Wednesday, July 15, 2020

The Mr. Bali Hai Cocktail

Mr. Bali Hai Cocktail

This Tiki classic is the signature drink of a famous San Diego restaurant

The days are long and hot in this part of the world right now. So you need a refreshing cocktail, no?

Preferably a slow slipper with lots of fruit juice and a healthy jolt of rum.

So may we introduce you to our friend, Mr. Bali Hai? We think you’ll get along.


Mr. Bali Hai Cocktail

Recipe: The Mr. Bali Hai Cocktail

The 1950s marked the high point for Tiki-themed restaurants in the US. You might say it was peak Polynesian.

It was during this time that the Bali Hai restaurant, located on Shelter Island in San Diego, was founded. Someone at the restaurant created the Mr. Bali Hai Cocktail as its house drink.

As is the case with many Tiki cocktails, the recipe for the Mr. Bali Hai has changed over the years. We like Jeff Berry’s recipe, which can be found in his book Beachbum Berry Remixed. His recipe recreates the drink as it was made at the restaurant in the 1970s. More history in the Notes.

This drink takes about 5 minutes to prepare and serves 1.

Ingredients
  • 1 ounce light rum, preferably Puerto Rican
  • 1½ ounces dark Jamaican rum
  • ¾ ounce coffee-flavored brandy or liqueur (we use Kahlúa; see Notes)
  • 1½ ounces unsweetened pineapple juice
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup (we consider this optional; see Notes)
Procedure
  1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker that’s half filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the contents are well chilled.
  2. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass (or a Mr. Bali Hai mug if you’re lucky enough to have one; see Notes). Dress up the drink with a cocktail umbrella, if you wish (it’s optional, but we like it).
Mr. Bali Hai Cocktail

Notes
  • Don’t want to strain the drink? You could just shake the ingredients with crushed ice (Step 1), then pour it all into a glass. 
  • When served at the Bali Hai restaurant, this drink sports its own special mug (with a representation of Mr. Bali Hai’s face on it). We have some Tiki mugs (see the picture immediately above for an example), but we don’t have a Mr. Bali Hai mug. So we generally just serve this drink in a rocks or tall glass.
  • The Mr. Bali Hai is traditionally served without garnish. But we often add an umbrella, just because.
  • The recipe calls for simple syrup, but we find the drink plenty sweet without it (probably because we use Kahlúa liqueur, which is on the sweet side). We suggest you make this cocktail without simple syrup and then taste it. It’s easy enough to add simple syrup if you find the drink isn’t sweet enough for your taste.
  • The most popular recipe for this drink calls for coffee brandy, which is less sweet (and more strongly flavored) than coffee liqueurs like Kahlúa or Tia Maria. We always have Kahlúa on hand (but rarely have coffee brandy), so we just substitute Kahlúa. Not authentic, perhaps, but practical.
  • Any white rum works in this drink. We generally use Bacardi because its light flavor works well with the other ingredients.  
  • A dark rum with some heft works best in this cocktail – and dark Jamaican rum definitely fits the bill. The best-known brand is probably Myers’s, which is what we often use.
  • Our usual disclaimer: We’re non-commercial and don’t get compensated for mentioning brands. We buy our booze with our own money, and suggest only what we use and like.
  • At the Bali Hai restaurant today, this drink is made with a light rum from St. Croix, blackberry (instead of coffee) brandy, sour mix instead of lemon juice, and a float of 151 proof Demerara rum. So it’s rather different from the original drink.
  • The Bali Hai restaurant dates back to 1954. It’s one of the older Tiki-themed restaurants still in business.
  • The name of the restaurant was probably inspired by the song “Bali Ha’i,” from the 1949 hit musical, South Pacific. In the musical, Bali Ha’i was an island that was distant (but still visible) from the one where most of the action occurs. Bali Ha’i was portrayed as an exotic paradise – highly desirable, but mostly unobtainable.
Mr. Bali Hai Cocktail

Rum Thing

“Wax down the surfboards,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “This drink makes me want to hit the beach.”

“Reminds me of visiting Tahiti,” I said. “Those were the days.”

“Yeah, we won’t be jetting off to the South Pacific again any time soon,” said Mrs K R. “So we’ll just have to conjure it up at home.”

“Ahh . . . coconut palms swaying in the breeze,” I said. “Just take a sip and bali-ve.”

“Uh oh, pun-derclouds on the horizon,” said Mrs K R.

Guess I better be careful. There could be trouble in paradise.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Bermuda Rum Swizzle
Blood and Sand Cocktail
Bombay Presidency Punch
Cape Codder Cocktail
Doctor Funk Cocktail
Eastern Sour Cocktail
Fog Cutter Cocktail
Hula Hula Cocktail
Mai Tai Cocktail
Cocktail Basics
Or check out the index for more

64 comments:

Eva Taylor said...

Such an interesting cocktail, love the history. Not sure if the same zest for Polynesia was the same here but I do recall my aunt and uncle had some Polynesian art displayed at their home.
It’s so darn sad that the numbers in the US are exploding, we had hoped to travel to see our friends in Arizona but as things look, that won’t happen anytime soon.
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/

Anne in the kitchen said...

I hope I am not the only person who started singing Bali Hai the minute they saw this post title. I have to run to the store in a minute. I guess I will be adding pineapple juice to the shopping list!

Angie's Recipes said...

This is a new drink for me. Rum and pineapple sound really wonderful together...an awesome summer drink!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, the covid-19 numbers are SO depressing, aren't they? And we seem to be going backwards, not forwards, alas. Anyway, thanks for the comment!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, lol, the first time I saw this drink, that song popped into my head, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, rum and pineapple is a wonderful combo! And this is a wonderful slow sipper of a drink -- perfect for hot weather. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

So summery and pretty...I bet it tastes SO GOOD!

Terry at Blue Kitchen said...

Perfect timing for this, John, as tiki bars are riding a new wave of popularity. Also, sounds delicious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, its flavor is quite enjoyable and refreshing. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Terry, Tiki stuff is fun! And we really like Tiki drinks in the summer -- most are really refreshing with all their fruit juice. Thanks for the comment.

Mae Travels said...

I notice that you didn't mention having any similar experiences when you actually traveled to Polynesia (didn't you?) Reality and fiction at odds again!

Very retro.

be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, we were too busy drinking Tiki drinks. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

This does sound like a very refreshing beverage for a hot summer's day! So lovely as well.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, it's really delightfully refreshing. Pretty darn tasty, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Family Spice said...

Ok, I live in San Diego and I have been to the Bali Hai. I don't remember this drink! I shall try it at home and then maybe enjoy it at the hotel, too! Love rum cocktails!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, I haven't been there, but I looked at the menu online -- they have loads of drinks! I think their Mai Tai might be their best selling cocktail (makes sense -- it's probably the best known Tiki drink). Thanks for the comment.

savorthebest said...

Can't go wrong with pineapple and rum and an umbrella! I fell like I'm on vacation ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn and Pat, the umbrella always make me feel like I'm on vacation. :-) Thanks for the comment.

R's Rue said...

So pretty

Natalia said...

Looks beautiful! Perfect for Summer!

Marcelle said...

John, this drink sounds sweet and refreshing. As always, I enjoyed reading the history behind the cocktail. The term Tiki bar makes me think of old Elvis movies :) I looked up the Mr. Bali Hai mug you mentioned, and that made me think of that old Brady Bunch episode where they went to Hawaii and found that creepy, cursed Tiki statue. I'll take mine in a rocks glass instead LOL Really fun post, John!! <3

Debra Eliotseats said...

That's quite the jolt of booze! :) We all need to imagine paradise and bali-ve!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi R, and tasty! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Natalia, definitely a great summer drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, thee are a LOT of different Tiki mugs! The Mr. Bali Hai mug is one of the more interesting ones. But we're beyond the mug stage and just prefer regular glassware most of the time these days. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, yup, lotta booze in this one. Definitely a drink you want to take your time consuming. Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

The flavors in this sound crazy and like they might not blend, but that's what Tiki drinks do right? They take things to create a vibe that is out of the ordinary.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, crazy flavors indeed. But they do work. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jean | Delightful Repast said...

John, beautiful photos, as always. Love the story and the puns. The Kahlua or coffee brandy is a real surprise ingredient to me. Would never have expected it in a fruity Tiki cocktail!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jean, the coffee IS unusual. Works, though, which is the important thing. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Balvinder said...

Looks delicious and the photo is stunning!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Balvinder, it's a terrific drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

Used to visit this Tiki bar in Hong Kong of all places and they served something very similar in this cool Mug. Thanks so much for the recipe as now we can enjoy this at home.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, we haven't been to Hong Kong, but they're supposed to have some fabulous bars. Although, yeah, a Tiki bar is a bit of a surprise. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sherry's Pickings said...

this does sound like a very interesting mix of flavours KR! coffee and pineapple? Mm - ah well any alcohol is good alcohol i reckon:-) great photos!

Eha said...

Oh Bobbi - I do remember also . . . served a bit differently and could be absolutely lethal ! Rum and sweet fruit juice is probably the only combo to get me into trouble more than once . . .

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eha, most Tiki drinks have a lot of fruit juice and a lot of rum, so if you want trouble, drink Tiki! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, I know, an odd set of ingredients. But they taste good once mixed together. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

Thanks for ending with that info on Bali Ha'i. The whole time I was reading your post, that song was going through my brain, and I was thinking that I'd have to look it up afterward, because I couldn't remember what it was from.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, that's a fun song. And this is a fun cocktail. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Let's Curry said...

Perfect summer, slow sipper. That mug looks gorgeous. Lovely history and Mr and Mrs Conversing too.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Hasin, really nice and refreshing for summer. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ron said...

A great cocktail John and a restaurant we've visited more than once. What a great view of San Diego you have from there.
I love your mug. What was the signature Polynesian cocktail they served in a mug at the old Trader Vics?

David Scott Allen said...

I do enjoy s tropical drink (with an umbrella) from time to time — they are so easy and enjoyable! Thanks, John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, I think that mug does duplicate a Trader Vics one. We have a bunch of Tiki mugs -- quite a few years ago we were on a real Tiki craze, and even have a Scorpion bowl -- but these days we just use regular glasses for these drinks. Just easier. :-) Thanks for the ocmment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, those little umbrellas are SO cliché but kinda cute. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

You're probably getting the same heat wave that we are, so the timing of this tropical cocktail is perfect!! This would be excellent for backyard sipping once the sun goes down!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, yup, it's beastly hot here. This is a great drink for beating the heat! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

I have a soft spot for any drink that comes with a tiny umbrella. And heck, we can all use more fun these days, right? I'll definitely drink to that! ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, we'll always drink to fun! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

First of all...beautiful pictures John...they are so inviting, and I love the ingredients in it...very tropical.
Have a great week ahead!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, it's a good drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

Oh my this does sound tasty! It's perfect to indulge in during the hot summer days. Let's face it with not too many places to venture out, we can enjoy a glass or two, or three, without having to go anywhere!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, we haven't been out to eat for months and months! Don't think it'll be happening for the rest of the year, alas. :-( Thanks goodness for delivery! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Valentina said...

This cocktail is so pretty with that umbrella. :-) And sounds super tasty, too! ~Valentina

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, it's really, really tasty. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

This sounds like my kind of cocktail. I like the fruity ones. Nice and refreshing for the hot summer days.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, this is really refreshing. And tasty. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

John, this is a great summer drink. Especially in these times. It gives me something to look forward to on Friday. Can't wait to give your recipe a try. Eha, absolutely, these go down really easy. stay way and take care

Kitchen Riffs said...

Bobbi, Friday can never come soon enough, can it? :-)

Raymund said...

There are many beaches named like such, in fact in the Philippines I had been into two Bali Hai resorts. Now thats where the name came from.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, next time you're at a Bali Hai resort, you'll have to drink a Mr. Bali Hai cocktail. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Frank said...

Wow, I didn't know they still sold cocktail umbrellas, lol! I'm curious now to find out how they got started, must have been part of the tiki phenomenon, I assume. Any ideas?

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, pretty sure that Donn Beach (of Don the Beachcomber fame) made the umbrellas popular as a garnish. But I think Harry Yee, a bartender in Hawaii, may have been the first to use them. Somewhere on the blog we discuss the history -- I think! I need to go look -- I don't remember which post that was, but it was years ago. Anyway, they're a fun garnish. (Note: OK, just searched the blog and the only real discussion I see is for our Mai Tai post: http://www.kitchenriffs.com/2011/07/mai-tai-cocktail.html -- which has some history. Thought we did a more detailed history at some point, but maybe that got cut from a post because it was getting too long. As our posts tend to do. :-) Thanks for the comment.