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!
Somewhat sweet, and very sunny. Sao Paulo Sunrise feels and tastes warm and inviting. Enjoy this simple cocktail by the pool or beach. A great drink for pitchers and punch bowls. No one drinks just one. Invite your friends over and get the Bossa Nova going on the turntable.
Read MorePineapple Freesia is a lady drink that gentlemen prefer. A simple combination of coconut, lime, pineapple and macadamia nut flavors are the key to this superb and sensational sipping delight. Before or after dinner, poolside or in your favorite lounge. Pineapple Freesia won't let you escape the island pleasures you imagine all week long.
Read MoreTiki Italiano is a Summer sipper that pleases both the lover of sweet drinks and savory cocktails. Beware how easy this one goes down. The booze is covered up well enough that you may get into a little trouble if you aren't careful. Serve with meats, cheeses, crackers and savory tid bits. Yes! A tiki drink that pairs well with the snacks you would usually enjoy with wine.
Read MoreThis drink is an ode to the DICK that was sitting next to Sunshine at a local casino bar. You know, those guys who slap the buttons because they are sore losers. No one likes a mad, drunk, sore loser. And here is a drink that just about any bar should be able to make with the standard ingredients on hand. Drink two of these and your likely to have some stellar luck and maybe the guy next to you will go away. The Poker DICK!
Read MoreJeannie's Fire puts the heat into your drinking experience. Feel her flames tingle down your throat as you sip on this citrus and brown sugar cocktail made with Deadhead aged rum. The spiced brown sugar syrup is an easy homemade sugar syrup that anyone can make. Watch the video and mix this drink!
Read MoreJoin us south of border for a tasty drink with a sleepy name. Mexican Xanax is sweet, smokey and intoxicating. Before settling in for a good nights rest we recommend stirring this up and sipping while you get in that last episode of Love Boat reruns or Fantasy Island. Theres no better way to relax.
Read MoreAfter long days and grueling nights of pushing cookies on the throngs of shoppers at the local grocery store, this is what moms across America should be drinking when they finally get home. Finally a cocktail that really does taste like a Samoa cookie, not too sweet and just boozy enough.
Read MoreWe all dream of a tropical destination that isn't on any map and no one remembers how they got there. You may try to recall the exact longitude and latitude but this was a once in a lifetime trip. Memories are your only take back. Except for the quintessential island libation you were greeted with. Go back to the warm sandy shores and pristine waters with the Forbidden Atoll drink in your hand. Mildly sweet coconut and pineapple juices shaken with three rums and a hint of the elixir that only the green fairy could capture.
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 MoreWe are often asked for simple cocktail recipes. The non mixologists out there generally want a great tasting libation with just 3 to 5 ingredients. Xmas Helper fits that bill perfectly without sacrificing flavor and alcohol content. Pomegranate, two rums and a little lime zest create a sweet and balanced drink you will enjoy over and over. Add the optional ingredients to make it more complicated or keep it simple.
Read MoreIts Halloween time in the Zen Tiki Lounge. In honor of our favorite holiday we bring you two new libations perfect for your darkest of evenings or gloomy afternoons. The Black Sapphire Martini and the Voodoo Kiss each provide a unique sipping experience that will evoke notions of spirits and spooks as long as you care to enjoy. Cheers and Mahalo!
Read MoreOne of the most memorable periods in cocktail culture is the mid century modern era of imbibing. Times were simpler and so were the drinks. Vodka, whiskey, gin and bourbon were on everyones bar cart and the standard mixers were sour mix, soda and sugar. Throw in tonic for good measure and you have the classic 1960's home bar. What did everyone drink? Here are four examples of the most popular cocktails of the time.
Read MoreTake a trip to French Martinique with A Rhum In France. Several French Rhums are mixed with fresh juices and a little spice for a cocktail that pleases many. Try this one while watching foreign films or having a French inspired meal. Heck, find a shady spot in your backyard and sip away.
Read MoreChampagne is often the go to libation for a celebration. Champagne cocktails are perhaps worth celebrating on their own. Our little toast maker is keen on a mildly dry champagne mixed with blackberry liquor and hazelnut. Garnished with fresh berries and edible flowers for a cheers worthy clinky clinky.
Read MoreThis cocktail alone is reason enough to add Honey Liquor and Pimm's No. 1 to your bar shelf. You will find both ingredients are fun to add to many other cocktails you know and love. Try them first in the Honey Badger. Get to your local booze barn and find Barenjager and Pimm's now!
Read MoreAlthough the music of the 80's was worth remembering, the cocktails weren't all that good. When Sex on the Beach and Blue Hawaiians were served at every club and bar, it was a dark dark time. Sunshine tried to make better versions of all three. Not by using fu fu organic juice or anything like that, but by slightly altering each recipe in favor of flavor over sugar and cheap booze.
Read MoreEvery tiki bar and home bar alike needs a good punch recipe. Punch can be served as a cocktail or in the giant fish bowl. We recommend this one made individually and served in a fancy glass with ample garnish and an umbrella. You will need to make some homemade falernum (or use BG Reynolds Trader Tiki) to bring out the true exotic flavor of this otherwise simple to prepare libation.
Read MoreInspired by the Pisco Sour, this somewhat tiki rendition is a little sweeter and has a hint of spice. The ZTL sour has become one of our house cocktails and makes frequent return visits to our bar glasses. Try our version or add your own touch to a classic.
Read MoreLocation, Location, Location. Fresh citrus is available in the winter months just about anywhere in the citrus growing regions of the world. I you are lucky enough to live in one or have access to a market with a good delivery schedule, mix this cocktail to turn any winter day into a sunny exposition
Read More
