Post #301705 by DemeraraDrinker on Wed, Apr 25, 2007 10:03 AM

I was on my way towards the authentic Tiki camp, and then literally fell head first into it after my first Zombie at the Tiki-Ti. But the only way to get Tiki back to anywhere near where it was 40 years ago is to embrace and extend the newbies. So I have a high tolerance for stuff like the what do I mix with Tattoo? (a quart of lime juice to cut the sweetness...)

But then I would try to go in the direction of: have you tried a rum that is spicy by nature, not because anything was added? Barbancourt 8 perhaps? Or smoke and spice...Demerara. Then there is this thing called a Demerara Dry Float... Get them interested in the history, the flavors, the methods, and the mood of real Tiki drinks.

To the guy in DC on a budget, those small (usually narrow and deep) liquor stores usually suck for Tiki ingredients. Try the Internet. There are some stores up in New York that ship, and you're relatively close (as far as UPS is concerned). Astor Wine and Spirits comes to mind...