Last Friday marked the closing event for Social Media Week in Los Angeles, which consisted of panel speakers and events throughout the week. Not only did the event provide networking opportunities and major promotion of new social media outlets, but it also supplied a plethora of booze. Enter Shellback Rum, a premium rum that celebrated its launch at the closing event of Social Media Week at Madame Tussauds wax museum. Shellback Rum provided a little sliver of island paradise at their Shellback Rum Hut where they previewed two new cocktails: the Tiki Screwdriver and Stormy Seas (ingredients after the Jump). Even though the rums were mixed with juice, they weren’t too sugary, and weren’t overpowered by the alcohol. They found a perfect balance of tropical tasting goodness without letting the fruitiness of it all get in the way. After downing a few (or before, if you’re a safe sailor), you could test out the Shellback-sponsored ORACLE Team USA simulated sailboat and interactive video. Apparently, if you weren’t a good sailor you’d end up capsized — they even had a cushion waiting for your landing. Before being able to head into Madame Tussauds we were entertained by a great DJ set by John Wander, the CEO & Founder of CHNL.it — a new social networking site that allows you to stream all your social media into one feed. Every blogger’s dream. His set was accompanied with live bongo and standing drum playing, complimenting the exotic sights and flavors the Shellback Rum Hut was pumping out in cocktail form. You can stream the set below and check out other sets from the evening here. Check out the Gallery to see the Shellback Rum Hut and ORACLE simulated sailboat. Pictures not included: me sharing my Tiki Screwdriver with wax Snoop Dogg and Tupac.

Cocktail ingredients after the Jump…

TIKI SCREWDRIVER
2 oz Shellback Silver Rum
1 ½ oz Passion Fruit Juice
1 oz Orange Juice
½ oz Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
¼ oz Lemon Juice
¼ oz Grenadine – floated
Pineapple, Orange and Marschino Cherry garnish

STORMY SEAS
1 ½ oz Shellback Spiced Rum
¼ oz Coffee Liqueur
1 oz Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
3 oz Ginger Beer
Lime Wedge – squeezed