If you thought the Mai Tai was a hit, try the “Pua ‘Olena,” a cocktail inspired by a song on Tia Carrere’s Grammy-nominated Hawaiiana album.

Each year, bartenders from Hawaii’s Outriggers Hotels and Resorts create drinks, inspired by the Grammy-nominated albums in the Hawaiian category, for the Outrigger’s Hotels and Resorts’ fourth annual “Signature Drink Contest.”

Last night, Bob Melton, a bartender of Chuck’s Steakhouse in Waikiki, took top honors for the second year in a row. His lilikoi-guava-lychee cocktail concoction was inspired by Tia Carrere. “The way Tia sings Pua ‘Olena inspired me to make a drink seeking the same sweet smell and essence of the ‘olena blossom,” says Melton.

Here’s his winning recipe, full of Island flavors:
 

Pua ‘Olena
1 oz. Yazi Ginger Vodka
¾ oz. Malibu Coconut Rum
½ oz. Sohi Lychee Liqueur
1 oz. Lilikoi Juice
1 oz. Guava Juice
½ oz. Kiwi Fruit Juice

Mix all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake to chill and strain in to a chilled martini glass.

(BTW: We got Melton to make us one. It rocks.)

Besides Carrere, other nominees for the Hawaiian Grammy are

• Keola Beamer’s Ka Hikina O Ka Hau (The Coming Of The Snow)
• Raiatea Helm’s Hawaiian Blossom
• Cyril Pahinui’s He‘eia
• Treasures of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar produced by George Kahumoku Jr., Daniel Ho, Paul Konwiser and Wayne Wong.

For a complete listing of the Grammy Award nominees, click here. The awards will be aired Feb. 10, 2008 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

As the winning bartender, Melton will travel to Los Angeles to serve his drink at a special Grammy Awards party.