Sea Slug

Sea Slug

The 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.  

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Xmas Helper

Xmas Helper

We 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.  

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Black Sapphire Martini and Voodoo Kiss

Black Sapphire Martini and Voodoo Kiss

Its 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!

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Mid Century Cocktails Nouveau

Mid Century Cocktails Nouveau

One 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.  

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Better Than The 80's

Better Than The 80's

Although 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.  

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Puerto Rico Punch with Don Q Gold

Puerto Rico Punch with Don Q Gold

Every 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.  

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Exotic Sundown

Exotic Sundown

Location, 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  

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Rumhattan Blend

Rumhattan Blend

Look!  You need your own blend of favorite spirits just to call your own.  Try starting with a few different rums, mixing them in a bottle and keep on hand for quick cocktails without the complexity of taking down half the bottles off your shelf.  A rum blend works well in just about any drink that calls for more than one rum.  

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Dirty Christmas Punch

Dirty Christmas Punch

When you make this punch correctly it will a a slightly yellow brown color, hence "Dirty Christmas Punch."  The cinnamon and peppermint bring out hints of the holiday season without being overbearing.  This is also a great drink to put in a crock pot on low and serve warm with whip cream.

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GroundWork Ginger Cloud

GroundWork Ginger Cloud

Refreshing, 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.  

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Foolproof Holiday Cocktails

Foolproof Holiday Cocktails

The Holidays are wonderful.  Your friends and family are fun.  But both are better when liquid refreshment is stirred into the mix.  What to serve that will keep everyone schnockered and happy?  The Idiot Proof Cocktail.  Just three ingredients, shake, pour, sip.  You can interchange flavors and liquors forever and still never try them all.  

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