Torched Tiki Cocktail
If you’re wondering about how tropical drinks such as this torched tiki cocktail became a part of American drinking culture, don’t worry we’ll tell you. The end of prohibition ushered in the rise of tiki culture in America. The fruity, boozy drinks came from the mind of one man, Don the Beachcomber. Don traveled the world and discovered the nuanced rums of the tropical islands. His eponymous bar in Hollywood poured then-unusual drinks like Mai Tais and Zombies for a well-heeled crowd, and eventually tiki drinks made their way across the country. Here we pay tribute in our own way to this creative soul. Paper umbrella and Hawaiian shirts are optional, but highly encouraged. It’s how it’s done.
Directions
For the garnish
Soak the orange and pineapple wedges in the white rum for 2 minutes. Remove the fruit and reserve the rum for the cocktail.
Sprinkle the fruit wedges with sugar and toss with a fork to coat. Spear a piece of mortadella, orange and pineapple wedges on each of two cocktail skewers. Use a torch, broiler or grill to caramelize the skewers, if desired.
For the cocktails
Pour half of the reserved white rum, the dark rum, juices, and dram into a tiki glass and stir. Add crushed ice to nearly fill. Repeat with the rest of the ingredients in a second tiki glass.
Serve with a skewer garnish.
