Tiki cocktails were created in the 1930s by Ernest Raymond Beaumont-Gantt, a.k.a. Donn Beach, a former bootlegger who opened a Polynesian-themed bar in Hollywood called Don the Beachcomber. He served exotic cocktails with catchy names like Zombie, Mai Tai, and Scorpion, inspired by the flavors and traditions of the South Pacific islands. Tiki cocktails became a sensation, and other bars started to imitate the trend, including Trader Vic’s, which opened in 1937 in Oakland, California.
In the 1950s, Tiki culture reached its peak, with restaurants and bars across the United States and Europe serving elaborate drinks in carved Tiki mugs, surrounded by bamboo, thatch, and tropical decor. However, by the 1970s, Tiki cocktails fell out of fashion, and many bars closed down or switched to other themes.
In recent years, Tiki cocktails have made a comeback, thanks to a new generation of bartenders and enthusiasts who appreciate their creativity, complexity, and escapism. Tiki events and competitions are held worldwide, and many bars and restaurants include Tiki cocktails on their menus.
Ingredients of Tiki Cocktails
Tiki cocktails are known for their complex and varied flavors, which come from a mix of ingredients, such as:
Rum is the backbone of Tiki cocktails, and it’s usually blended with different types and ages to achieve a balanced and nuanced taste. Light rum is used for its sweetness and aroma, while dark rum adds depth and richness. Aged rum can impart flavors of vanilla, oak, and caramel, while spiced rum can bring notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices are essential to Tiki cocktails, as they provide acidity, sweetness, and freshness. Pineapple, orange, lime, and grapefruit are commonly used, either freshly squeezed or canned. Some recipes also call for exotic fruits like passionfruit, guava, or mango.
Syrups and Liqueurs
Tiki cocktails often feature syrups and liqueurs that enhance the fruit flavors and add complexity. Orgeat is an almond syrup that gives a nutty and floral taste, while falernum is a spiced syrup that adds a ginger and clove kick. Curacao is an orange liqueur that provides sweetness and bitterness, while Campari is a bitter liqueur that adds depth and color.
Spices and Herbs
Tiki cocktails can include a wide range of spices and herbs that give them a distinctive character. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are common, as well as ginger, mint, and basil. Some recipes even use unusual ingredients like absinthe, bitters, or seaweed.
Classic Tiki Cocktail Recipes
Now that you know the basics of Tiki cocktails, let’s explore some classic recipes that you can try at home. These drinks are easy to make with simple ingredients, but they pack a punch of flavor and fun.
The Mai Tai is perhaps the most famous Tiki cocktail, invented by Donn Beach in 1944
Ingredients:
2 oz. aged rum
1 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. orange curacao
1/4 oz. orgeat syrup
1/4 oz. simple syrup
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with ice.
Add all the ingredients and shake well.
Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
Zombie
The Zombie is a potent and fruity cocktail that Donn Beach created in the 1930s. It’s a mix of different rums, juices, and spices that can make you feel like a zombie if you drink too much of it.
Ingredients:
1 oz. gold rum
1 oz. dark rum
1 oz. 151 rum
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. grapefruit juice
1 oz. pineapple juice
1/2 oz. cinnamon syrup
1/2 oz. grenadine
2 dashes of absinthe
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with ice.
Add all the ingredients except for the 151 rum and absinthe.
Shake well and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Float the 151 rum on top and pour the absinthe over it.
Garnish with a cherry and a pineapple wedge.
Scorpion
The Scorpion is a communal cocktail that Trader Vic’s created in the 1940s. It’s meant to be shared among friends, as it comes in a large bowl with straws for everyone to drink from.
Ingredients:
4 oz. light rum
2 oz. brandy
2 oz. orange juice
1 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. orgeat syrup
1/2 oz. honey syrup
Instructions:
Fill a blender with ice.
Add all the ingredients and blend until smooth.
Pour into a large bowl or a punch bowl.
Add ice cubes and garnish with fruit slices.
Modern Tiki Cocktail Recipes
While Tiki cocktails have a rich history and tradition, they also lend themselves to experimentation and innovation. Many bartenders have created their own twists on classic recipes or invented new ones that reflect their personal style and creativity. Here are some modern Tiki cocktails that you might want to try.
Painkiller
The Painkiller is a modern classic that was created by Pusser’s Rum in the 1970s. It’s a creamy and tropical drink that can make you forget your troubles and soothe your pain.
Ingredients:
2 oz. Pusser’s Rum
4 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. coconut cream
Grated nutmeg
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with ice.
Add all the ingredients except for the nutmeg.
Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with grated nutmeg and a pineapple wedge.
Jet Pilot
The Jet Pilot is a potent and spicy cocktail that was created by Steve Crane in the 1950s. It’s a mix of different rums, syrups, and spices that can take you on a wild ride.
Ingredients:
1 oz. dark rum
1 oz. gold rum
1 oz. 151 rum
1/2 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. grapefruit juice
1/2 oz. cinnamon syrup
1/2 oz. falernum
1/4 oz. Pernod
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with ice.
Add all the ingredients and shake well.
Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a mint sprig and a cherry.
Jungle Bird
The Jungle Bird is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that was created in the 1970s in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It’s a mix of rum, pineapple juice, and Campari that can transport you to a tropical jungle.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. dark rum
3/4 oz. Campari
1/2 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
4 oz. pineapple juice
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with ice.
Add all the ingredients and shake well.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.
Conclusion
Tiki cocktails are a fun and flavorful way to escape the ordinary and travel to a tropical paradise. Whether you prefer classic or modern recipes, there’s a Tiki cocktail for every taste and mood. Just remember to use high-quality ingredients, balance the flavors, and garnish with style. So, grab your shaker, put on some Hawaiian music, and enjoy the exotic world of Tiki cocktails!
FAQs
What kind of rum should I use for Tiki cocktails?
You can use different types and ages of rum, depending on the recipe and your preferences. Light rum is usually used for sweetness and aroma, while dark rum adds richness and depth. Aged rum can provide vanilla, oak, and caramel flavors, while spiced rum can add cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes. Experiment with different rums to find your favorite blend.
What kind of fruit juices are best for Tiki cocktails?
Pineapple, orange, lime, and grapefruit juices are commonly used in Tiki cocktails, either freshly squeezed or canned. You can also use exotic fruits like passionfruit, guava, or mango to add a tropical twist. Just make sure to balance the sweetness and acidity of the juices with other ingredients.
Can I make Tiki cocktails without a blender or shaker?
While a blender and a shaker can help you achieve a smooth and consistent texture, you can also mix Tiki cocktails in a glass or a pitcher. Just stir or muddle the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. The presentation may not be as impressive, but the taste will still be delicious.
What is the difference between Tiki and tropical cocktails?
Tiki cocktails are a specific type of tropical cocktails that originated in the 1930s in the United States. They are known for their complex and varied flavors, as well as their Polynesian-themed presentation, with carved Tiki mugs, bamboo, and thatch decorations. Tropical cocktails, on the other hand, can refer to any cocktail that features tropical fruits, juices, or flavors, regardless of their origin or style.
Are Tiki cocktails strong?
Tiki cocktails can be strong or mild, depending on the recipe and the amount of alcohol used. Some recipes call for multiple types of rum and liqueurs, while others use just one or two. It’s important to drink responsibly and know your limits, especially if you’re trying a new recipe or a potent drink like the Zombie or the Jet Pilot. You can also adjust the recipe to your liking by adding more or less alcohol or diluting it with soda or juice. As with any cocktail, the key is to balance the flavors and enjoy it in moderation.
