The Beachcomber's Punch Cocktail

Refreshing and not too boozy, this Tiki drink is a full-flavored summer sipper

Tiki cocktails often feature rum and fruit juice, a tasty pairing that lends itself to slow sippers. Like the Beachcomber’s Punch.

This soothing elixir packs a lot of flavor, but just enough alcohol to let you know you’re imbibing a grown-up drink.

Because you don’t want a hangover to distract you from summertime lazing. 

The Never Say Die Cocktail

 

3 rums, 4 fruit juices, one terrific Tiki drink

It’s hot in our part of the world, folks. And humid.
 
So we need a hit of cool, refreshing Tiki. The Never Say Die is one of the most interesting Tiki potions we know. It’s a bit of a production to make, but totally worth it.

‘Cause the heat is on.

The Ancient Mariner Cocktail

Zesty and refreshing, this Tiki drink is a delightful cooler

Polynesian-themed sippers known as “Tiki drinks” charmed much of the US (and the world) in the mid-20th century, before falling from favor. They’re staging a revival now, and why not? Many feature rum + fruit juice — one of the best cocktail combos we know.

The Ancient Mariner is a delightful example. Its rich, soothing flavor makes for a perfect afternoon sipper.

So why not beat the heat with a beach-themed treat?

The Rum Julep Cocktail

This Tiki classic delivers complex, festive flavor

Need mint in your julep? We’ve got that.

But this drink offers a twist on the julep theme, using rum instead of bourbon. (Two rums, in fact.) Plus two fruit juices and other assorted ingredients.

So making this cocktail is a bit of a production. But totally worth it.

The Nui Nui Cocktail

Tame summer heat with this 1930s Tiki smooth sipper

It’s hot outside (where we live, at least). So let’s seek relief in liquid refreshment.

Today we’ll quench our thirst with the Nui Nui Cocktail, a Tiki classic. It’s a delightful combo of rum, fruit juice, and flavored syrups.

Fearless ingredients combining forces to beat the heat? A heroic feat of satiation, we say. 

The 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.

The Eastern Sour Cocktail

A bourbon-fueled Tiki classic from Trader Vic

It’s a new year, so time to discover a new drink. Allow us to present the Eastern Sour Cocktail.

This one is a tasty mix of bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, and orgeat syrup. Which makes it perfect for winter, we think. All that citrus has to be great for combating colds and flu.

To your health!

The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail

Named after the historic Waikiki Beach hotel

We’re back from a cruise that took us from Hawaii to Tahiti. But our heads remain in vacation mode, so we’re still craving beach drinks.

Royal Hawaiian Cocktail to the rescue! It features tongue-tingling dry gin and lemon, plus pineapple juice for that tropical touch.

Aloha.

The Navy Grog Cocktail

Citrus and three types of rum make this a Tiki classic

Tiki drinks tend to be rum heavy. Especially this one.

The Navy Grog combines three different rums with two types of citrus. The result is magic.

Rum thing, that.

The Paradise Cooler Cocktail

Take leave of the heat with this Tiki refresher

It’s still hot in our part of the Northern Hemisphere. But this weekend we celebrate Labor Day in the US, which signals the end of summer. And that calls for a tall, cool drink.

Our friends down under are just moving into their warm season. Why not welcome it with one of these?

We can’t change the weather. But we can drink to it.

The Missionary's Downfall Cocktail

Fresh mint enlivens this Tiki “smoothie”

Want to join the green smoothie craze, but can't stand the taste? Have we got a drink for you!

Smoothies have been around since the electric blender became popular. And so have blender cocktails, like the Frozen Daiquiri. Or the Missionary’s Downfall.

OK, this drink isn’t as healthy as your typical green smoothie. But its color is striking. And it tastes sooo much better.

Besides, fresh mint is good for you. Isn’t it?

The Vicious Virgin Cocktail

Odd name, yes. But this Tiki drink offers great summertime flavor

Tiki drinks often sport unusual names – and this one may be one of the strangest. But don’t let that put you off.

The Vicious Virgin is slightly sweet, and definitely spicy. It makes a smooth sipper on a hot August afternoon. And it even works as a pre-dinner cocktail.

So serve this charmer at your next dinner party. The name alone will be a conversation starter.

Shrimp Toast Dip

Lighten up this deep-fried Chinese/Tiki classic by turning it into a versatile dip or spread 

The Shrimp Toast you find on dim sum carts and Tiki-themed platters is totally delicious — but also insanely caloric.  The dish features a tasty shrimp mixture spread on very thin pieces of crustless dried white bread (usually cut into triangles).  These morsels are then deep fried until crisp and irresistible. 

Luscious.  But not for the faint of heart.  If only we could capture the deliciousness of Shrimp Toast without all that deep-fried fat . . . .

Hey, wait.  We can!  Just drop the “toast” (who’s going to miss white bread anyway?) and turn the shrimpy mixture (aka “the good stuff”) into a tasty dip/spread that’s party-ready and hostess-friendly.

Set out a bowl of it as dip, accompanied by crackers, crudités, whatever.  Or stuff the shrimp spread onto cucumber boats, mushroom caps, or some other tasty base, and serve as canapés. 

More good news:  You can prepare Shrimp Toast Dip several hours ahead, since there’s no last-minute deep frying required.  You’ll have more time to chat with guests, less mess to clean up.  And your bathroom scale will still respect you in the morning.