND SHOW ON MAUI
      • BEST FEMALE MUSICIAN ON MAUI
      • BEST GALLERY ON MAUI
      • BEST KARAOKE ON MAUI
      • BEST LIVE THEATER ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL BLOG ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL CLUB DJ ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL COMEDIAN ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL FACEBOOK FEED ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL INSTRAGRAM ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL TWITTER FEED ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST ON MAUI
      • BEST MALE MUSICIAN ON MAUI
      • BEST MUSEUM ON MAUI
      • BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO DANCE ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO SHOOT POOL ON MAUI
    • Best Businesses Goods and Services on Maui
      • BEST ADULT SHOP ON MAUI
      • BEST AUTO MECHANIC ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO BUY AN UKELELE ON MAUI
      • BEST BIKE SHOP ON MAUI
      • BEST BOOKSTORE ON MAUI
      • BEST BRIDAL SHOP ON MAUI
      • BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE ON MAUI
      • BEST GREEN BUSINESS ON MAUI
      • BEST HARDWARE STORE ON MAUI
      • BEST HEAD SHOP ON MAUI
      • BEST HOME FURNISHING ON MAUI
      • BEST HOTEL/ACCOMODATIONS ON MAUI
      • BEST JEWELRY STORE ON MAUI
      • BEST LASER HAIR REMOVAL ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL BOUTIQUE ON MAUI
      • LOCAL CLOTHING DESIGNER
      • BEST LOCAL SURF SHOP ON MAUI
      • BEST MALE BARTENDER ON MAUI
      • BEST NEW BUSINESS ON MAUI
      • BEST OUT-OF-BUSINESS-BUSINESS ON MAUI
      • BEST PET SUPPLY STORE ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO BUY MUSIC ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO GET A BODYBOARD ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO GET A FACIAL ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO GET A MANICURE OR PEDICURE ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO GET KITESURF GEAR ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO GET WAXED ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO SEE WW2 MEMOROBILIA ON MAUI
      • BEST PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE ON MAUI
      • BEST RECYCLING CENTER ON MAUI
      • BEST SALON ON MAUI
      • BEST SCUBA/SNORKEL SHOP ON MAUI
      • BEST SHOPPING CENTER ON MAUI
      • BEST SUP BOARD SHOP ON MAUI
      • BEST SWIMWEAR SHOP ON MAUI
      • BEST TATTOO SHOP ON MAUI
      • BEST WAY TO GET RID OF THE GIANT TV SITTING IN YOUR GARAGE ON MAUI
    • Best Sports and Lesiure on Maui
      • BEST ACTIVITIES COMPANY ON MAUI
      • BEST BARBECUING BEACH ON MAUI
      • BEST CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY ON MAUI
      • BEST COUNTY PARK ON MAUI
      • BEST FITNESS CLUB ON MAUI
      • BEST HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT ON MAUI
      • BEST HIKE ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL AMATEUR SURFER ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCALS BEACH ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL COACH ON MAUI
      • BEST LOCAL GROM ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE FOR OCEAN SPORT ETHUSIASTS ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO BUY KITESURF GEAR ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO WORKOUT WITH A VIEW ON MAUI
      • BEST PLAYGROUND ON MAUI
      • BEST PUBLIC POOL ON MAUI
      • BEST SCHOLASTIC ATHLETE ON MAUI
      • BEST SNORKELING SPOT ON MAUI
      • BEST SPA ON MAUI
      • BEST SWIMMING BEACH ON MAUI
      • BEST YOGA STUDIO ON MAUI
      • BEST YOGA TEACHER ON MAUI
      • BEST GYM ON MAUI
      • BEST RESORT POOL ON MAUI
    • Best Politics and Environment on Maui
      • BEST COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT ON MAUI
      • BEST COUNTY BLUNDER ON MAUI
      • BEST COUNTY OFFICAL ON MAUI
      • BEST ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE ON MAUI
      • BEST ENVIRONMENTAL NON-PROFIT ON MAUI
      • BEST GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE ON MAUI
      • BEST MAYORAL CANDIDATE ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO PAY RESPECT TO MAUI HISTORY ON MAUI
      • BEST PLACE TO SEE HAWAII AS IT WAS PRE-CONTACT ON MAUI
      • BEST POLITICAL ACTIVIST ON MAUI
      • BEST POLITICAL SCANDAL ON MAUI
      • BEST RESOURCE ON MAUI POLITICAL HISTORY ON MAUI
      • BEST SCARIEST PUBLIC FIGURE ON MAUI
      • BEST STATE BLUNDER ON MAUI
      • BEST TOWN TO LIVE IN ON MAUI
      • BEST TOWN TO VISIT ON MAUI
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Authors Page
  • Events
  • Add Your Event
  • Events by Venue
    • West Maui
    • South Maui
    • Central Maui
      • Maui Arts and Cultural Center
    • Upcountry Maui
  • How to tip Mauitime: Signal, email and US Postal
  • February 15, 2019
You are here: Home / Food & Drink / Food News / The Dirty Monkey in Lahaina holds its first ever Girls Gameday Cocktail Throwdown

The Dirty Monkey in Lahaina holds its first ever Girls Gameday Cocktail Throwdown

September 6, 2017 by Anthony Pignataro Leave a Comment

With football season now upon us, The Dirty Monkey in Lahaina decided to have some fun. On the night of Monday, Sept. 4, the bar hosted seven female bartenders from around Maui for its first ever Girls Gameday Cocktail Throwdown.

The rules were relatively simple: Each bartender had six minutes to prepare two cocktails–one using Milagros Blanco tequila and one using Hendrick’s gin. The Dirty Monkey provided an array of citrus fruits, juices, olives and Luxardo maraschino cherries, but bartenders were also allowed to bring in their own syrups, bitters, etc. The goal was to craft cocktails that people would want to drink regardless of the time of day–Sunday morning, Monday night, whatever. The winning cocktail–judged on taste, presentation and execution–then becomes the featured drink at The Dirty Monkey whenever football’s on, all season.

These are the bartenders who found the courage to take part in the throwdown: Maya Alexander of Down The Hatch, Dolly Espino of Lava Rock Bar and Grill, Mari Howe of The Mill House, Denise “Big Island Barbie” Nakanishi of Steel Horse Saloon, Kara Powers of Three’s, Jenn Richardson of Milagros and Kendra Visscher of Pita Paradise.

The bartenders were broken up into rounds, four in the first, three in the second. They stood at four stations, set up on four cocktail tables on the dance floor, and made their cocktails for the judges. After the first round was over, the group of four moved into The Dirty Monkey’s back bar, where they set up again on similar stations and mixed their cocktails for customers who had paid $20 for the privilege of sampling all the night’s drinks. As they did that, the remaining three bartenders mixed their drinks for the judges.

The winner–undisputed, apparently, which meant there was no need for any sudden death overtime–was Howe, a King Kekaulike High graduate and bartender at The Mill House. Her drinks, both of which scored higher than any other drinks in the throwdown, exemplified the term “craft cocktail.” Her prize package included a football emblazoned with The Dirty Monkey logo and a $300 gift certificate to the Andaz (Young’s Market, Hendrick’s and Milagros tequila sponsored the event).

Howe called her first drink “The Gridiron” (football metaphors were plentiful during the throwdown). “It’s light and refreshing,” Howe told me after she’d won. “You can drink it day and night.” The drink contained Hendrick’s gin, fresh cucumbers, basil, Agua de Bolivia (an herbal liqueur) and fresh lime juice.

Her second drink, “The Red Zone,” featured Milagros tequila, Ancho Reyes (a chili liqueur), her own hibiscus honey syrup (made with Haiku honey and dried hibiscus leaves that she made into a tea), fresh lemon juice, orange bitters and a spiced sweet chili salt she made from a variety of ingredients, including Allspice, sugar and cloves. The last drink she garnished with an orange peel she cut into the shape of a football.

Ultimately, The Dirty Monkey’s Skye Dante told me the day after the throwdown, management chose Howe’s “The Red Zone” cocktail as their featured drink (see the drink recipe at the end of this story).

The throwdown had four judges: Chef Isaac Bancaco of the Andaz Resort, Ashley Leal of Fleetwood’s on Front St., Keli‘i Heen of Young’s Market and Angie Thompson, who writes the DiningonMaui.com blog and represented MauiTime (culinary writer Jen Russo is traveling and couldn’t make it; Thompson is also my girlfriend).

“The event was enjoyable, well-organized, had beautiful displays and a talented group of mixologists,” Thompson said after the event. “I had a great time and was honored to sit alongside the other judges. The Dirty Monkey’s staff was friendly and full of energy–which is critical for an event like this.”

Judging wasn’t easy, both because there were so many cocktails to taste and initial logistical confusion. At the end of each round, the bartenders simply placed their two drinks on the judging table–there were no labels on any of the drinks, so the judges constantly had to ask each other which drink was which as they sampled each one. In any case, they managed to keep everything organized.

“Overall, the cocktails were all tasty and most were well-balanced flavor-wise, but I would like to have seen more use of ice spheres as opposed to crushed and cubed ice,” Thompson continued. “By the time some of the cocktails reached us, much of the crushed ice had melted, diluting their flavor. Mari Howe and Maya Alexander stood out, in part due to their use of their own infused simple syrups, which elevated their drinks to the top in terms of execution.”

Though she didn’t win, Nakanishi of the Steel Horse had the greatest line of the night. It came when she was describing one of her cocktails to the crowd. “My first [drink] is the ‘Honeygirl Smash’ because who doesn’t want to smash a honeygirl?” To say the crowd cheered after she said those words would be an understatement.

 

The Red Zone

1.25 oz Milagro Blanco tequila

.75 oz Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur

.75 oz Hibiscus Honey syrup

.75 oz fresh Lemon juice

2 dash orange bitters

1/2 bar spoon spiced sweet chili salt

 

Photo of (L to R) The Dirty Monkey owner Matthew Robb, Mari Howe, Keli‘i Heen courtesy Matthew Robb

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Food News Tagged With: Andaz, Angie Thompson, Ashley Leal, Denise Nakanishi, Dining on Maui, Dolly Espino, Down the Hatch, Fleetwood's on Front St., Football, Girls Gameday Cocktail Throwdown, Hendrick's gin, Isaac Bancaco, Jenn Richardson, Kara Powers, Kelii Heen, Kendra Visscher, King Kekaulike High School, Lahaina, Lava Rock Cafe, Mari Howe, Matthew Robb, Maya Alexander, Milagros, Milagros Blanco tequila, Pita Paradise, Skye Dante, Steel Horse Saloon, The Dirty Monkey, The Mill House Bar and Restaurant, Three’s, Young's Market

Comments

comments

Subscribe to Our Newsletter


Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • News
  • Education
  • Business
  • Health
  • Law Enforcement
  • News of the Weird
  • Politics
  • Science and Environment
  • Surf & Sports
  • Eh Brah
  • Culture
  • Activities
  • Fashion
  • Health and Wellness
  • History
  • horoscope
  • Letters
  • People
  • Wedding
  • Entertainment
  • Art
  • Calendar
  • Community Events
  • Film Critique
  • Music
  • Stage
  • Food & Drink
  • Maui Bars
  • Food News
  • Recipes
  • Maui Restaurants
  • Events
  • Add Your Event
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Authors Page

Copyright © 2019 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.