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!
Every bar should have one or two drinks that walk away from their usual theme or clientele. Burnt Bourbon is about as far from a tiki dink as you can get while still pleasing folks who truly enjoy good spirits. An average bourbon and some smokey mezcal pair perfectly with pressed apple cider and cardamom. Serve this to impress your relatives at Thanksgiving or any holiday. Sip. Savor. Enjoy.
Read MoreIts been known for centuries that drinking alcohol can be safer than water. Allegedly. Consult your physician before testing this theory. Then, mix up Agua Suja and celebrate the Summer 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Jeneiro. Ward off Zika virus and most other vectors that could otherwise dampen your trip to paradise.
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 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 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 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 MoreAloha Amoré, romantic lounge music and a smile are all you need to get that special tiki someone in the mood for love or love making. Dark rums, fresh juices and a little passion fruit will get that lava flowing.
Read MoreIt is highly encourage you make your way through the list of classic American cocktails. Surely the Manhattan will be at the top of that list. However, if you like rum as much as we do...try this version of the American classic with a Rum twist. You may never go back to the original.
Read MoreLook! 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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