For Christina’s 40th birthday tiki dream tour, we visited all four Trader Vic’s locations in Dubai—and sat down with two of the visionaries behind the magic: Ximena Lopez, Regional Director MEA, and Manuel Gastelum, Culinary Director MEA. From frozen Mai Tais at Palm Jumeirah to wood-fire ovens and international expansion, they share how Trader Vic’s keeps its legacy alive across cultures. We talk tiki training, menu adaptations, and what makes the Middle East a uniquely vibrant home for the brand.

Oh—and yes, we tasted every signature cocktail.

In this episode of TuneInTiki, we take you on a journey across the globe as we share why we traveled to the Middle East — and dive into our unforgettable experiences at Trader Vic’s Doha and Abu Dhabi. From Mai Tais under desert skies to exploring the magic of tiki culture in a whole new setting, this episode is packed with stories, sips, and a little bit of wanderlust.

Join us as we sit down with the one and only Jen Ann Tonic from Swizzle in Dallas! We dive into her journey behind the bar, her passion for tiki and craft cocktails, and the magic that makes Swizzle a must-visit destination. From signature drinks to industry insights, this episode is a toast to the energy of the tiki world. Grab your favorite tropical cocktail and tune in for a lively conversation with one of the most passionate voices in the industry! 🍹🔥✨

In this mini-episode, we share our first impressions of Swizzle in Dallas, from the moment we walked in to the ambiance that captured our attention. Join us as we talk about the vibe, the décor, and what made this tiki spot stand out during our visit. Whether you’ve been there or are planning to go, this quick recap will give you a taste of the Swizzle experience!

We’re heading to Dallas on January 26, and we couldn’t wait to share the details of our next adventure! In this special bonus episode, we’re talking all about the release of the Deep Trench Quencher mug at Swizzle. This angler fish-inspired masterpiece, complete with a light-up swizzle, is a collaboration between two tiki legends: Brad Parker (Tiki Shark) and Jacob Medina.

We’ll chat about what makes this mug so unique, why this event is a must for any tiki fan, and what we’re most excited to experience in Dallas. Pour yourself a drink, kick back, and get ready for some deep-sea tiki fun—we’ll see you in Dallas!

In this festive new episode of TuneInTiki, Kelley and Christina dive into the holiday spirit with a special feature on Sippin’ Santa! They explore the history and magic behind this beloved pop-up tiki holiday experience, blending Christmas cheer with tropical vibes. Tune in as they reveal their roles behind the bar at Sippin’ Santa Daytona, where they’ll be serving up holiday tiki cocktails every Friday and Saturday throughout the season. Whether you’re a seasoned Sippin’ Santa fan or new to the celebration, join us for some holiday fun, tiki style!

In this episode of TuneInTiki, we sit down with Will Fugate, owner of Tiki Classics and Katiki Classic Mugs, to discuss his love for vintage Tiki and how it inspired him to start his own mug-making business. Will collaborates with talented artists like Mike Biggs to bring his nostalgic ideas to life, creating mugs that capture the essence of vintage Tiki. He shares his dedication to recreating and reimagining classic designs, the challenges of balancing his part-time business with a full-time job, and managing ambitious projects.

Will dives into the difficulties of pre-sales and supply issues in pottery making, as well as his passion for Tiki culture and his favorite mugs. The conversation also explores pricing and selling Tiki mugs, and the importance of customer service.

Stay tuned to the end of the episode for a special segment featuring Emerald Jack, where he dives into the history of the Coffee Grog. Tune in and get inspired by the magic of tiki!

In this episode of TuneInTiki, we meet Brad Parker, the creative force behind Tiki Shark. Brad shares his artistic journey, from his early influences and signature style to the challenges he faced, including getting kicked out of art school. He also discusses his conversation with a Hawaiian elder about cultural appropriation and respecting traditions. Whether you’re an art lover or curious about Tiki culture, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into Brad’s world. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the culture’s most innovative artists!