www.montereycountynow.com MAY 7-13, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 41 CHILL Monterey County may not have warm tropical rain that allows tropical fruits like pineapples and mangos to flourish, but it does have rum. And according to Nellie South, assistant manager of Hula’s Island Grill in Monterey, the spirit’s popularity is on the rise. “People like the tiki vibes—it’s super popular,” she says. Rum’s burnished sweetness plays naturally with the freshness of pineapple, making it perfect for classic tiki drinks, such as Hula’s Mai Tai. But where rum really shines is in its versatility. Not only does its proof vary widely—from 80 all the way up to cask strength of 150 or above—but there’s also variety: dark rum, spiced rum and white rum. South says the lighter rums are having a popular moment. The bar at Hula’s boasts over a dozen rums on the shelf. Of course, the spirit can be appreciated neat. But why? Hula’s Painkiller cocktail can be made with either Monarch Gold Rum or the Royal Fiji Rum. At 94 proof, the latter is a choice selection to complement the drink’s spiciness. But the star of the bar remains the Mai Tai. Think of the sharp edges of biting into a pineapple being smoothed into an almost-creamy balance of sweetness and tang on the palate. The signature version uses white rum, but according to South, using a darker or spiced rum can put a modern spin on the classic. Hula’s Island Grill, 622 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 655-4852, hulastiki.com. Tiki Time With the popularity of rum, it’s time to explore classic tropical cocktails. By Sloan Campi SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com SLOAN CAMPI Mom deserves the best. Enjoy an unforgettable brunch buffet featuring Maine Lobster Benedict, fresh oysters, sushi, carving stations, and decadent house-made desserts The scenic C restaurant overlooks a spectacular waterfront setting on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Do you live an InterContinental life? 750 Cannery Row, Monterey 831.642.2013 www.ictheclementmonterey.com Blue meets blue at the C restaurant + bar Located next to the Monterey Bay Aquarium 750 Cannery Row Monterey, California 93940 831.375.4500 www.ictheclementmonterey.com The reimagined C restaurant overlooks a spectacular waterfront setting on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The C restaurant + bar, where every table o ers a blue water view. Serving breakfast and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Located at InterContinental The Clement Monterey, a 208 room hotel on historic Cannery Row. Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Sunday, May 10, 11am - 2pm ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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