Zen Tiki Lounge

Aloha and welcome to our series of quarantine podcasts. Like most human beings we are at home, some of us still working while others are not. Our desire to get together and enjoy a cocktail has not slowed but in fact become even more important. For all these reasons we will continue to host the ZTL podcast but do so in two forms. Sunshine will be hosting mostly music format shows that focus on playing some of his favorite exotic tunes and give the listener a chance to just sit back. Sunshine and the Ladies of the Lounge will host Zoom casts which will sound and feel more like our typical posts. In either case you get the cocktails, music, conversation and more from your favorite dimly lit tiki bar that you can’t actually visit. The blog posts will be very abbreviated. We will share a bullet point list of subjects discussed and a recipe or link to any drinks.

On this show:

Kalani joins Sunshine via Zoom

Whats on hand drink, recipe below

A little history and info about the humble lime

Where did the cream of tartar come from?

Visiting your local tiki bar offering food and drinks to go

Finding that face mask with a Polynesian print you can be proud of

Whats On Hand Cocktail #1

3 oz. Pineapple Juice

1 oz. Lime Juice

.5 oz. Navy Style Rum (Lost Spirits or another high proof dark rum)

1.5 oz. Jamaican Rum (J Wray or Appleton)

.5 oz. Orange Liquor 60 proof or more

.5 oz. Simple Syrup if needed

Combine everything but sugar in a shaker with ice and shake lightly just to combine. Do a quick taste. Add simple syrup only if needed.

Aloha and welcome to the Zen Tiki Lounge podcast. We are the dimly lit tiki bar that lives in your head. Listen to this episode for nothing more than great exotica for your quarantine enjoyment. Sunshine plays some of his favorite from master Arthur Lyman, the always mystifying Tikiyaki Orchestra and the incomparable Yma Sumac. Mix yourself that favorite cocktail, dim the lights and relax. Special appearances via phone by Starshine, Pumpkin and Kalani.

Our friends at Tiki Bar T-Shirt Club have a new t every month with a design from an extinct tiki bar, restaurant or hotel. Soft cotton for men and women and designs people will ask you about. We LOVE Tiki Bar T-Shirt Club.

As mentioned on this episode, this flashback to January 2008 includes some interesting inebriated thoughts from Pumpkin on bovine anatomy. 81 Hai Karate, not just a cheesy 70's cologne

In strange times we do what we can to feel normal and keep moving forward. The Ladies of the lounge and Sunshine got together in the Zen Tiki Lounge for what may be our last fully hosted podcast for some time. Sunshine asked who was available for the show and was surprised that everyone and their husbands wanted to come over for drinks before we are all asked to stay home.

To the upper right you see a shot of our impromptu drink that is the result of using up any of the remnant rums and juices already on hand. Sunshine thought it a good idea to ask listeners to do the same. Sure, stock up on what you can but don’t forget to use up what you have before it spoils. The Socially Distanced cocktail combines three rums, pineapple and mango juices and some fabulous Cardamom syrup from Simply Gala homemade beverage mixers.

Below right you see Sunshine, Starshine, Kalani and Pumpkin along with the Dark Passenger and Mr. Pumpkin. This group of rum loving friends have known each other for decades and truly enjoyed our last get together before social distancing kicks in. On this episode we discuss many things but maybe most importantly is the true need for everyone to listen to the Dr’s and scientists. Stay home. Go outside only for the necessities as seldom as possible. If you have to work, take all precautions. Listen for some fun ideas of what to do at home for the next few weeks.

As a PSA for our community of tiki friends we give big mentions to some of our favorite artists, vendors and seller of wares. You may be cooped up inside but you can order the below great products from your couch or tiki bar .

We wear them. We love them! You should get yourself a shirt from Tiki Bar T-Shirt Club. Soft cotton T’s and each month you get a new design and color. People will notice you and ask about the shirt on your back. We wouldn’t recommend them if we didn’t believe in the brand.

Just this pas October we were introduced to Simply Gala syrups. Sunshine and Starshine tried most of the flavors and enjoyed them all. We have mixed up cocktails with both the Cardamon and Passion Fruit. There are about a dozen flavors and each one is full of REAL ingredients and makes your cocktail experience all the better. Also great in teas, coffee and more.

If you aren’t already familiar with the art of Doug Horne, its time you were. Doug has a style all his own that brings out the fun, kitsch and exoticness of the world of tiki. And Sunshine has a special place for Dougs cat art, which is proudly seen in his own home. Check out the site, there’s bound to be a print you’ll want to get for yourself.

Sunshine has just returned from a trip to New Orleans and cruise to the western Caribbean. Kalani joins him in the lounge to go over a trip report which includes trying cocktail mixers from Pat O’Briens. Also on this episode:

Brief review of Latitude 29 NOLA

A visit to Tiki Tolteca, also in NOLA

Reasons to AVOID Harrahs New Orleans

Infomercial madness

Below Left: Pat O’Briens courtyard was one of our favorite places to eat and drink in the French Quarter. Center: Hurricane and Mint Julep at Pat O’Briens. Right: Cocktail mixers purchased at Pat O’Briens.

We enjoyed the outdoor courtyard. This is an iconic place to enjoy a drink and perhaps the chicken and waffles or something more traditional. As discussed on the podcast the cocktails that use the house mixers are fairly bad. Drinks like their mint julep which does not use any of the mixers is quite good. Try both and see what you think. Prices were very fair and service was good.

Although we didn’t have much time to spend at Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 we quickly realized we only have good things to say. Upon entering the “tikiness” shines with some authentic touches as well as unique to the area touches. The lighting is dim enough to give you that relaxing feel that so man of us desire. In an hour we tried four drinks including Cobras Fang, Mai Tai, Espresso Bongo (Sunshine LOVED this one) and the signature Latitude 29. All drinks were made well by Devin, our bartender who was kind enough to make recommendations and tell us a little more about the bar. Listen to the episode for more.

Tiki Tolteca is a fun visit. This is one of those “tiki adjacent” theme bars that can be considered immersive but not a classic. The location is upstairs above another restaurant but succeeds in separating itself from the other establishment by blocking out all outside light and decorating wall to wall in a tiki mezoamerican vibe. The bartenders were quirky and fun, but bottom line made nice cocktails. Its nice to see Pisco used so well in a tiki style drink.

WARNING!!! All four hosts are in the lounge for this episode of the podcast. Some listeners find it hard to listen through all the cat wrangling that happens when the whole crew is together. We won’t be offended if you skip this one. But for the hardcore fan…enjoy!

Sunshine challenged the ladies to bring an appetizer with foods they already had on hand. Starshine brought lettuce wraps made with left over deli meats, pickles and cheese. Kalani brought fresh fruit and pita chips. Pumpkin looked in her freezer and found some Trader Joe’s vegan spring rolls that pop right into the oven. Easy no planning apps with no trouble at all.

Still having fun after 14 years of podcast from the Zen Tiki Lounge

This episode is our 14th anniversary podcast. Though we aren’t doing a big celebration its still notable that none of us thought this would go past year one. We have decided only to make a big deal out of the anniversaries that fall on the 5’s, so next year will be a celebration.

Our drink is not an original this time. As many of you know we consider the Tiki Plus app by Beachbum Berry to be our go to tiki drink resource when we don’t have time or resources to create something new. The four of us enjoyed a classic Volcano Bowl that serves 3-4 and includes no less than three kinds of rum. It tastes TIKI as you might imagine. If you have not yet looked into the print and app based resources from the bum, you really should. Money well spent.

Also on this episode:

The Hukilau is coming

Tiki Caliente is sold out

Night terrors

Impromptu entertaining tips

It is still up in the air whether or not we will attend the big event. Just in case our hotel room is booked. We encourage you to check out the site and consider this as a once in a lifetime (or many times) tiki event that everyone should try at least once.

This episode originally posted July 2015. After realizing the drink mentioned on the show, The Ladies Man was never posted on our blot we have decided to push this one out again. Hope you enjoy this trip back to 2015.

There is no reason we should deny that we are nursing a hangover.  Kalani and Sunshine celebrated July 4th Independence Day with cocktails, BBQ and plenty of exploding objects.  Starshine joined us for the festivities but was not available to record this episode of the podcast.  To soothe our heads we keep the exotica nice and light, the lights are extra dim and our cocktail is full of citrus and vitamin C.  Thats how we do hangover.  

When planning a trip to San Francisco for the 2015 Pride event we made sure to put a few cocktail destinations on the menu.  At the top of our list was Smuggler's Cove.  For a couple of years we have wanted to spend a few hours with the Bay areas most well trained mixologists and very ample cocktail menu.  We were lucky enough to have Melissa and Justin taking great care of us in the lower reaches of this nautical themed tiki watering hole.  Drink after drink I watched as only the best rums, house made syrups and infusions were used to make spirits so balanced you can't help but sip them while all your cares melt away.  Port Royal, Demerara Dry Float and The Expedition were some of our favorites.  A big Mahalo to Melissa for crafting excellent cocktails from memory and making time to talk to us while she busily made sure everyone received great service and a memorable drinking experience.  Mahalo to Justin for taking a moment to talk and show me some of the bottles behind the bar.  We had a great time and will be back.  

Melissa is mixing another tiki drink masterpiece at Smugglers Cove

Sunshine sips her first cocktail at Smugglers Cove and is instantly transported to a nautical paradise.

A view of the main bar at Smugglers Cove from the balcony. Be sure to visit all three levels of this wonderful tiki experience in San Francisco

Visiting the Hurricane bar at the Tonga Room is a visual experience.  The bar itself is covered in bamboo and volcanic rock with ambient lighting that gives the place just a touch of mystery.  Each of the guys behidn the bar were very friendly and showed off their mixing skills.  We stuck with the bowl drinks, trying the zombie bowl and a luau bow.  Both tasty, throgh we sucked through them far too fast.  Get there at 5pm when they open and step up to the bar.  It fills up quickly.  We recommend one of tables along the water so you can be closer to the rain storms.  Order the pupu platter.  This plate is filled with ribs, chicken, crab rangoon and probably the best egg rolls I have every eaten.  

Sunshine and Fiancee sip a Zombie bowl at the Tonga Room within the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco

Harlow, Chrissy Pants and Sunshine get lit up in more than one way for Independence Day. Cheers to America! This is the evening before the hangover. It happens to all of us once in a while.

Mentioned on this episode is the Remixed album by the Newton Brothers. If you haven’t tried exotica with a new twist this album may be just for you.

Starshine, Sunshine and Hibiscus are in the lounge for this episode of ZTL. The work week was nothing short of lame and all of us were ready for a fresh cocktail, easy exotica and some non intellectual conversation. Our new drink is called Jaded and was simply inspired by a gift of green Chartreuse. Chartreuse is an old spirit that has been gaining popularity and showing up on modern cocktail menus. Sunshine enjoys the vegetal qualities and challenged himself to put together a drink that includes both gin and rum as well as the appropriately named green spirit.

Please listen by clicking above to hear all we had to say while convalescing in the dimly lit ambiance of the Zen Tiki Lounge.

As discussed on this episode, these tiki themed coupe glasses add a touch of mid century flare to your next up drink.

Consider this a product review. This thing sucks. Sunshine needed a batter operated lava lamp type lamp and happened across this one on Amazon. The design is actually very cool. Its 10” tall and has a red light that really makes the lava action look nice. A small fan inside the lamp blows plastic lava bubbles continuously. The batteries did last a long time. But, the lava bubbles clogged at the base after just a minute of use and the lamp required frequent shaking in order to work. Other reviews indicate this may be a common issue with the design or the manufacture of this particular product. We have decided to order another one and give it another shot but aren’t putting our expectations too high considering its only $14.99.

Also mentioned on this episode, we share more reasons you NEED this book.

We love Tiki Bar T-Shirt Club and so will you. Every month a new soft cotton t that will look good on you and people will ask you “where did you get that cook tiki shirt”?

We are starting the new year with one of our most popular Zen Tiki Lounge drinks. The Scurvy Killer is tiki AF. Fresh citrus, rum, spice and bitters blend beautifully and please everyone. This is only one of two drinks that Kalani actually takes the time to make for herself at home. At past room parties we have served upwards of 1000 of these and will offer many more in the future. Simple ingredients mean anyone can mix this up at home. Try Scurvy Killer.

Discussed on this episode is the recent book by Kelly Hiphipahula Reily and Trader Tom Morgan. The Home Bar Guide to Tropical Cocktails is the NEW must have bar book and coffee table conversation piece. The recipes are solid and often use ingredients that are not difficult to find. Syrups and mixers include instructions to help you make some of your own. The illustrations make this bar book one that you can hardly put down. Buy a copy and bring it to a tiki event to get it signed!

During the episode Kalani shared a sample of Green Bee eye cream. For the past few weeks she has been raving about these products and its about time we got to try them. The brightening eye cream goes on non oily and did provide some instant smoothness and tightening under Sunshines eyes. These products are only available in some states and may be in your local dispensary.

In response to listener email, we share our enjoyment of the Quiet Village Podcast. Marty is an expert in finding great exotica from around the world. And, each episode comes with a track list so you can search for songs you must have on iTunes, CD Baby or other sources. Never miss an episode, we sure don’t.

We are not sponsored by the below products nor are we in the medical profession….obviously. But, Sunshine has tried both the high end product on the left which costs upwards of $35 a bottle for just a few doses and the produce ton the right is similar and costs much less. So, do anti hang over pills work. We say yes. It does appear the products with DHM seem to help you feel refreshed the morning after several cocktails. You may want to keep one of these in your tool of tricks for those times that you just didn’t say when soon enough,.

Everyone needs a solid t-shirt with cool vintage art and design. We LOVE tiki bar t-shirt club. For over two years we have proudly worn these shirts and like striking up a conversation when people ask where we got them. Subscribe to the club and get them all or buy just the one you want.

Aloooooooha! it was hard for us to believe that this was our 14th annual Holiday Spectacular. Sunshine, Pumpkin, Starshine and Kalani are in the Zen Tiki Lounge behind the microphone sharing some fun memories while sipping on a myriad of our favorite winter concoctions. Use the links below to get the recipes and mix things up for yourself. You will have to listen to the entire episode to hear the music, fun and ridiculousness. A highlight of this years show is our visit with Jeff Ballard who created the TikiComber app and has been bringing us his travels via TikiTrail for the past few years. There is plenty of holiday tiki themed goodness in this podcast so read below and listen to get it all.

coquito has become a favorite here in the lounge. a few years back Sunshine swapped out canned milk for coconut milk to make this holiday staple vegan. now even Pumpkin loves it. enjoy as a shot or a small drink on the rocks.

Also enjoyed on this episode is our “better buttered rum”. what makes it better? more spice! follow our recipe and enjoy anytime there is a chill in the air.,

The TikiComber app is ready for you to download and begin collecting along your travels. It is’t a competition but you may find yourself wanting to compete with all the tikiphiles out there.

Below are shots from the TikiComber app. One the left you see the profile card that Sunshine created for himself which can be shared with other app users when you meet up. Second is the list of tikiphiles you meet along your travels. Center is where you keep all the treasures you an collect via the scanning function on the app. Many bars along your travels will have secret items that you can collect by being within close proximity and adding them to the app. Second from right show the major functions of the app and we think that collecting cocktails will be one of the most popular features. On the far right is the leaderboard that shows who is making the most of the app. Compete with others to move higher up as you collect places, people and cocktails.

After discussion the TikiComber app, Sunshine Tiki and Jeff Ballard enjoyed cocktails and shenanigans. At left Sunshine and Jeff sip on Better Buttered Rum. Center Jeff shows off his Tiki Trail signature mug that is available in his online store. And right Sunshine and Jeff toast with Tipsy Mrs. Clause.

Below left, Sunshine and Pumpkin contemplate the true meaning of mass consumerism and the impact on the global economy. At center, Sunshine and Kalani hug it out after no less than 4 cocktails and warm feelings of inebriation. Below right, Sunshine and Starshine pose with the puppets Whiskey who only wants to know when more food will fall on the floor.

One of the best things about having friends drop by the lounge is the things they bring with them. Jeff was happy to share some rum from SoCal Rum. Having never heard of this particular rum we were eager to try. Sunshine admits that silver rums aren’t usually his thing, but sometimes you find surprises where you may not expect them. This silver rum made right here in Orange County California starts with an aroma of butterscotch, tastes middle sweet and some hints of pineapple and citrus. Wow! Its fair to say you can enjoy this silver neat or on ice and in cocktails. Currently this spirit is available in bars and restaurants but we can only hope they gain a wider audience and it becomes available in your local liquor barn.

Give Tiki Bar T-shirt club for the holidays. we wear them! we love them! we wouldn’t recommend them if we didn’t actually enjoy showing them off. you will get compliments and questions when you wear shirts from tiki bar tshirt club.