Zen Tiki Lounge

It had only been a few days since recording our previous podcast. In order to get you another episode before the holidays jump on us we popped into the lounge for a quickie. Starshine, Sunshine and Kalani enjoy an easy to make drink that rings in the fall/winter season with the smoothness of cinnamon, vanilla and citrus. Mix Holiday Sunset and serve all season long. Discussion includes but is not limited to;")

Inappropriate fun with cream cheese, things not to buy at a flea market, why Thanksgiving is the 2nd best holiday, our fascination with Kat from No Pressure show, the scourge of gun metal grey cars and plenty more. Click Here to make Holiday Sunset.

Congrats to Kim, Sergio, Adam and Leir who all got themselves a shirt from Tiki Bar T-shirt Club. All of us at ZTL love these shirts and wear them proudly. Soft cotton in both mens and women cuts. Buy just the one you like or get them all.

Can you forgive us? We took 6 weeks off since the last podcast, mostly due to scheduling conflicts. But, Sunshine has also been under the weather. On this episode Sunshine and Kalani are in the lounge sipping on two of our newest cocktail. Click here for recipes and make Seven Stars or Shattered Pony to enhance your enjoyment of this podcast.

Above Left: Shattered Pony

Above Right: Seven Stars

Below are the new cocktail glasses and t-shirts that are now available in our online store. If you buy two glasses you get a little discount. We tried to keep shipping as low as possible so its easier for you to get your hands on our new items. Support the podcast by grabbing as many as you like or give as a gift.

As mentioned on this episode, we highly recommend the Quiet Village Podcast. Digitiki does all the hard work for you. He will find you new exotica, Hawaiiana, surf rock, lounge etc. in each episode. All you have to do is listen and then go find what you liked based on easy download or purchase options that are provided. It really couldn’t be easier to find new tiki bar tunes.

We love Tiki Bar T-shirt Club. Get a new tiki bar shirt every month delivered right to you. Buy one, or subscribe and get them monthly. All of us at ZTL proudly wear our Tiki Bar T-shirt Club shirts and enjoy telling people where to get theirs.

Aloooooooooooooooooooooha and Welcome to our much anticipated 400th podcast celebration recorded LIVE at The Reef Palm Springs @Caliente Tropics Palm Springs. Rory Snyder was gracious enough to allow us to host our very special celebration in his libation sanctuary The Reef. Fans, listeners and bar patrons joined us on a spicy hot Saturday to enjoy our top rated cocktail recipes along with meeting all four hosts of the ZTL podcast and a rousing game of “Whats In Kalani’s Bra?” The pictures below are just a few favorites that show the fun we had.

If you would like to skip around to a particular portion of this live recording please use this guide:

00:00 - 08:14 Introduction

08:14 - 33:18 What’s In Kalani’s Bra (Everyones favorite podcast gameshow)

33:18 - 36:35 Interview with Brandon Glass, Head Bartender The Reef Palm Springs

36:35 - 38:45 Interview with Pumpkin, our original ZTL podcast Hostess

38:45 - 40:54 Interview with neighbor Vicki and her sassy Sisters

40:54 - 43:15 Interview with Mr. Steven Johnson

43:15 - 45:45 Interview with Starshine Tiki, our second podcast hostess in chronological order

45:45 - 52:49 Interview with Kalani Tiki, the third and final of our OG podcast hostesses

52:49 - 58:37 Interview with Susan Nelson and Pineapple Shagette

58:37 - 101:58 Interview with Michael Contos

101:58 - 107:18 Interview with Stephen and Michalee Sloan

107:18 - 110:25 Interview with Sugar Tits and Pablo (everyones favorite new Indie rock band)

110:25 - 112:37 Interview with The Husband

112:37 - Finé Closing and finale with Sunshine, Pumpkin, Starshine, Kalani and the rest

As mentioned on the recording, this Skull Island cake was created by Michael Contos and devoured at one of room parties over 6 years ago. Michael is a creative talent with foods and unique presentation. We have enjoyed many tasty tidbits over the years courtesy of Michael and we look forward to more. Sunshines personal favorite are the peanut butter filled chocolate moai and as of this recording Peles Kiss ribs. Mahalo Michael.

All of us at Zen Tiki Lounge podcast wear our Tiki Bar T shirt Club shirts proudly and boldly. We could not have made it to 400 episodes without great friends and partners in the tiki community like Tiki Bar T shirt Club. Cheers and Mahalo!

We made it! This is our last podcast before #400. Listen to this episode for details on our podcast celebration on 9/29/18 in Palm Springs @The Reef bar inside the historic Caliente Tropics hotel. Everyone is welcome to join us between 11am-3pm. The bar will be serving three of our most popular ZTL drinks voted on by our very fans. Try Scurvy Killer, Tahitian Exotique or Jeannie’s Fire. Or, enjoy one of the many other tiki drinks @The Reef. Great bar food including burgers, sandwiches, salads and SPAM masubi is also available. We are releasing our new t-shirts and rocks glasses at the event. Shirts are $25 and glasses are $20 each or two for $30 at the event only. Wait! theres more. We are also playing Whats In Kalani’s Bra, everyones favorite podcast game show. There will be prizes for those who correctly guess the most items in Kalani’s bra. CLICK HERE for the link to the invite on fb.

WHEN YOU AREN'T WEARING A LUAU SHIRT YOU WANT TO PUT ON A NICE TIKI T-SHIRT. TIKI BAR T-SHIRT CLUB AS A NEW DESIGN EACH AND EVERY MONTH. EVERY SHIRT IS LIKE TIKI BAR ARCHEOLOGY, TAKING US BACK TO A BAR OR RESTAURANT THAT HAS LONG SINCE CLOSED BUT CAN LIVE IN OUR MEMORIES. SUBSCRIBE AND GET A NEW SHIRT EVERY MONTH OR BUY JUST THE ONES YOU WANT.

T-Shirt giveaway! Listen to this episode quick to find out how you can get the shirt pictured below from Tiki Bar T-shirt Club. Only the first two who complete the challenge will get a shirt, listen carefully as you must get the challenge right.

just back from Las Vegas, Sunshine shares his experience of ordering mai tais from 6 different sin city casino bars just to see what would happen. Some bars were certainly better than others and those you may think would serve the better drink didn't necessarily do so. 

Also on this episode are some quick updates on our upcoming 400th podcast celebration which will be held at The Reef Palm Springs @ The Caliente Tropics hotel. Be there September 29 from 11am to 3pm for signature ZTL cocktails, great food, LIVE podcast recording and you may be chosen to play Whats In Kalani's Bra! We will be releasing our new rocks glasses just in time to celebrate almost 12 years of podcasting from your favorite dimly lit tiki bar that lives in your head.

The second half of the show is all music to keep you relaxed and enjoying the cocktail of your choice.  Mix a drink, sit back and relax while Sunshine does all the talking.  Cheers and Mahalo. 

WHEN YOU AREN'T WEARING A LUAU SHIRT YOU WANT TO PUT ON A NICE TIKI T-SHIRT. TIKI BAR T-SHIRT CLUB AS A NEW DESIGN EACH AND EVERY MONTH.  EVERY SHIRT IS LIKE TIKI BAR ARCHEOLOGY, TAKING US BACK TO A BAR OR RESTAURANT THAT HAS LONG SINCE CLOSED BUT CAN LIVE IN OUR MEMORIES. SUBSCRIBE AND GET A NEW SHIRT EVERY MONTH OR BUY JUST THE ONES YOU WANT. 

Join the hosts of the Zen Tiki Lounge podcast at Circa Caliente, the hottest mid century/tiki event this October sunny and warm Palm Springs, CA.  Stop by the ZTL room party or one of the over a dozen other parties throughout the weekend.  Live music, signature cocktails and loads of time to mingle with just 400 other people who really like to have a good time. This event will sell out and the final rooms at the main hotel are on sale by clicking the banner below. We hope to see you there!

Aloha and Welcome to the Zen Tiki Lounge. Join Sunshine and Pumpkin on this episode of the podcast. By request we are sipping a blended drink called the Headhunter. You can find the recipe in the Total Tiki app as pictured below and created by Beachbum Berry. When we aren't creating our own drink recipes we rely on experts like the bum who has carefully researched hundreds of vintage tiki recipes from the 30's to today. With blendy drink in hand Pumpkin was ready to play Golden Girls Mad Libs and engage in a long edition of listener mail. A special treat for long time listeners is a trip to Pumpkins box for the mail portion. We hadn't climbed into the "mail box" in a few years.  Also on this episode: a taste of Mulata de Cuba, new bar set up tips, barware suggestions for the beginner, a short list of easy to find rums that everyone should have, update on our 400th episode celebration coming 9/29/2018 in Palm Springs and lots more.  

As mentioned on this episode, we recommend you check out the Total Tiki app by Beachbum Berry.  Well over 200 tiki drink recipes that are well researched and all in one place just for your mixing pleasure. Each recipe includes ingredient links and resources so you always know everything you need to fix a proper drink.  And, if in New Orleans don't forget to visit the bums bar Latitude 29. If you buy just one drink app, this is the one for all your tiki needs and Beachbum Berry is the guru of tiki mixology.  

Announcing our 400th podcast episode celebration! Join us 9/29/18 at the Reef Palm Springs for a four hour tour down memory lane with all four hosts of the Zen Tiki Lounge.  The Reef Bar will be serving some of our signature drinks developed over the past 12 years.  Plus ample classic exoctica to se the mood and tasty bar food to keep you balanced.  We will play Whats In Kalani's Bra which always includes "prizes" for those lucky soles who guess the most correct items in Kalani's over the should boulder holder. Oh, and did we mention this is at the Caliente Tropics hotel, where Frank and Dean among others used to play in the basement in the heyday of Hollywood and Palm Springs glory. This event is open to the public and all we ask is that you buy food and drinks while enjoying yourselves.  

By request and played on this episode: Jellyfish by Kenny Sasaki and the Tiki Boys

Join the crew of the Zen Tiki Lounge at Circa Caliente this October for 4 days of kitchy parties that stretch across the 1950's to 1980's. Its the theme event of the fall that you don't want to miss and the last rooms are on sale as of this podcast (8/5/18)

When you aren't wearing a luau shirt you want to put on a nice tiki t-shirt. Tiki Bar T-Shirt Club as a new design each and every month.  Every shirt is like tiki bar archeology, taking us back to a bar or restaurant that has long since closed but can live in our memories. Subscribe and get a new shirt every month or buy just the ones you want. 

Sunshine and Starshine are happy to cozy up in the Zen Tiki Lounge and enjoy our newest cocktail creation. Sunshine has crafted Tansuma, a bright citrus drink that is perfect to sip slowly in order to really enjoy the many flavors. Tansuma is a good example of know your audience when it comes to the drinks you serve.  Pumpkin and Kalani do not appreciate stiffer libations like Starshine does. The Stroh used in this recipe gives a very distinct flavor that is reminiscent of rum raisin ice cream. Mix yours and listen to the show.

Above are the essential liquors needed to make Tansuma. Substitutions are not recommended. If you don't already have Stroh, Dry Curaçao, Campari and sweet Vermouth we don't know what you are waiting for. 

Also discussed on this episode: A quick shout to everyone attending   Tiki Kon not in its 16th year, the blob attacks our childhood memories, planning a birthday trip to Las Vegas in tiki style, the trouble with keeping orchids and cheap LED flame bulbs made in China. During our listener mail segment Sunshine gives a detailed answer for how you an best enjoy the all you can drink package on Princess cruises and also shares how to have "fresh" squeezed citrus juice all year long no matter where you live.   Listen the full podcast above for lots more.  

Tiki Kon just celebrated its 16th year. You may have missed this one but follow on social media so you get in on the event next year.  facebook instagram 

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GIFT SOMEONE A T SHIRT FROM TIKI BAR T-SHIRT CLUB? EXCITEMENT AND A LOT OF GRATITUDE. AT ZTL WE LOVE THESE SHIRTS. EACH AND EVERY MONTH A NEW SHIRT WITH A FUN DESIGN IS RELEASED.  YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE AND GET THEM ALL OR BUY JUST ONE. OR, GIFT A SUBSCRIPTION TO YOUR FAVORITE TIKI SOMEONE.  

We like to please our listeners. A few requests rolled in recently to have another co host join us on the podcast.  Someone from the tiki community who is also fun behind the microphone.  Susan Nelson stepped up to the invite and joined Sunshine in the Zen Tiki Lounge for a fun hour of drinking and conversation.  Susan is one of the few people besides Rory Snyder who has been to all 10 Tiki Caliente events, plus many many more around Southern California over the past 14 years. If you see Susan at an event, stop and say Aloha.  Listen to the show to hear our chat about preferences in spirits, tiki travels and a few tips on keeping the party going without getting stopped by the barf fairy.  Below left, Susan and Sunshine enjoy POOL DRINK. Below Center an assortment of fresh fruit with a pineapple salsa and Chile lime seasoning for dipping and eating. Below right, POOL DRINK and fresh fruit for dipping.  Listen for more details on the drink and snacks. 

After discovering that Gin is Susans least favorite booze, Sunshine brings out two of his favorites for her to try.  Wouldn't you know it, Susan may like good Gin a little more than she though.  Below left is St. Augustine Gin which was sent in by listener Frank.  St. Augustine is distilled in Florida and is one of the most lime forward gins with many botanicals creating a complex and smooth gin.  Below right is Calwise Big Sur Gin. This particular gin is very floral and medium sweet. Mix this one with limeade for a simple and quick drink or in your favorite gimlet or martini. We love them both. Explore beyond rum.  

What happens when you gift someone a t shirt from Tiki Bar T-Shirt Club? Excitement and a lot of gratitude. At ZTL we love these shirts. Each and every month a new shirt with a fun design is released.  you can subscribe and get them all or buy just one. Or, gift a subscription to your favorite tiki someone.  

This episode of ZTL is very special.  Pumpkin has blessed us with her "witty" form of conversation which is usually enjoyed in small doses such as this one hour podcast.  The show begins with a perfectly appropriate summer libation, the Sand Trap.  Although we tend to shy away from blended concoctions in the Zen Tiki Lounge, Sunshine has a version of a Piña colada that you may just find a bit more refreshing and balanced than the usual cruise ship and party bar offerings. Click the link and blend one or a pitcher for all your thirsty friends.  After just one Sand Trap, Pumpkin becomes mentally stuck in her usual low brow rolling thought train that includes bedroom things she does not do, memories of being a mall rat and a strange rant about Yma Sumac running into a volcano. 

Below are some of our favorite pics from a recent trip to Last Rites, San Francisco newest theme bar.  Not tiki, but wonderful nonetheless. Last Rites fits into the speakeasy profile in that it is just a black door from the street front, opens later in the day (6pm) and you could easily walk right by if you didn't know where to look. Once inside your eyes need time to adjust to the dimness but your nose will immediately pick up citrus and other cocktail ingredients from the well stocked bar. Listen to the podcast for more details and a short recording from Last Rites while we visited with other new patrons. We give this place a MUST visit for anyone looking for good cocktails in a beautifully themed atmosphere.  

Many years ago Sunshine read the first book by Everett Peacock in the Tiwaka series. Not much of a reader, Sunshine found that this fun and mythical beach or vacation book was perfect for a nice escape within an escape. If you read The Parrot Talks in Chocolate you will likely be reading the next two books soon. Plus, in book two includes several great cocktail recipes including our very own Coral Beauty. We highly recommend you buy or download the entire series....click here!

Pumpkin said it best on this episode of the podcast..."these shirts are so soft and comfortable I look forward to coming home from work and putting on something that fits me right and looks great on a girl".  A new design every month delivered right to your mail box or buy just one. We love Tiki Bar T-Shirt Club!

Place Holder: full blog notes in progress...please listen and enjoy for now.  

Below: Sunshine Tiki takes you on a quick preview of room party hosted by Zen Tiki Lounge at Tiki Caliente 10 in Palm Springs, May 2018

Those of us who attend weekend long tiki parties often have a hard time explaining to others what we did for 3-5 days.  The best way is to show you. Below you see lots of fantastic cocktails from all those who hosted on the crawl this year at Tiki Caliente 10.  Room themes were outstanding as you can see. Pirates, mermaids, casino, Godzilla and Monkeys just to name a few.  

WE LOVE TIKI BAR T SHIRT CLUB.  COMFY COTTON T'S FOR MEN AND WOMEN THAT ALWAYS FIT RIGHT.  A NEW TIKI BAR DESIGN EACH AND EVERY MONTH.  SUBSCRIBE AND GET THEM ALL DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR MAILBOX OR BUY JUST THE ONE YOU WANT.  WE WOULDN'T WEAR THEM IF WE DIDN'T LOVE THEM.