What are Tiki Cocktails?

Tiki cocktails are vibrant, tropical drinks that evoke the essence of island life. These cocktails are known for their bold flavors, elaborate garnishes, and exotic ingredients. They often combine fruit juices, spices, and various spirits to create a complex, refreshing beverage. The term “tiki” refers to Polynesian culture, and tiki bars aim to transport patrons to a tropical paradise.

The History of Tiki Drinks

The tiki cocktail movement began in the 1930s, spearheaded by Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, also known as Donn Beach or Don the Beachcomber. He opened the first tiki bar in Hollywood, California, in 1933. His bar featured a tropical theme, complete with bamboo decor, thatched roofs, and Polynesian music.

Donn Beach created elaborate cocktails with rum, fresh juices, and exotic syrups, served in distinctive mugs. His success inspired Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron, who opened Trader Vic’s in Oakland, California. Trader Vic’s became famous for its Mai Tai cocktail, further popularizing tiki culture.

Tiki drinks have a rich history filled with fascinating stories and anecdotes. Here are some notable ones:

The Creation of the Mai Tai

One of the most famous tiki cocktails, the Mai Tai, was created by Trader Vic (Victor J. “Trader Vic” Bergeron) in 1944. The story goes that Vic made the drink for his friends visiting from Tahiti. After taking a sip, one of them exclaimed, “Mai Tai-Roa Aé,” which translates to “Out of this world – the best” in Tahitian. This exclamation led to the naming of the drink, cementing its place in tiki cocktail history.

Don the Beachcomber’s Secret Recipes

Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, also known as Don the Beachcomber, is a legendary figure in the world of tiki cocktails. He opened the first tiki bar in Hollywood in 1933 and was known for his secretive nature regarding his recipes. He often used code names for ingredients to keep his concoctions a mystery. One such example was his infamous Zombie cocktail, which he limited to two per customer due to its potency. The exact recipe was kept secret for many years, adding to the mystique and allure of tiki drinks.

The Legend of the Navy Grog

Another famous tiki drink, the Navy Grog, has a storied past. Both Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic claimed to have created it. The drink, known for its robust combination of rums, honey, and citrus, was said to be inspired by the traditional British sailors’ grog. According to legend, the drink was so strong that it was sometimes used to settle disputes among sailors. The original recipe has been the subject of much debate and intrigue, contributing to the enduring fascination with tiki cocktails.

The Mystery of the Tiki Bowl

The Tiki Bowl, also known as the Scorpion Bowl, is a communal tiki cocktail served in a large bowl with long straws. This drink is often shared among friends, making it a popular choice at tiki bars. One famous anecdote involves a bartender at Trader Vic’s who allegedly set the drink on fire before serving it. The dramatic presentation became a hallmark of the Tiki Bowl, making it a memorable experience for patrons.

The Zombie That Saved a Hangover

Don the Beachcomber’s Zombie cocktail is not only famous for its strength but also for a unique story behind its creation. According to legend, a customer once came into Don’s bar complaining of a terrible hangover. Don whipped up a concoction, which he called the Zombie, to help the customer feel better. The drink was so potent that it reportedly made the customer feel “like the walking dead,” hence the name Zombie. This story added to the cocktail’s mystique and reputation as one of the most powerful tiki drinks.

The Mystery of the Lost Recipes

Many original tiki recipes were lost or altered over the years, adding to the intrigue surrounding these drinks. During the mid-20th century, tiki bars were fiercely competitive, and bartenders guarded their recipes closely. Some bartenders even took their secrets to the grave. For instance, Mariano Licudine, head bartender at the Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, created numerous tiki cocktails, but many of his original recipes were lost after his death. This loss has led to a resurgence in interest as modern tiki enthusiasts attempt to recreate these lost classics.

Tiki cocktails are not just drinks; they are vessels of history and stories that add to their charm and appeal. The anecdotes surrounding their creation, secret recipes, and dramatic presentations make them a fascinating part of cocktail culture. Felene Vodka’s flavored line can now be a part of these storied traditions, bringing new life to classic tiki cocktails. Cheers to enjoying a piece of tiki history in every sip!

Tiki Cocktails and Their Suitability for Summer

Tiki cocktails are perfect for summer due to their refreshing, fruit-forward nature. These drinks often feature ingredients like pineapple, lime, and coconut, which are synonymous with warm weather. The use of ice and blended techniques helps keep the drinks cool and invigorating.

Felene Vodka’s flavored line introduces a new twist on classic tiki cocktails. With flavors like blood orange, raspberry-lemonade, coconut-lime, and Blucifer lemon, Felene Vodka adds a unique depth to these tropical creations.

Felene Vodka: A Perfect Match for Tiki Cocktails – The New Generation of Tiki Drinks

Felene Vodka’s organic, sugarcane-based vodka is ideal for tiki cocktails. The natural flavors enhance the tropical ingredients, creating a seamless blend. Below, we introduce eight tiki cocktail recipes using Felene Vodka’s flavored line.

Blood Orange Felene Vodka Tiki Cocktails

1. Blood Orange Paradise

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Blood Orange Felene Vodka
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 0.5 oz passion fruit syrup
• 0.5 oz grenadine

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a tiki glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 18g

2. Blood Orange Sunset

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Blood Orange Felene Vodka
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 0.25 oz grenadine

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients except grenadine in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake and strain into a glass over ice.
3. Slowly pour grenadine to create a sunset effect.
4. Garnish with an orange wheel and mint sprig.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 17g

Raspberry-Lemonade Felene Vodka Tiki Cocktails

3. Raspberry Island Punch

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Raspberry-Lemonade Felene Vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until well mixed.
3. Strain into a tiki glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with raspberries and a lime wheel.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 15g

4. Tropical Raspberry Fizz

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Raspberry-Lemonade Felene Vodka
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz coconut water
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Club soda

Instructions:

1. Mix vodka, lemon juice, coconut water, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
3. Top with club soda.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint leaves.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

Coconut-Lime Felene Vodka Tiki Cocktails

5. Coconut Lime Breeze

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Coconut-Lime Felene Vodka
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz coconut cream
• 1 oz pineapple juice

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until smooth.
3. Strain into a tiki glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and toasted coconut flakes.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 14g

6. Tropical Coconut Cooler

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Coconut-Lime Felene Vodka
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz mango puree
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 0.5 oz club soda

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients except club soda in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
3. Top with club soda.
4. Garnish with a mango slice and mint sprig.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 16g

Blucifer Lemon Felene Vodka Tiki Cocktails

7. Blucifer Lemon Punch

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Blucifer Lemon Felene Vodka
• 1 oz blueberry syrup or muddled blueberries
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 0.5 oz club soda

Instructions:

1. Combine vodka, blueberry syrup, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
3. Top with club soda.
4. Garnish with blueberries and a lemon wheel.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 14g

8. Blucifer Lemon Tropical Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Blucifer Lemon Felene Vodka
• 1 oz passion fruit juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with a lime twist.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 13g

The Takeaway on Tiki

Tiki cocktails, with their vibrant flavors and tropical vibes, make the perfect summer beverages. The history and allure of these drinks have stood the test of time. Felene Vodka’s flavored line adds a unique twist, making these cocktails even more delightful. Whether hosting a summer party or relaxing by the pool, these tiki cocktails are sure to impress. Cheers to summer and the tropical taste of tiki with Felene Vodka!