KAPALUA — Taverna Restaurant, home of Urban Drinks + Italian Eats, is proud to announce its inaugural Bar Team Competition/Cocktail Contest. The event will be held on Monday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. and will feature Roca Patron Tequila.

Competitors include Pacific’ O, Esters Fair Prospect, Lineage, Luana Lounge, Merriman’s, Spago, Alaloa Lounge and Taverna. Each team will be tasked with preparing a cocktail using Roca Patron Tequila as the base spirit.

Judges for the competition include Maui’s own “Top Chef,” Sheldon Simeon of Tin Roof; Kim Brisson-Lutz, master brewer for Maui Brewing Company and director of operations for Origin Coffee Roasters; and James Wadsworth, former food and beverage director of The Mill House and Certified Specialist of Wines, WSET Level 2.

Cocktails will be judged on a variety of factors, including appearance, aroma, creativity and taste.

Roca Patron is an artisanal crafted tequila using unique fermentation and distillation methods. It’s created at specific proof levels to ensure the best flavor profile.

Tickets for the event are available at $25 per person and include a Patron Estate Release Specialty Cocktail.

To comply with all current social distancing requirements, limited tickets are available.

Taverna is a neighborhood restaurant in the heart of the Kapalua Resort renowned for its award-winning Italian menu and cocktail and wine program.

Opened in March 2016, Taverna was created to be an upscale, rustic gathering place offering inspired Italian cuisine and craft cocktails in a relaxed and casual setting.

Known for its house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas and signature favorites like lasagna and Slow Braised Chianti Beef Short Rib, Taverna has reimagined its protocols and layout to offer diners a safe space to enjoy dining out in the open-air restaurant.

The restaurant has invested to enhance both food safety and employee best practices to mirror CDC and state recommendations.

An upgraded spacious lanai experience is available for special events, happy hour and offers outdoor grilling.

Voted “Best Cocktails” and “Best Italian” by Maui No Ka ‘Oi magazine, Taverna also offers a fun and casual bar to enjoy late night cocktails, locally crafted beer or one of the popular Italian or premium wine selections.

Current hours of operation are: Happy Hour Lunch Monday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.; Dinner Monday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.; Sunday Brunch with live music and hula dancing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Late Night Happy Hour on Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Call 667-2426 or visit tavernamaui.com for more information.