Hawaiian Actress and Ginger Blossom
Inspire Winning Beverage

Tia Carrere may be best known for her acting roles in such major films as "True Lies," "Wayne's World" and Disney's "Lilo & Stitch."

But it was her singing that inspired Hawaii bartender Bob Melton of Chuck's Steakhouse at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach to create this year's winning beverage in Outrigger's annual Signature Drink Contest. The song "Pua 'Olena" is about the fragrant turmeric plant (a member of the ginger family), thought to have been brought to the islands by early Polynesian voyagers. It is one of the island songs Carrere's new "Hawaiiana." The CD was the result of a joint effort between the actress and a former school mate, two time Grammy award-winning Hawaii musician Daniel Ho.

"The way Tia sings 'Pua 'Olena' inspired me to make a drink seeking the same sweet smell and essence of the 'olena blossom," Melton said of his winning recipe.

This is the second year in a row that Melton has won Outrigger's annual signature drink contest, a competition among bartenders at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Outrigger Reef on the Beach, and Keauhou Beach Resort on Hawaii's Big Island.

Melton's winning recipe earned him a trip to Los Angeles, where his Pua 'Olena drink will be poured at a private Hawaii Grammy function, plus other prizes.

Pua 'Olena

By Bob Melton, Chuck's Steakhouse
Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach

1 oz. Yazi Ginger Vodka
3/4 oz. Malibu Coconut Rum
1/2 oz. Sohi Lychee Liqueur
1 oz. Lilikoi Juice
1 oz. Guava Juice
1/2 oz. Kiwi Fruit Juice

Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake to chill and strain into chilled martini glass.

Edited by Patricia D. Sherman

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