Kiana’s Special: 24 Years in the Making

And a hit with the ladies.

Where: Bush Garden, 614 Maynard Ave. S., 682-6830, www.bushgarden.net. INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT.

Bartender: Kiana

Her favorite drink: Kiana’s Special, named after its creator.

How much does it cost? I really don’t know. At happy hour, I got the drink, a generous glass of Ketel One, and two-for-one appetizers (bacon-wrapped shrimp, mussels) and my total was $19.

What’s in the Kiana’s Special? Rum. Lotsa rum. Malibu, and the Captain, plus Midori (which is what makes this drink green) and Blue Curaçao.

That’s a lot of rum. “It’s potent, but tastes good. It can sneak up on you.”

Who’s the fan base for the Kiana’s Special? “The girls like it. They like something that tastes good. And I’m from Hawaii, so I like to create things that are tropical. I don’t like the taste of liquor.”

Why did you move to Seattle? “My ex-husband was stationed here. I was just going to save money to get my stuff back. But, you get a boyfriend, kids start school…That day never came.”

How long have you been at Bush Garden? “Twenty-four years.”

Why? “I loved my boss [longtime owner Roy Seko]. We rub this plaque here for good luck. In fact, I think he still roams these walls here.”