We Had a Blast at Our 2025 Mini Lobster Fest
The spiny lobster season is in full swing across Belize! Throughout July, the country welcomed the season with a range of lobster-themed festivities, offering travelers and foodies alike plenty of opportunities to indulge. Down south, in Hopkins, our fourth Mini Lobster Fest and Artisan Market was a grand success, complete with local handcrafted goodies, delicious food, and of course, the crowning of this year’s Bartender of the Year.
A Taste of Tradition in Hopkins
Our 4th Annual Mini Lobster Fest took place on Saturday, July 19th, with a scenic beachfront setting courtesy of The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. For the past four years, the festival has allowed guests to get a taste of Belize’s lobster fest activities. While small and intimate, the Mini Lobster Fest delivers on fun and flavor in a big way each year.
This year, The Belize Collection food truck offered festival attendees a menu of specially curated items—like lobster mac and cheese, crispy lobster bites, and popcorn chicken—to choose from.
Meanwhile, inside The Paddle House restaurant, our artisan market featured eight spectacular small businesses. Guests were able to choose from a variety of locally made and uniquely Belizean products, including candles, art, jewelry, and chocolate. We are grateful for the local artisans who helped transform our mini lobster fest into something extra special: Belize Banana Fibers, Andrea’s Chocolate, Kandles by Kay, Tresor & Arrecife, Shady Acres, Amaur Belize, Keeona Wood Art, and Deb’s Trinket Box.
Battle of the Bartenders: The Grand Finale
Our Mini Lobster Fest and Artisan Market also served as the setting for the grand finale of the annual Battle of the Bartenders. Spirits were high and mixology skills were on full display as three talented bartenders went head-to-head in some friendly competition. Rodney Lamb from Umaya Resort & Adventures, Nino Moreno from The Banks, and Jerry Yaxcal from The Lodge at Jaguar Reef all prevailed over their fellow mixologists during the competition’s preliminary round, which took place on World Cocktail Day (May 13th).
For the final showdown, the three bartenders went through three rounds of challenges: the first, a mystery box round, which required them to utilize chaya in their recipes, followed by a speed round, and finally a signature drink round. Each cocktail was presented to a panel of judges for critiquing. This year, that panel included the Belize Bartender Association’s President, Ricael Moran and Treasurer Josue Ku alongside Travellers Liquors’ Jordan Ramclam.
Our cocktail masters used a variety of spirits, with all local spirits sponsored by Travellers Liquors, our official event partner. At the end of it all, it was Umaya’s Rodney Lamb who emerged victorious and snagged a third consecutive win for the resort.
In addition to a grand prize, Rodney walked away with the Bartender of the Year title and, of course, plenty of bragging rights. Securing second place was Jerry from Jaguar Reef, followed by Nino from The Banks in third.
Congratulations to all our The Belize Collection bartenders on a job well done! We look forward to another thrilling Battle of the Bartenders next year and, of course, another fun-filled Mini Lobster Fest.
Rodney’s Winning Cocktail Recipe (Mamacita de Cacao)
Prep:
Simmer the following on low until thickened:
- Dark chocolate to taste
- 1 cup mango purée
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 habanero pepper
- 6 cinnamon sticks
Let it cool, strain, and rest for 8 hours to blend flavors.
To Mix:
- 2 oz Mamacita puree
- 2 oz Parrot Bay Rum
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
Shake and serve over ice in a cinnamon-rimmed glass.
This fall, come sip on a Mamacita de Cacao (or your favorite cocktail) on the beaches of Hopkins. Plenty of unforgettable experiences await!