Post #33944 by woofmutt on Tue, May 13, 2003 7:52 AM

Because here, in Washington state, we know that drinking in public leads to the immediate downfall of civilization as we know it, I had to have an all non-alcoholic Tiki drinks list for a public beach birthday bash last summer. The key to a good non-alcoholic Tiki drink is to make sure it isn't just a big glass of fruity sugary syrup on ice. Unsweetened lime and lemon juices are a must, for best flavor you'll have to squeeze your own (check Asian markets for the best price on limes). Grapefuit juice is also a good non-sweet base to work with. Tonic water can help cut sweetness, as can some sour mixes. You can get exotic flavored syrups (including rum flavor) at restaurant supply places. Skip any of the coconut syrups that are white and creamy, I've never tasted a good one. Use Coco Lopez instead. For fast service come up with a half dozen or so different drinks, mix up batches of drink base that can be put in a glass and then topped off with club soda or still water. Then, of course, garbage the hell out of 'em with fancy swizzles, umbrellas, and fruit skewers (for faster service your umbrellas can all be opened in advance and piled gently in a box, and pre-make a pile of fruit skewers too).

[ Edited by: woofmutt on 2003-05-13 08:09 ]