Meet Nino Moreno: The Banks’ Master of Mixology
There is a new way for guests to unwind and indulge at Humo Restaurant: sitting at the riverside, while sipping on a wholesome drink. We’re leaning into wellness this year, and that includes introducing a new lineup of health-conscious drinks that add to the already serene and immersive wellness experiences available at our jungle resorts. Guests at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant and The Banks can head over to Humo and enjoy a carefully curated menu of mocktails, expertly made by our very own champion bartender, Nino Moreno.
Meet Belize’s 2025 Bartender of the Year
Six years ago, Nino Moreno worked on the floor as a waiter in Caye Caulker, but even then, he found himself fascinated by the art of bartending. It didn’t take long for his curiosity to evolve into full-blown passion, and eventually he found himself behind the bar. From there, his path was clear.
“The first time I truly felt the depth of my passion was when I entered my first bartending competition,” Nino told us. “It didn’t go as well as I had hoped. I placed fifth out of ten participants. At the time, it felt like a failure. But instead of discouraging me, it pushed me to work harder, refine my craft, and channel my creativity into innovative cocktails.”
In 2025, that hard work paid off, with Nino walking away Belize’s 2025 Bartender of the Year after stellar performances in both The Belize Collection’s Battle of the Bartenders and The National Taste of Belize competition. Soon after, he was granted the opportunity to represent the country at Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados and later came home sporting a silver medal and a “Spirit of the Competition” award.
Nino believes that he learned a great deal from each competition, including what it means to craft cocktails in an ever-evolving industry.
“We’re in an ever-evolving industry where guests want more flavor, more experience, and the ability to enjoy drinks over a longer period without feeling overwhelmed by alcohol.”
That lesson is what helped inspire him in shaping The Banks’ new drink menu.
Nino’s Menu of Mocktails
Wholesome and health-conscious but still bursting with flavor. Those are the common traits of Humo’s new bar menu items. Featuring a blend of mocktails and “skinny drinks”, the menu, says Nino, was crafted to highlight options that offer extended enjoyment. “The goal was to allow guests to savor cocktails without necessarily getting drunk or feeling the effects of heavy alcohol consumption,” he added.
Each drink is bursting with Belizean flavor, inspired by local favorites like tamarind, guava, coconut, and even honey. They include a Tamarind and Guava Canterino, which blends sour notes with the perfect amount of sweetness and even a touch of spice to provide a deliciously balanced treat.
Nino’s favorite, however, is the Goddess Kiss, inspired by one of the cocktails he prepared during Taste of the Caribbean. Featuring soursop, honey, and fat-washed dark rum, it’s as quintessentially Caribbean as a drink can get.
Undoubtedly, our new mocktail selection is crafted with the same complexity and reverence as its spirited counterparts. Each one is also crafted with the same amount of care. Their introduction reflects the broader ethos of The Belize Collection, delivering an immersive approach to travel that is rooted in nature, balance, and authenticity. And for Nino, the new concept of mindful mixology is just the beginning for Humo.
“We will continue blending flavors through new techniques, introducing unique ingredients, refining our craft, and pushing creative boundaries,” he concluded. “Most importantly, we will continue creating experiences that keep our guests satisfied, inspired, and eager for the next cocktail.”
Ready to try our award-winning bartender’s new creations for yourself?