Sunshine, our host and award-winning amateur mixologist, shares his recipes for the cocktails featured on Zen Tiki Lounge podcast. These drinks are delicious and the recipes are updated over time. They range from simple, to complex are often stronger than they appear.
Try some out and share your thoughts in the comments. We'd love to hear what you think!
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.
Read MoreAkashi Guava Sour was inspired by the botanicals in 135º East Hyōgo Dry Gin. Pink guava and citrus are great pairings for this Japanese inspired dry gin. A little bitters and some amaro give a boost to the botanicals.
Read MoreMany 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.
Read MoreInspiration 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!?
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreIf 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreFor 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.
Read MoreThis quick little cocktail was inspired by nothing more than leftover bar ingredients. And with fresh limes and lemons on the tree (yes, living in the sunbelt has its privileges) you can juice a lot of fruit now and serve this till the new year.
Read MoreSweet, tart, creamy and balanced. Mother of Pearl is one of those rare cocktails that includes both butter and cream as well as a touch of honey. Dark rums and mezcal add the complexity you will notice but may not be able to pick out without reading the ingredient list.
Read MoreWhen you travel you have an opportunity to try local cocktails. Grand Cayman is known for a local spiked lemonade called Swanky. Its a simple variation on classic lemonade that pairs nicely with good dark rum. Try the traditional island recipe or our Extra Swanky version.
Read MoreIf you seek a place of relaxing contemplation you may want to try Chinese Sandman. For those who imbibe before bed time, this may be the drink for you. Potent enough to sedate and just sweet enough to hit you like an end of day dessert.
Read MoreRegardless of what troubles you in life this BIG drink is meant for warm days and nights. This is a base recipe drink, meaning you can interchange a few of the ingredients without messing it up and create your own personal favorite. Try replacing black tea with Earl Grey. Or change out the limoncello with mango or passion fruit rum. Maybe switch the brown sugar for agave or honey? Make this drink you own.
Read MoreThe Sea Slug comes to us from the shores of Brazil. Although no one has seen this elusive creature in over 40 years, it is said that drinking this beverage in its honor can cure illness and improve sexual stamina. We just like the refreshing creamy texture and sweet and sour combination of tropical juice and South American Cachaca. Enjoy the Sea Slug on the beach or in your favorite dark corner.
Read MoreRefreshing, zesty and perfect for a day at the beach or after a long day at work. Fresh citrus, aged rum and amaretto are perfect together in this anytime drink. Mix this one in large batches, pour and top with ginger beer. You will keep your friends and family cool and tipsy with little work. Mahalo to the team at GroundWork for requesting this cocktail and supporting the ZTL podcast.
Read MoreEvery once in a while we get a request for a custom cocktail that we can't resist. Having no kiwi cocktail in our little black book, it had to happen sooner or later. Sleeveless The Magician is born. Antioxidants and a dose of inebriation. Enjoy.
Read MoreThis drink only graces our lips when Pumpkin is in the lounge. Her favorite drink is both sweet and strong. Sip one or two of these by the pool for breakfast.
Read MoreA somewhat traditional grog using easy to find ingredients. This grog is disguised as a modern cocktail that pleases most of your rum snob friends. Great hot or cold.
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