ABBAstract

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THE Rory Snyder introduced us to the guys from 9 North Rum. And we quickly developed a a nice relationship with a brand that produces a very nice variety of rums. We don’t make drinks with rum we don’t actually like. This drink is made with the 9 North Especiado. It’s a “spiced” rum that we feel is more like an infusion…but we can argue spiced vs. infusion over more drinks later.

Anywho, this spiced rum by 9 North is dark, with notes of lemon grass, ginger, a little floral and some very well balanced baking spices. Perfectly pairs with black tea and fresh citrus.

We served 240 of these at tiki Caliente 15. Check out the party pics below.

1.5oz 9 North Especiado

1.5oz Fresh Orange Juice

1.5oz Brewed Black Tea

.25oz Orgeat

.25oz Simple Syrup

Squeeze of fresh Lime

Lightly shake everything with ice. Strain into a glass or tiki mug filled with crushed ice. Garnish with Mint and Orange Wheel. *If you like a little more tartness, add more lime.

Waimea Blossom

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Waimea Blossom

Waimea Blossom is a cocktail, not a tiki drink. In every tiki bar you tend to find a drink or two that patrons enjoy and request despite a lack of over the top garnish or the missing tiki mug. Tart cherry juice, fresh lemon and two rums are mixed with cinnamon and black walnut. If that sounds like a rum soaked cherry pie, you’re right.

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Auntie PuPu's Butterfly

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Auntie PuPu's Butterfly

Many people want a drink that looks good in social media. Some of those photogenic cocktails don’t pass the quality or taste test. We assure you that Auntie PuPu’s Butterfly will not only look great in a photo tagged #cheers, but the gin, tea and floral flavors make a very nice sip. Get ready to impress your friends.

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MOOG Over Rita

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MOOG Over Rita

Inspiration for a new drink often starts with an original, in this case the margarita. If you build this cocktail correctly you will find it sour first, then sweet. The green Chile is noticeable from the first time you swallow. Passion fruit works well with the Chile, who knew!?

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Ashes, Ashes, We All Fall Down

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Ashes, Ashes, We All Fall Down

How about a little smoke with your Pumpkin spice? Ashes, Ashes, We All Fall Down has a light smoke flavor with hints of Pumpkin spice, citrus and sweet silver rum. We are often asked for seasonal tiki style drinks and every now and then we like to oblige. Sunshine crafted this on a nice Sunday afternoon with the fresh ingredients on hand.

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Three Legged Flamingo

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Three Legged Flamingo

The combination of Lychee, Maraschino and Passion liquors in this particular drink have become one of our house mixes that we use in multiple other concoctions including a Hemingway Daiquiri. Because every lemon and grapefruit is a little different, the key to this drink is following the recipe and then not hesitating to add more citrus if you feel its too sweet. After two of these you will find out what it feels like to have a leg you can’t control.

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SoCal Hibiscus Flower

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SoCal Hibiscus Flower

In warm and sunny SoCal we always have an excuse to look for a refreshing cocktail. Not too sweet and not to boozy. SoCal Hibiscus uses rum is made right here in Orange County, CA and has a beautiful sweet sugar cane and buttery aroma. The flavor is lightly sweet with a hint of burnt cane. Also from SoCal is the hibiscus syrup in this cocktail from Simply Gala. Simply Gala has a great line of syrups and hibiscus was perfect for this libation. Combined with fresh lemon juice, elderflower liquor and homemade passion fruit syrup.

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Piña Royale

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Piña Royale

If you enjoy the warmth of vanilla this will be one of your favorite Spring cocktails. Piña Royale offers fresh lime, lemon and orange juices of the season with pineapple infused rum and a strong does of vanilla liquor. Consider this a poolside drink thats ready the same time your pool starts to get warm enough.

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Ladies Man (A Lost Drink)

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Ladies Man (A Lost Drink)

In June of 2015 we visited Smugglers Cove for the first time. This place is a cocktail must for the tiki drink lovers out there. If you arrive at opening and head to the bar you will likely have a short period you can chat with the bartenders before the places gets slammed with thirsty sailors. In conversation with two mixologists we centered on the use of rose and orange waters as flavoring and aroma enhancers. The key is to use them sparingly so they don’t take over the drink.

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Jaded

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Jaded

In a back and forth text, Sunshine and Starshine were discussing savory cocktails. Starshine requested something that was both savory and included cucumbers. After receiving the give of green Chartreuse Sunshine thought this was a great opportunity to bring it all together. Jaded has both savory and sweet qualities as well as some nice vegetal aromas from the green Chartreuse.

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Coquito (Vegan Recipe)

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Coquito (Vegan Recipe)

Eggnog can be a love or hate relationship.  But Coquito is easier to love.  This tropical version of an eggnog (eggs not even necessary) will likely become one of your favorite holiday traditions.  Coconut, ginger, clove and rum make a tasty cordial enjoyed by many including vegans.  

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Pride Of The Bar

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Pride Of The Bar

For pride month we you bring you a mixed drink that’s naturally colorful and full of fruit flavor. Lemon and Lime juices with Rum, Boysenberry, Orange, Almond and herbs are shaken together in a refreshing drink thats the perfect balance of sweet and sour. Multiply everything by 10 and make a pitcher for poolside fun that lasts the whole month of June.

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Rain Forest Sling

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Rain Forest Sling

Ginny Gin Gin. The kids love their gin these days. Here in the Zen Tiki Lounge we prefer a gin drink with a tropical touch. When using gin we like something more herbal and floral vs. astringent and juniper forward. There are so many specialty gins on the market these days that you won’t have any trouble finding a nice local gin to use in this cocktail along with fresh juices and some Brazilian cachaça.

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Better Buttered Rum

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Better Buttered Rum

Some of the best cocktails have been around for a very long time. A good Hot Buttered Rum is a classic cold weather libation that is especially popular during the winter holidays. We see this one popping back up on many bar menus with the awesome resurgence of vintage drinks and spirits. Sunshine finally crafted his own recipe for the rum batter that you can now make by following this recipe.

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