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The most popular reviews in /r/Tiki:
I highly suggest that you get a copy of Martin Cate's excellent book (tiki bible?) Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki. That will teach you everything you need to know.
But, almost all tiki cocktails are rum-based. There are a few with other spirits, but fairly few. (Get rid of that spiced rum - you won't need it, and it's generally awful.) You can get as many opinions on rum brands here as there are posters, but as an advanced beginner, I'll give you my list:
- An all-around rum - I like Plantation 5-Year
- A black rum - Gosling's Black Seal is solid
- An overproof rum - I prefer Plantation O.F.T.D.
- A column still rum - Cruzan is quite good
- A rhum agricole - Clement works well
What you're looking for is style of rum, and country of origin. Around here we find the terms, "light, dark, amber" to be pretty useless as there are dozens of different styles and tastes of rums within each of those.
If you really want to get into making tiki drinks, you should buy the Smuggler's Cove book to get a good grip on what you're doing. The book also has recipes for most of the common syrups in the back. It is under $20 on Amazon, so it costs about the same as a decent bottle of rum.
This gets asked every few months... it's a Libbey... give me a few and I'll pull the model number.
Edit: Libbey 1619 15.5 oz Napoli Grande Footed Hurricane Glass. Here's the Amazon link, but if you shop around online you can find it cheaper - https://www.amazon.com/Libbey-1619-Hurricanes-Napoli-Grande/dp/B00CE5DI44
What do you think about stirring instead of shaking? Unless you're manning a stick at a Tiki bar, make your drinks the way you like. If you're happy simply stirring, than have at it. That being said, I would never think of not shaking/blending Tiki cocktails. Aeration is an actual component of the cocktail. Besides, syrups, liqueurs and fruit juices/purees don't combine all that easily, especially when cold/iced. Shaking/blending speeds the process greatly.
So you haven't found a shaker you like. OK. I Assume you haven't sprung $40 for a spindle blender. (Hamilton Beach 730C Classic DrinkMaster - Amazon) Fine. How about $12.19 for a hand/immersion blender? Proctor-Silex 59738 Hand Blender - Amazon Tiki cocktails take more thought, effort, tools and ingredients than your typical cocktails. That's why TGIChillibees don't do Tiki. It's also why those who do good Tiki are greatly respected.
~Cheers
At long last, and as promised, the eBook with the 30 "Modern Takes" on the Minimalist Tiki Classic 30 recipes is now available. (Link at bottom, but please read what follows.)
This is *not* the full book. However, we've provided a substantial preview of the book's content. If you're on the fence about buying, this is a low cost way to see what the book is like and get a bunch of recipes.
We know there will undoubtedly be questions. We've have tried to anticipate and answer most of them in what follows. 😎
If you have the 3rd or subsequent printings - you HAVE THESE RECIPES ALREADY.
If you have the first or second printing, you DO NOT HAVE THESE RECIPES.
How can you tell which printing you have? Look at page 265.
If it has the 138 Swizzle, it's a 3rd or later printing. You have these recipes.
If the first recipe is NOT the 138 Swizzle, it's a 1st or 2nd printing. You DO NOT have these recipes.
This eBook is only available on Kindle. We did not take this decision lightly, and we did significant research before coming to this decision.
As much as we don't love certain things about Amazon, Kindle is the platform with the widest reach. Kindle readers are widely available on most planforms for free.
No, we will not distribute the eBook in PDF form. There is no bulletproof way to prevent it from being unlocked and shared on the internet.
As consumers, we know Kindle may not be your first choice. As content creators, we understand how easy it is for authors to not get paid for their content. We've tried to strike the best middle ground here, protecting our livelihood while making our content available. to those who want it.
Hosted by Eve Bergeron of Trader Vic's, join us for an informal meet up and discussion with Jeff "Beach Bum Berry" & Mrs. Bum!
Topic: Beach Bum Berry & Mrs. Bum
Time: Apr 24, 2020 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94324157436?pwd=ODBJa0N1SU5Wa3hkdFlQbllXQnlpQT09
Meeting ID: 943 2415 7436
Password: 172013
I would recommend mynoise.net you can find a few to layer (Ocean/jungle) and automatically automate the sliders so the sounds change over time in subtle ways. They also layer with multiple sounds at the same time very well. I use the free version but the paid has a shitload.
For anyone interested: Pineapple shot glasses
I can't speak to the vintage-ness of these, as they were selling them in Costco last time I was in Hawai'i. Also, available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Cooke-Street-Honolulu-Classic-Hawaiian/dp/B07B42TLLK
That said, $20 for four is a good deal.
This one’s my favorite. I had one just like it at my door for a long time, but the chemical our maintenance staff used to pressure wash the building stained it so I threw it out.
DII Natural Coir Fiber, Non-Slip PVC Backing, Indoor/Outdoor Welcome Home Doormat, 18x30, Palm Leaves https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVHD8XZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3EQXMSGVQBC9T4XZQRN1
Echoing what someone else said - These are a far better value. One can lasts me 3-4 months and the cherries are A+ in my book.
https://www.amazon.com/Toschi-Amarena-Black-Cherries-Syrup/dp/B00CX8FKZM/ref=sr_1_8
I bought a bunch of 16oz. glass swing-top bottles from a retail place called Chef's Emporium. I put pourer tops on them when in use and seal them with the swing top when it's time to put them in the fridge.
They're all over Amazon. Like this: Swing Top Grolsch Glass Bottles 16oz - CLEAR - For Brewing Kombucha Kefir Beer (6 Set) Bonus Gaskets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LB1862A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pG0Rzb1GQ3PJY
Before you go buying a bunch more rums, you need to get a copy of Martin Cate's Smuggler's Cove book. The chapter on the different types of rums alone is worth the price of the book.
https://www.amazon.com/Smugglers-Cove-Exotic-Cocktails-Cult/dp/1607747324
There’s a copy of the old Waring Pro electric ice crusher on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074L29WHD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CPpZBbMFXA505
But those things are just as loud as using a mallet. I think a handcrank ice crusher would be the “quietest” solution. Definitely go vintage too because modern day replicas are mostly made of plastic.
Beachbum Berry gave the Grog Log treatment to recipes from a bunch of places in his book Taboo Table. Should be just what you're looking for!
Not a sales pitch, but after dealing with several options I hated, including reamers, I wound up with a dual gear hand juicer in this style that I love. Looks like this, but can be bought at many places.
I'm catholic and married to a religion teacher.
I would 100% go to this bar. We could have a pope Pius happy hour. Maybe the waiting area could be called, "purgatory".
Drinking is one of the few things Catholics got right. I would suggest this book. During the lockdown, I would make something from the SC book and my wife would make something from this book.
It very much depends on which ones you buy. Some are weaker than others. Personally, I use this and this.
I’m very careful and just start with a drop or two and then taste, especially with that particular almond extract. It is extremely potent. The orange blossom water slightly less so. Just get yourself a little dropper and add some of each until it tastes great to you!
You should be able to barely taste each, like a flavor enhancement. They will not come through heavily in the drink this way, but will add something.
Rum wise, you need something Jamaican. I would recommend Appleton. Smith and Cross can also be fun. Overproof also gets used frequently; Plantation Old Fashioned Traditional Dark (OFTD) is popular.
Personally, I would also consider my copy of Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki to be essential.
I had never heard of the Mid-Century Zombie until I bought these Zombie glasses. So I decided to make one last night. My specs aren't true to the recipe for rums because I don't typically keep Puerto Rican rum on hand.
1 oz Plantation Xaymaca
1 oz Flor De Cana 7
1 oz OFTD
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz Unsweetened Pineapple Juice
1 oz Passion Fruit Syrup
1 tsp brown sugar
Add sugar to a shaker and dissolve with lemon/lime juice. Shake the rest of the ingredients with crushed ice and free pour into glass. Garnish with mint and pineapple fronds, if you have them :)
I really enjoyed it. Obviously it's a totally different drink from the OG Zombie and I'd say less complex due to the lack of falernum and Don's mix. But on a hot and humid North Carolina evening it really hit the spot.
If you prefer not to click on Daily Mail sources, then here is a screenshot of the original article.
^^I'm ^^trying ^^to ^^help ^^so ^^please ^^don't ^^ban ^^me, ^^just ^^downvote ^^me. ^^I ^^auto-delete ^^my ^^comments ^^with ^^a ^^score ^^of ^^-1 ^^or ^^less. ^^I ^^am ^^a ^^bot ^^based ^^on ^^this ^^code.
You know if you wanted to plus it even further why not use a load cell and then people really could pretend to be Indiana Jones. Rig it so that if they subsite an object of the same weight they get a spot light and the Indiana Jones theme.
Make it a game. If they can guess just the right number of marbles to have in the bag, or nuts in the bar bowl.
I got some variation of this Amazon generic masticating slow pressed juicer a couple years ago and it's great for pineapple juice. Just slice off the top, most of the skin, and cut it into long spears to go in the machine, even the core. I get about double the yield compared to mashing the chunks against a strainer:
https://www.amazon.com/Masticating-AMZCHEF-Extractor-Professional-Vegetable/dp/B0833NB31H
Blank Cocktail Recipe Book: Mixing log for cocktail creators, bartenders and mixologists | keep track of your cocktail recipes and experiments https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P3PC9H3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PK5VHA0JQ21XAVEDK0N7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is the book I’m using, each page has a section for name, method, ingredients and amounts, garnish, glass type, rating, and “notes/suggestions for improvements”
The best way I've found to get extra juice out is to stack several used halves in the squeezer (I use this one) and apply a ton of force. I was a couple limes short for a batched recipe a while back an tried this out of desperation and it worked wonders.
I haven’t used this for an actual drink yet, but I have one of these tools and it seems like a super easy way to make a pineapple drink.
Bitters Bottle Set - Glass Vintage Bottle, Decorative Bottles with Zinc Alloy Dash Top, Great Bottle For Your Bitters (3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R3KXBNF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BEZH2G6CY7SJT029R70P
Check out this book Good Drinks - Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You're Not Drinking for Whatever Reason
There’s a drink with coconut in the previews in a pearl diver glass. I can’t see it on mobile but I bet you can on a laptop.
I got you.
The is the Singapore Sling (?-1950s) as listed in Beachbum Berry's Grog Log/Remixed. Page 88-89. Note from the Bum:
"While there's no proof this that this 'corrected' version is definitive either, it tastes better to us than any other [Singapore Sling recipe] we've tried - and we've tried 'em all"
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce Cherry Herring
- 1/2 ounce Benedictine
- 1/2 ounce brandy
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 1/2 ounce club soda (or more to taste)
Instructions: shake everything - except soda - with ice cubes. Stir in soda. Strain into a tall glass, add fresh ice to fill. Garnish with an orange wheel and mint spring.
Nah. I just don’t need quite so many. Amazon .
You can get some from Amazon. Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago uses them too, and will often throw in a few if you buy a mug (or maybe even if you ask).
False Idol guy referenced this stuff: https://www.sadaf.com/sadaf-rose-water-38-5912/. I couldn’t find it near me so I just bought the highest rated one of amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AWC1M8U?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share). I thought mind turned out well but I would side with the professional
I love that Smuggler's Cove has recipes around generic styles of rums, but it's always been a frustration to filter for what I can make with the specific bottles I own.
I used the recommended rum list, as well as indexes previously posted to reddit to create a nifty UI that makes it much easier to discover cocktails from the book. Just search for "Plantation" or "Goslings" under the "Smuggler's Cove" tab.
Just a note, this app wont give you the full specs, just the page number to find the full recipe. It's meant to help you extract the most from each book, not to replace it. If you like the cocktails, please support the author and buy the books!
PS: If you like the app, a review would be nice. Especially on Android where I have an unfortunately low rating. Not sure why 🤷🏽♂️
If you've got some space, you can also grow one: https://www.amazon.com/Kitazawa-Seed-Company-Green-Perilla/dp/B00GMP9M8S
The good thing about growing your own is that the plant is incredibly hardy and grows VERY fast once it gets going. The only problem is figuring out how to use that much shiso - I've started making shiso mojitos, for example.
When: Sunday March 21st 11am PST Register for the Webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f_RWJh7gTmu5TdBU_nAGDQ
This FREE event will be broadcast LIVE at: youtube.com/tikioasistv
To learn more: https://tikioasis.com/2020-virtual-tiki-oasis/
I used to listen to Vegas Vic's Tiki Lounge. While it's not around anymore you can still find some of the old episodes online. This one is one of three re-releases that gives a good idea of what his show was all about. The internet archive has some episodes archived and you can find it around the net here and there. I have the whole series and really need to make a separate dropbox and upload the whole thing. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/spyrateradio/episodes/2017-12-09T23_00_00-08_00
I use these for batching lime juice, lemon, syrups etc
North Mountain Supply 8 Ounce Glass Stout Sauce Bottle - with 38mm Black Plastic Lids - Case of 12 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07PVCHPC5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_SDZMQS008YMWN31DHSVR
I found this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/202824763541 and these: https://www.amazon.com/Cocktail-Cerahome-Transparent-Creative-Jellyfish/dp/B0852K74M2/ref=asc_df_B0852K74M2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459707785919&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12170383032674417507&hvpone=&hvptwo=&...
My first 2 thoughts were a hard plastic sleeve and those pockes they use for docs at the auto shop.
I just bought this:
PARACITY Lemon Squeezer Juicer Citrus Lime Orange Manual Juicer Hand Fruit Juice Press Cocktail Lemonade Squeeze Juicery Squeezer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LPFHXHG/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_glt_fabc_NBX9RJETWDEVXSDNBYP1
It handles everything from limes up to grapefruit (in chunks) and has better leverage than the smaller handheld squeezers. It takes up a bit more space, but still fits in a drawer or cabinet.
Time for Treats Iceberg ice crusher, 5 cups, white https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087VJ13WB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FV8MA29HSNK66NZ1BGHY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I’ve only had it a few weeks but it’s worked well for me so far
Thank you! I got these from Amazon before a friend suggested I try the local restaurant supply store. Don’t think I could have found anything as pretty though:
Godinger Champagne Coupe Barware Glasses - Set of 4, Dublin Crystal Collection https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07JVJ3R4P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8Z611S7FZ6AASX4GP1ZM
Thanks! I've been putting off making orgeat because my food processor sucks. Might just end up buying a commercial bottle, but maybe I'll use this moment to justify getting a better food processor instead.
I've got both cane and demerara sugars on hand, honey and cinnamon as well, so easy enough to make those syrups as needed. Also pomegranate syrup and orange flower water for making grenadine, should have thrown those into the photo shoot as well. I do have a jar of hibiscus flowers in syrup that someone gifted me, but looks like I probably need to grab some dried flowers to have on hand. I recently identified passionfruit as something to pick up after I came across a recipe for the Mastodon and realized that yes, I need to try this. Glad to hear that it's considered one of the "basics". (Also why I grabbed that Licor 43, which I sure hope has other uses!)
Your rum suggestions are super helpful. The world of rum is pretty opaque compared to other liquors, so I appreciate having a concrete list to aim for. Guess it's time to find an agricole and a pot still black!
This is going to be a very good start to the weekend.
I got a flat of the dole cans from Costco for a good price.
Amazon has it too
In Jeffrey Morgenthaler's book, "The Bar Book", he cites a fairly controlled study he conducted with 60 lemons. The lemons were divided into 4 groups and then tested for juice yield - Group 1) refrigerated & not rolled; Group 2) refrigerated & rolled; Group 3) non-refrigerated & not rolled and Group 4) non-refrigerated & rolled. In the end there wasn't much difference among the four groups in terms of juice extraction but Group 1) (refrigerated & not rolled) yielded the most juice per weight, 43.9% versus the lowest 41.4%(Group 4). With all that said, keep your fruit in the fridge. The book is also a pretty good read with some great recipes - https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Book-Elements-Cocktail-Technique/dp/145211384X
Any idea how long you can expect one to last?
Also, I found two versions on amazon. One just listed as "Opal" and the other listed as "GE Profile Opal." The former is about twice the price of the latter, but the design looks identical. Although the first one also doesn't say anything about having a "side tank" in the components list, despite it being shown in one of the pictures (and I have no clue how you'd fill up the water without it). Any clue what the deal is with that?
Links for quick viewing:
Opal
GE Profile Opal
I totally have! I bought these little moai silicon ice cube trays and colored it grey with black and blue foodcoloring to make little "Stone" Moai Ice Cubes.
I'd probably start by looking at Sven Kirsten's books. You can make your own calls on things like sensitivity and appropriation, but to understand the history, art, and style itself, he's essentially the authority.
Let me say, right off, congratulations!
Now then... working left to right:
- Trader Joe's fresh squeezed pineapple juice, or Lakewood Organic in the bottle are both better than Dole in the can.
- Once the Captain Morgan is empty, upgrade to a bottle of Don Q Cristal as your white rum.
- Once your De Kupper is empty, upgrade to Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao.
- Once your RealLime bottle is empty, upgrade to fresh limes. Invest in this hand juicer ($7 off today): https://www.amazon.com/Chefn-FreshForce-Citrus-Juicer-Lime/dp/B002XOG4B0/
What he said. Here's the cheapest one I ever found and for our purposes does everything the top of the line does.
Sadly, you have to take a pretty big step to get noticeably faster than what you have already. The time you save in juicing is sometimes just reallocated to cleaning and maintenance. The Sunkist J-1, however, is pretty great; efficient and dishwasher safe.
Sunkist J-1 Commercial Citrus Juicer
Cleaning and maintenance nightmare:
Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails has a few recipes with earl grey and tea in general, including:
Koopman, on pg. 148-148, uses earl grey tea as an ingredient
Royal Dock Cooler, pg. 158-159, uses earl grey tea as an ingredient
Tea Syrup, pg. 176. Make simple syrup, but substitute freshly tea in lieu of the water. Mustipher suggests earl grey among other tea options.
Honorary mention - there is Darjeeling infused gin in the Mutiny On The Bounty, pg. 98-99
While I may take some heat for saying it, I fully subscribe to your grocery store classifications 🤣🤣.
I am constantly looking for passion fruit puree wherever I go. The most accessible really is Amazon. It's a large portion, but as others have stated, you can freeze 1 oz cubes and use as needed later.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004S7C41E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_e2iaGb7V0B5A9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Cheers and good luck my friend!
I tried something similar with Wray & Nephew Overproof by dropping in one of these oak infusion spirals: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R2JFLJ2 After a month I took the spiral out, and now it's much more golden and has a bit of vanilla flavor but still a bit on the hot side.
I've found it makes a pretty nice Mai Tai when mixed either Denizen's or Clement Select (I'm too cheap to buy VSOP). Just remember the W & N is overproof, so I water it down to normal proof with 1/3 water and 2/3 W & N.
I think there is a seller on amazon that will ship to the UK. Enjoy Li Hing Mui Powder 6oz Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q51RU0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_eY29FbRP9GTMF
Click where it says “new” and look at the seller named LoaFoFsTuFF
I absolutely agree with /u/Slightlygarnished - skip the kits. They tend to either be very poor quality or very expensive. In either case they'll have you paying for things you don't actually need.
I'm just an advanced beginner myself, but I really recommend you start with just what you have in your kitchen. I'll bet you have a sharp knife and a cutting board, as well as some measuring spoons, a shot glass, a big glass for mixing, a chopstick or two for stirring, a tea strainer, etc. To start with the only things you might want to buy are a shaker (it doesn't have to be expensive, as long as it doesn't leak) and a hand juicer (this one is worth the money).
As you expand your cocktails and your skills you'll start to see what things you need to add, and what ones you want to upgrade. It was almost a year of making tiki cocktails before I found I was ready to add/upgrade a few items.
As far as syrups, you can make quite a few of your own if you can't find them retail. Don't bother with blue curacao, as it's just regular curacao with a little blue food coloring. But, really, don't make the beginner mistake of stocking up your bar based on what someone on the internet says you should have - and then finding that you don't use it for months (or ever) and it goes bad. Look at the 2 or 3 recipes you want to make and buy just what you need for those.
Welcome to the start of the journey! : )
As penance for not finding them in the first round, I looked for the lowest price(s). They only come in a set of 4 glasses.
Bed, Bath, & Beyond $14.99 (+$5.99 shipping or free pick-up) https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/libbey-reg-glass-perfect-hard-cider-glasses-set-of-4/1043625123
Amazon $22.87 (free delivery) https://www.amazon.com/Libbey-Craft-Brews-Glasses-16-ounce/dp/B01GVPYMHO/
There's this one, but it has a logo mark: https://www.iprefercraftbeer.com/products/silhouette-series-stout-ipa-glassware-17-oz-beer-glass
This one can be personalized: https://www.amazon.com/Personalized-Beer-Glass-Engraved-Pilsner-Pitcher/dp/B07MBQRVKG/
You should try it with some Quick Dissipating Fog Fluid. I used some for a show right before my theater shut down for the pandemic, and it worked great and cleared off fast!
The pineapple leaves are speared with the skull pick and ended up being a bit too heavy so it sank just up to the eyes.
I thought it looked neat like the little guy was drowning.
bought it cheap off amazon! Here it is right here:
There are also other Exotica artists in the line as well, such as this one:
FWIW - the one that makes clear spheres works better than the cubes. And read my amazon review before using either. The same tips apply to both. Some people don't take care to use it correctly and get frustrated with it.
I keep it simple and go with a classic bay rum scent. This stuff from amazon is great and cheap!
Bay Rum
Try this one from Amazon, not a bad price. They have a bunch more options too: https://www.amazon.com/Jamaican-Choice-Demerara-Brown-Sugar/dp/B00B0406B8/ref=sr_1_13_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1517516973&sr=1-13&keywords=Demerara
Demerara is unrefined sugar. Turbinado is white sugar that’s been steamed with molasses flavoring, so there will definitely be a difference in flavor.
At this point, I’m only making rich Demerara syrup as my go-to simple for everything. I use the Florida Crystals Demerara sugar cause that’s the only Demerara available at the neighborhood market down the street from my place.
It’s a little pricey on amazon, but you can find it cheaper if you locate it in store. Even still at 44 oz, if you’re making 8 oz at a time, you should get about 5 8 oz portions of syrup. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D96JUUI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tj8QAbR6D2R5C
You'll likely notice that round these parts we don't usually describe rum as white, amber, or dark, since within those colors is a huge range of styles and flavors. We mostly call them out by brand. But that said...
The biggest improvements you can make in your rum cocktails is not the rum, it's the other stuff. Most blue curacao is pretty bad (it's just blue food color in cheap spirits), so use that up and then get some Pierre Ferrand's Dry Curacao. If you want, you can add the blue food color yourself! I'm going to guess the grenadine is Rose's. Rose's is just colored sugar water that never got anywhere near a pomegranate. You can either buy a good brand like Small Hand Food, or you can make your own. My fave recipe is:
- 2 cups POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice
- 2 cups natural sugar (although the white stuff will do)
- 2 oz pomegranate molasses (you can get it on Amazon)
- 1 tsp orange blossom water (or your triple sec if you're in a pinch)
Heat juice slightly, just enough to allow other ingredients to dissolve easily. Stir in remaining ingredients, allow to cool, and bottle. Keep in the fridge.
Lemon and lime juice should be fresh squeezed - no bottles or plastic lemons from the grocery store. This is the best hand juicer I've ever used and it's worth the $20: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XOG4B0
whew! Finally, now that we've got all the good stuff, does your Lady friend like her drinks sweeter or more tart? Mellow or spirit forward?
Wow, Amazon even carries Trader Vic's little know Wall Street trading book! /s
I'm certainly not a tiki pork pro, but here's what I've done in the past:
I've tried Trader Vic's Hawaiian Pork Roast. It was OK. This was a while ago before I knew anything about meat, and I didn't like the cut. You could do something similar with a butt.
More successfully, I've roasted pork butt and used this Hawaiian Herb Salt and it was amazing. I wrapped it in foil, as I was unable to find banana leaves.
Potions of the Caribbean. It might be a bit more on the history side, but I'm into that background goodness. Good recipes too :)
I swear I'm going to add this to the sidebar, as it gets asked every time someone posts one. : )
Libbey Model 1619, 15.5 Ounce Napoli Grande Glass: https://www.amazon.com/Libbey-1619-Hurricanes-Napoli-Grande/dp/B00CE5DI44
I use a magic bullet sometimes for mixing, but I also recently inherited a giant Jimmy Buffet margarita machine and I'm wondering if the way it mixes ice in would work for tiki drinks.
But seriously... Smuggler's Cove is the way to go. And no Tiki bar is complete without Don The Beachcomber's Little Hawaiian Tropical Drink Book.
Something better than the Victorio? I have the 50 yo equivalent to the Victorio and it's fine but really no better than the food processor. To go much better you probably have to reach for the Waring Pro at $86 and a bit more counter space.
Depending on how long your vacation is, you can get orgeat delivered Amazon Prime on Monday. Liber & Co. makes an excellent orgeat: https://www.amazon.com/Liber-Co-Almond-Orgeat-Syrup/dp/B01MXUHZJS/
So believe it or not, behind these walls is either just lumber or conrete. The floor is even just a normal, poured gray cement foundation that I put some bamboo rugs on.
I built 2 of the walls from scratch and added furring strips to the pre-existing ones, then just propped up some drywall onto them. The walls were then painted green and (this is a secret), the wood on the walls is actually just sticky foam I found on Amazon.
The ceiling is just a lot of Amazon fish-netting being held up with some pushpins in the ceiling joists. My advice is -- A lot can be done with a little!
Thanks for the kind words! The map behind the bar is just a world map on Amazon that I dressed up with some markings, push-pins, and string. You can find it here.
Tikiyaki Orchestra's Swingin' Sounds for the Jungle Jetset and Stereo Exotique need to be in the music library of every person on this sub.
Tiki lends itself to really good nonalcoholic punches, because there’s so much in the drink beyond just the alcohol. Check out the Trader Vic’s Tiki Party book for quite a few ideas.
https://www.amazon.com/Trader-Vics-Tiki-Party-Cocktails/dp/1580085563
Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki is pretty much our bible. https://www.amazon.com/Smugglers-Cove-Exotic-Cocktails-Cult/dp/1607747324
Also get the Total Tiki app, which will give you tons of recipes and show you what you can make with what you have on hand. https://beachbumberry.com/publications.html
With those two you'll pretty much have everything you need.
It's a concentrate; use sparingly to taste. This is based on artificial pandan and vanillin flavors. They're fine for baking, where heat essentially alters the natural flavors anyway. Though more expensive, I strongly recommend a natural extract for cocktail use. McCormick and Bio- Nutricia both make affordable, natural extracts.
regarding the bitterness you experienced, reamer style juicers(like what you used) tend to leave your fresh juice being a bit more bitter as you get more pith. Not entirely sure this was the case here, but I have found this to be accurate in my own personal experience. I'd probably spring for a Handheld Citrus Juicer, like this one, or maybe make some lime super juice(google it). You can make your own orgeat pretty easily(and cheaply) by using store bought almond milk, some orange peels and a bunch of sugar.
Regarding Gran Gala, I've found it perfectly serviceable, better than cheap triple sec by a mile IMO. Regarding rums to buy as a cheapskate, I'd highly recommend Plantation OFTD. 1/2 an oz of it goes a long way in adding character to your cocktails, it comes in 1L bottles and is cheap. Try adding 1/2oz of OFTD to a painkiller, very yummy.
I'll actually say that you might want to spend a little on picking up a good book about tiki, like Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki. It's worth it for the recipes alone, but the chapter on rums is pure gold. You'll learn that "light" and "dark" don't really mean anything.
Other's here have recommended Cocktail Wonk's blog, and that's a good place to learn, as well.
I've stopped doing regular cube ice. Now, depending on how much dilution I want, I'll do either 1 whole clear cube + 1 cracked cube (which I got from Greg on How To Drink), all cracked clear ice (roughly approximating ordinary cubes), or a bunch of pebble ice.
I use a Crownful Pebble Ice Maker for the pebble ice, and a ClearlyFrozen Clear Ice Tray to make the clear ice.
Here's an amazon link, there are quite a few variations on this design just google "stained glass parrot lamp" and you'll get an idea.
I find the Tradewinds to be very sweet if you make it with REAL Coconut (here).
Recipe:
1oz Lemon Juice
1.5oz Cream of Coconut
1oz Apricot Liqueur
1oz Aged Jamaican/Barbadian Rum
1oz lightly aged rum
Flash blend everything with ice and pour with gated finish into footed pilsner glass, or highball.
The ones I used to make were super sweet because I used DeKuyper Apricot Brandy (here). Stuff is very sweet but it does give a strong flavour of Apricot which I appreciate.
https://www.amazon.com/Thereye-Countertop-Portable-Self-Cleaning-Stainless/dp/B09MVV717N
I believe it is this one.
After using a standard hand squeezer for a couple years to squeeze my limes, I recently picked up a bigger, old-style hand press.
The design is so much better than what I had before. I can get more leverage to get all the juice out of even cold, stiff citrus that's been in the fridge. It contains the citrus and juice while squeezing for less mess, and holds the juice for easier pouring and measurement.
If you're squeezing your citrus by hand, I recommend switching to this style of press. Aside from taking up more counter space, IMO it's a better design in every way.
It's a cup. I think it's based on the classic copper mules but ya know, a pineapple. There's a bunch out there, here's 1.
Pinaq liquor bottles are a riff on the same idea.
As others have said, the GE Opal is pretty much the gold standard for countertop units but a lot of people have also recommended the Crownful unit on Amazon as a cheaper alternative too.
I really like this small hand crank ice maker. Perfect for one or two drinks - and kinda fun to use! Just be sure to put it to air dry right after using it - all the hand crank ones will tend to rust if help damp all the time.
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Treats-Iceberg-crusher-white-dp-B087VJ13WB/dp/B087VJ13WB/
You can make them into soap dispensers. Buy a kit like this from Amazon. They will screw onto any bottle that you can screw the cap from a 2L soda bottle onto. If your bottle has a different sized opening or different threads, they also include collars that you can glue onto the mouth of the bottle.
Obviously 750ml is a large soap dispenser, so I only do this for dish soap.
If you're going to do it I highly recommend a citrus squeezer and not a juicer like this. I used one of those juicers for our first tiki party because that's all we had and it was MISERABLE.
You're actually on the right track. Too many people jump into tiki and buy hundreds of dollars worth of ingredients that end up gathering dust. Go slow, and add as you need, and as you find a new drink you want to try making.
I'll echo that a good book like "Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki", $16 on Amazon, will give you recipes, rum tips, and some cool fun history. But if you can get to a tiki bar to taste a few basic drinks (I agree with Mai Tai, Painkiller, Daiquiri), that will help you know what it's supposed to taste like. Let us know where you are and we can recommend the best nearby tiki bar.
When syrups go bad, they usually grow mold. It won't make you sick, but it'll taste yucky. You'll be able to tell because the syrup will get cloudy or have things floating in it or smell like vinegar. If you keep your syrups in the fridge, you can definitely keep them more than 2-3 months. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I have a bottle of Liber & Co. orgeat that I opened Sept. 26th. Still good because I take it out, use it, and immediately put it back in. (Pro tip: write the date you open it on the bottle.) If you're making your own, sanitizing the container will make the biggest difference. (Boil for 5 minutes.) Your Monin syrup is likely still good, but it may be getting "tired" and losing flavor. I too recommend Liber & Co. for syrups. (https://www.liberandcompany.com/) Join their "Cocktail Club" and sign up for their newsletter and you'll get coupons and discounts. You can also find a lot of syrups on Amazon, but I find they tend to be cheaper direct from the companies.
Welcome to the fun! Enjoy!
Here is the link for anyone to grab idk why I just didn’t post it. The lights have the option for programming with a control processor and some wires. What I am using for now is the self contained effects with the use of the light strip internal microphone.
Yes it’s the Bittermens Tiki Bitters. I use it any time I can. Sometimes when I’m just enjoying a plain Coca-Cola I drops some in. It’s definitely addicting!