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!
Sunshine Tiki often talks about his Very Spicy Rum when the holidays roll around each year. But this versatile home infused gold rum can be used in a good number of cocktails and baked goods all year long. With nothing more than an average gold rum, fresh spices and a little time. Follow our simple step by step video and impress your friends with your homemade spicy devil water.
Read MoreGinny Gin Gin. The kids love their gin these days. Here in the Zen Tiki Lounge we prefer a gin drink with a tropical touch. When using gin we like something more herbal and floral vs. astringent and juniper forward. There are so many specialty gins on the market these days that you won’t have any trouble finding a nice local gin to use in this cocktail along with fresh juices and some Brazilian cachaça.
Read MoreIf you live in the sun belt of the southern states you have likely heard of a smudge pot. These oil burning chimney like devices have kept our citrus crops from freezing on cold nights for many decades. In honor of the humble smudge pot we created this spirit forward cocktail.
Read MoreOne of the best things about a lazy afternoon is sipping a refreshing cocktail to help the time pass by. Maybe watch an old episode of one of your favorite 60’s sitcoms. Mrs. Kravitz’ Daydream is a celebration of everyones favorite nosey neighbor from Bewitched.
Read MoreSome of the best cocktails have been around for a very long time. A good Hot Buttered Rum is a classic cold weather libation that is especially popular during the winter holidays. We see this one popping back up on many bar menus with the awesome resurgence of vintage drinks and spirits. Sunshine finally crafted his own recipe for the rum batter that you can now make by following this recipe.
Read MoreThis quick little cocktail was inspired by nothing more than leftover bar ingredients. And with fresh limes and lemons on the tree (yes, living in the sunbelt has its privileges) you can juice a lot of fruit now and serve this till the new year.
Read MoreWhile attending Circa Caliente 2018 we hosted a room party called Planet ClairErasure. Imagine a blacklight 80’s mini gold course with an alien planet theme. Our two libations were Seven Stars and Shetland Pony, although we used different names for the party.
Read MoreHere is an UP drink that is bright in citrus flavor with hints of spice and a touch of bitter. Tansuma is simply a play on the words Tangerine and Satsuma, two varietals of citrus that work well in this cocktail interchangeably.
Read MoreEvery great day by the pool requires a beverage to increase your level of relaxation. Pool Drink is a simple concoction that relies on things you likely have in your cabinet, in your fridge or behind your bar. Its not fancy but it hits the spot on those warm days when a reusable plastic cup can be refilled many times over your lazy day.
Read MoreLook out for the Sand Trap! This perfect for Summer blended cocktail is not your usual piñaesque blender tragedy. If you like a good cocktail but shy away from way to sweet blended concoctions, this is your frosty and boozy treat.
Read MoreWhen sailing the seven seas its customary to pick up a few items along the way. Stopping in Barbados you will want to grab a few grapefruit, an accidental cross breed between a sour orange and the pomelo. Along your journey someone grabbed a few coconuts and tossed them below deck for later. Upon arrival on Trinidad you come across the final ingredients needed to mix Bitter Harbor. Lemons and bitters round out this inviting drink that is both bitter and sweet with a sunny disposition.
Read MoreSweet, tart, creamy and balanced. Mother of Pearl is one of those rare cocktails that includes both butter and cream as well as a touch of honey. Dark rums and mezcal add the complexity you will notice but may not be able to pick out without reading the ingredient list.
Read MoreWhen you travel you have an opportunity to try local cocktails. Grand Cayman is known for a local spiked lemonade called Swanky. Its a simple variation on classic lemonade that pairs nicely with good dark rum. Try the traditional island recipe or our Extra Swanky version.
Read MoreIf this drink sounds like it may be adjacent to a Moscow Mule thats because it is. Swapping out dark rum for the vodka and adding some extra ginger kick is what makes this drink perhaps better than the usual mule. The naming inspiration comes from none other than our current political climate which includes Russian social media hacking and all kinds of other shenanigans we would all like to forget about over a drink or two, or three.
Read MoreTry Cinnamon Passion Punch. A refreshing tropical punch with a little spice for complexity. This simple recipe combines champagne and Alize along with fresh juices and a homemade cinnamon syrup. Every ingredient is easy to find in most grocery stores. Make one batch for approximately 30 people if you have a light drinking crowd.
Read MorePOG GROG isn't a cocktail by any means but it is what people ask for. Rum and juice. Tropical but not too sweet and still the flavor of rum comes through. Choose a rum that you enjoy the smell of and that also has a slightly sweet taste. Jamaican rums are great for this due to their lovely island aromas of sweet cane, floral touches and general smoothness.
Read MoreAt some point we all experience a brush off or return to sender notice from the very person we are infatuated with. These "bruised passions" can sometimes sting a little more than one might be prepared for. The solution is a lovely cocktail such as this
Read MoreIf you seek a place of relaxing contemplation you may want to try Chinese Sandman. For those who imbibe before bed time, this may be the drink for you. Potent enough to sedate and just sweet enough to hit you like an end of day dessert.
Read MoreInspiration for the next cocktail can come from anywhere. On a rather regular Friday, Sunshine Tiki came across a meme that sounded more like a frosty tropical drink vs. a political statement. Thinking "what would Juan Bahama be made of"? took just a few moments and the ingredients started to become obvious. A large banana, Jamaican rum, dark brown sugar and a dash of Chinese spices and chocolate bitters. Yeah, that sounds just about right.
Read MoreImagine yourself visiting a warm beach filled with sunshine and the sights and smells of paradise. Floral, herbal, fresh and sweet. Lychee Bay is a tiki drink that delivers a complex sipping experience that is surprisingly hard to let go. Sweet lychee and mango are balanced with grapefruit and Lemon Hart 151.
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