When you think rum, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Tiki drinks? Pirates? Rum and Coke? Don’t get us wrong, we love a good tiki drink or a rum and coke. And yes, pirates did actually drink rum. But rum is much more versatile than you think and it’s time to graduate from the tiki drink and try something a little bit more sophisticated.
The tiki drink is said to have originated in the 1930s in Hollywood. A man named, Don Beach was inspired by the tropical drinks and decor while traveling through the islands of the south pacific and decided to bring the mix of rum and fresh fruit to America. Tiki drinks and culture have obviously changed over the past 90 years, but there is one thing for certain, rum cocktails can be sophisticated and don’t have to play into the overly sweet flavors of Tiki cocktails.
Here are a few of our modern takes on the tiki drink. They’re sophisticated, flavorful, and inspired by a few tiki classics.
Matcha Mai Tai
A Mai Tai, but make it better. Try this citrusy and nutty take on the traditional Mai Tai.
2 oz of Callisto
1/2 oz of Yuzu liqueur
3/4 oz of Lime juice
1/2 oz of Pistachio Orgeat
1/4 oz of Rock syrup
Shake all of the ingredients with crushed ice. Pour contents into a double Old Fashioned glass and top with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint bouquet and an orchid.
Winds of Change
This is our take on the classic Tradewinds cocktail.
2 oz of Callisto
1 1/2 oz of Coconut Cream (Smugglers Cove Recipe)
1 oz of St. Germain
1 oz of Lemon juice
Flash blend all of the ingredients with crushed ice. Serve in a tall glass with a wedge of lemon skewered with an umbrella.
California Painkiller
A Callisto take on the fruity, tropical favorite. This citrusy, creamy delight is the perfect antidote to a hangover or addition to an afternoon by the pool.
2 oz. of Callisto
4 oz. of Pineapple juice
1 oz. of Coconut cream
1 oz. of Orange juice
Shake all of the ingredients together vigorously with ice for 20 – 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled Hurricane glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and grated nutmeg.
We recommend using Callisto in any traditional Tiki recipes or try one of these modern recipes with a Callisto twist. Our rum brings a lovely bright, dry, floral finish to these cocktails and makes your drinking experience that much more exciting.
Make one of our more sophisticated tiki-inspired drinks at home and tag us in your photos on Instagram