This is a post I've wanted to write about for about eight months now. The problem is the first answer to the question always has to be the following adjectives: relaxing, whimsical, and definitely not stuffy and stuck up. Those reasons always give me pause when admonishing some drinks that want the mantle of Tiki. Does rum a Tiki drink make? Certainly not as classic cocktailers will be quick to show and tell. Sadly though there is some thought that if you put some pineapple and an umbrella in a cocktail that makes it Tiki. Lets look back on how this style of drink making started, the short version.

Tiki sprang up after prohibition, it really was the perfect time for it to come into being. The old guard of American cocktail making had largely gone to Europe to ply their trade. And those that remained faced a changed drinking culture and times where the south seas were popular and Hawaii was a mysterious American territory. Donn Beach was a world traveler, former rum runner, and boat hand. He was a slick talking ladies man who'd seen an awful lot. His drinks were original creations from the mind of a tinkerer who could really sell the romance of the south seas that only existed in the minds eye of the workaday American bar goer. Looking back he wasn't afraid to concoct syrups like a soda jerk, or embrace modern technology like the electric mixer. But his love for classics like the daiquiri was evident to. Donn had several variations on his menu, and while a few were sweet they all had balance. For more information on Donn, Vic, Crane, and the other fantastic bartenders of that era you need only look to Jeff Berry or the Atomic Grog Log.

When it comes to Tiki, balance is the key. You should be scared of a recipe that doesn't include atleast a light dose of fresh citrus to balance the sweet. Modern “tropical” recipes are often sadly far to high on sugar. There are some that aren't but they are exceptions and not the rule. Tiki is also not solely based in rum, some of my favorite Tiki cocktails use gin or scotch as a base. Spiced syrups, tropical fruit, whimsical glassware and garnishes are all things we do. A great Tiki cocktail has a depth of flavor; a beginning, middle, and end. You should take your time sip, swish, and let yourself be transported to that exotic island that exists only in your fantasy. In the end however never forget, Tiki is supposed to be fun and friendly. My life credo as a drink slinger is Donn's slogan, “If you can't come to Paradise, We'll bring Paradise to you.”

Well after all that talking I could use a drink. The following number is one I've been tinkering with when I just wanted another way to use Lemon Hart's amazing overproof rum. The name is from a line from one of my favorite Elvis numbers “Drums of the Island” from “Paradise Hawaiian Style”.

Coral Shores

1 ¼ oz Lemon Hart 151

¾ oz Aperol

½ oz fresh lime juice

½ oz fresh pineapple juice

½ oz passion fruit syrup (combine 100% frozen pulp, defrosted, with an equal amount of sugar syrup.)

1 dash Bittermen's Elemakule Tiki Bitters

Shake with ice and strain into a coupe, garnish with a brandied cherry and a sprig of fresh mint.

This cocktail has a delicious nose of brown sugar, nutmeg, mint, candied orange and ground ginger. The Aperol and Lemon Hart marry so well in this cocktail, it really surprises me. The initial start up is briefly subtle with soft burnt molasses that immediately explodes into bright citrus and passion fruit. A Pleasingly light orange bitterness pervades the cocktail that is entwined with the spicy, strong Lemon Hart all the way to the lovingly boozy finish. This is a deep, long lasting cocktail that can fill your mouth with lingering flavor while still being cleansing.

I hope that you'll not only enjoy this drink but find something useful in the ramblings of a rummy as well. Tiki is important to me, the works of Jeff Berry, Hurricane Hayward, and the amazing Tiki barmen they write about gave my life goals and purpose. These drinks are wonderful pieces of our epicurean history, and shouldn't be misrepresented or lost. More importantly however in a world where we have so much worry, we need that old mental vacation and spirit of Aloha. So until next time...

“You Get Hammered America!” -JFL