The Indian summer makes it incredibly difficult to down a glass of stiff whiskey. Which is why, the weather calls for a tall glass of cold, fresh fruit tiki cocktail. These zesty drinks, made with fresh fruit and juices, also help restore the electrolyte balance during the summers. So if a whiskey on the rocks will dehydrate you on a hot, sunny day, a whiskey-based tiki cocktail refreshes you.
Sure, there are loads of fruit-based cocktails, so how are tiki-based cocktails different, you ask? Well, the freshness that comes with these fruits is its USP. An authentic tiki cocktail requires a well-balanced mix of alcohol and fruit juices. Since rum is derived from sugarcane, and vodka from fermentation of cereals, these are the best spirits to choose.
These cocktails have a rather interesting history. According to the belief system of the Maori people of New Zealand, the God-like figure Tiki was the first human in existence (alternatively, he is also described as the creator of man). When Trader Vic’s, one of the two brands hugely responsible for the tiki cocktails craze, opened a new location in Beverly Hills in 1955, the owner installed a large Tiki statue outside the building.
The restaurant also began using images of carved tiki gods on its menus leading to their innate association with tiki in the minds of Americans. Eventually the tropical cocktails at Trader Vic’s that called for fresh fruits in their recipe came to be known as tiki cocktails.
Making a tiki cocktail is easy as long as the measurements for the drink are followed to the T. The right recipe goes a long way in making a well-balanced drink. One of my favourite, and simplest recipes is the Peach Punch, which makes for a great Sunday refresher. Put together 15 ml of Peach Schnapps, 30 ml of coconut cream, 90 ml of orange juice, 45 ml of white rum in a glass. Shake it and garnish with a peach fruit.
Junk preserved juices, and don’t underestimate the importance of the right tiki style glassware while serving the cocktails. Cheers!
Harish Shetty is the bar head at The Stables and Rodeo Drive.
