Thirsty travelers and  lusty locals should direct their happy hour compass toward Key Biscayne Thursday night, October 15 when the Ron Abuelo Rum Mixology Contest kicks into high gear from 6-8pm. The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne RUMBAR is already one of our favorite spots for a cool, tropical cocktail and a romantic spin to one of Miami’s most popular salsa bands, Groupo Nostalgia.

Thursday’s big event pits the winners of the New York City rum cocktailing competition against some of Miami Beach’s most ambitious bartenders from RUMBAR, Plunge at the Gansevoort, Living Room at the W South Beach, 8 Ounce Burger Bar and Florida Room at the Delano Hotel. Each rum slinger will have just 15 minutes to invent two tasty libations to thrill the judges and take down the top tipple trophy.

Best part of this rum-soaked rumble is that you get to sample each creation while nibbling free Cuban-inspired hors d’oeuvres and showing off your best dance moves. Ron Abuelo Rum hopes to make a lasting impression on this Bacardi buzzed town by knocking down prices on rum drinks all night long.

RUMBAR boasts 52 different rums on their cocktail menu, a variety of Cuban tapas on their lite-bites list, and a well-edited humidor for cigar aficionados to get their stogie on. Open Sunday through Thursday from 3pm-midnight and Fridays and  Saturdays until 1am, RUMBAR at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne is located at 455 Grand Bay Drive.