Post #753136 by wupput on Sun, Oct 25, 2015 7:22 PM

I visited Bootlegger Tiki two evenings this last week and was highly impressed.

First, no hip-hop or techno, thank Lono! Wed night they were rocking surf classics. Friday was kind of classic rock, which is sort of how Tiki Ti rolls as well from what I recall.

Decor is pretty simple but sweet. The place is tiny, with lots of red lights casting a glow. There's a nice small patio outside in front but I hung out at the bar.

History: in spades! Don the Beachcomber had a place right there, and there are apparently tunnels under the building that used to run bootleg booze into the place during prohibition. Thus the name.

Bartender: Chad is the beverage manager/bartender and he knows what he is doing. I mean, really knows. I got the impression if I named any drink from the BBB books he could mix it up from memory. A very friendly guy who was happy to chat about rums, tiki, syrups and anything else while he mixed up drinks.

Drinks: Here is where the place shined. I had a brand new drink not on menu yet called the Kingslayer that was just delectable. It had Smith & Cross, Campari, pineapple and lime, and lots of other stuff which I already forgot. I'm not a big campari fan but it was phenomenal. Sorry this photo makes the drink look pink because of the red lights - it was actually a nice shade of yellow-orange.

We were talking white rums and Chad made me a daiquiri using Cana Brava. It was simply the best daiquiri I've ever had.

The next time in I started with one of their signature drinks, the Pod Thai. This was just amazing. Selvarey rum, coconut cream, lime, Thai basil, and cardomom/lemongrass syrup. Immediately became one of my top 10 favorite drinks. Such a unique flavor.

I had a hard time choosing between a Mai Tai and a Zombie. Both are made in classic Don the Beach style. Chad made me a hybrid of the two. It was excellent and strong.

I also met the owner who was very friendly and seemed to really take pride in what they were doing. The clientele was ok (some yahoos were ordering beer, vodka tonics and glasses of merlot. The less said about that the better). The price/value for the drinks was pretty oustanding. All in all I was genuinely, seriously impressed. I thought about not posting this because I kind of want to keep this place more of a secret so I can get a seat at the bar without cuing outside at 3:30 in the 110 degree Palm Springs sun, but I owe these guys a review as they really went out of their way to make me some fantastic drinks.