Tiki Torch Cocktail Recipe

Tiki Torch Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol %:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Tiki Torch cocktail is a tropical delight that originated in the mid-20th century, during the height of the Tiki culture craze. Inspired by the exotic flavors and laid-back vibes of Polynesian islands, this cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a taste of the tropics.

  • The Tiki Torch was created by Don the Beachcomber, a pioneer of Tiki culture and mixology
  • It gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, as Tiki bars and restaurants became trendy in the United States
  • The cocktail is often enjoyed at beachside resorts, Tiki-themed parties, and luaus

How Tiki Torch Tastes?

The Tiki Torch cocktail is a delicious blend of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a strong, yet refreshing taste with a hint of spice from the ginger syrup. The combination of rum, pineapple, and lime creates a tropical sensation that is both invigorating and satisfying.

Interesting facts about Tiki Torch

  • The Tiki Torch is often served in a Tiki mug or a tall glass, adorned with tropical garnishes
  • The cocktail's name is inspired by the Tiki torches that are commonly used for outdoor lighting and decoration in Polynesian-themed settings
  • The Tiki Torch is sometimes referred to as a 'Tropical Torch' or 'Island Torch'

Ingredients

A few good options for Tiki Torch are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

White Rum

A heart and soul of many tropical drinks, white rum is chosen for its crisp and clean flavor that doesn't overpower other ingredients. Using 2 oz strikes a balance between the strength and subtlety. Too little and you're at a luau without the dance, too much and you might think you're actually on fire like a tiki torch!

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

1.5 oz of pineapple juice is the perfect amount to deliver a sweet and tangy punch without turning the cocktail into a fruit basket. If you skip it, you'll miss out on the tropical vibe—like sunbathing at night, it just wouldn't feel right.

Emma Rose

Fresh Lime Juice

That 0.5 oz is a little zesty reminder that every paradise has its rain; it cuts through sweetness like a machete through jungle foliage. No lime juice might leave the drink feeling one-dimensional.

Alex Green

Ginger Syrup

With 0.5 oz, this ingredient adds a warm, spicy kick that keeps your taste buds guessing. If left out, the cocktail would lose its flame, making our tiki torch a bit dim.

Mary Mitkina

Angostura Bitters

Just 2 dashes are like the spice of life, a little goes a long way. They add depth and complexity that would otherwise turn our exotic elixir into a simple fruit punch.

Emma Rose

Orange Curacao

Half an ounce brings a subtle orange essence that complements the tropical theme. Without it, the cocktail's melody might feel like it's missing a beat.

Alex Green

Maraschino Cherry

One cherry to rule them all; it's a garnish that doubles as a sweet treat, a dessert for when you've finished sipping. No cherry on top? Then it's just not a celebration.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Wedge

This isn't just a pretty face; it adds aroma and an edible element that invites you to dive into the drink. A Tiki cocktail without a garnish is like a beach without sand.

Emma Rose

Mint Sprig

One mint sprig for a breath of freshness, it's the final flourish that whispers 'tropical paradise' with every sip. Forget it and you lose that whisper of coolness in the warm island breeze.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Tiki Torch Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the white rum, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, ginger syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange curacao
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain the cocktail into a Tiki mug or tall glass filled with fresh ice
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, pineapple wedge, and mint sprig

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed
  • Use fresh lime juice for a more authentic taste
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool for longer

Perfect Pairings

Foods

  • Grilled Seafood: The fruity and spicy notes of the Tiki Torch pair wonderfully with seafood, especially when it's grilled, adding a smoky dimension to the flavor profile.
  • Hawaiian Pizza: The pineapple in the cocktail harmonizes with the pizza's toppings, creating a tropical fusion of flavors.
  • Tropical Salads: A salad that features mango, papaya, and coconut shavings will complement the Tiki Torch's fruity and fresh character.

Drinks

  • Coconut Water: Sipping coconut water between Tiki Torch cocktails will refresh the palate and enhance the tropical experience.
  • Iced Green Tea: The light bitterness of green tea can present a nice contrast to the sweet and spicy elements of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Tiki Torch

  • White Rum: Can be substituted with dark rum for a deeper flavor
  • Pineapple Juice: Can be substituted with mango juice for a different tropical twist
  • Ginger Syrup: Can be substituted with simple syrup if you prefer a less spicy cocktail

Explore all drinks starting with T here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Tiki Torch

  • Add a small slice of jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the shaker.
  • The inclusion of a spicy element will give a fiery twist to the Tiki Torch, enhancing its name. It'll be like a luau where the dancers kick up not just sand, but sparks!

Tiki Sunset

  • Substitute the white rum with a dark or aged rum.
  • Switching the spirits gives the cocktail a richer, more complex flavor profile, like watching the sun dip below the horizon on a tropical evening.

Frozen Tiki Torch

  • Blend all the ingredients with ice instead of shaking.
  • Transforming the Tiki Torch into a frozen delight makes for a slushy experience, where every sip is a cool breeze on a hot island day.

In case you forgot basics how to make Tiki Torch

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Tiki Torch

What does 'Tiki' mean in Tiki Torch?

The term 'Tiki' usually refers to large wood or stone carvings of humanoid forms in Polynesian cultures. In the context of Tiki Torch cocktail, it signifies its roots in the Polynesian cultures and tropical themes.

Can I prepare the Tiki Torch cocktail if I'm a beginner?

Absolutely, the Tiki Torch is a fairly simple cocktail to make. Just follow the recipe and you should be able to create a delicious tropical drink.

What are the ideal occasions to serve the Tiki Torch cocktail?

The Tiki Torch cocktail is perfect for any casual gathering or party, such as barbecues or beach parties. Its tropical flavor and presentation also make it a great cocktail for summer events.

Can I prepare Tiki Torch cocktail without alcohol?

You can create a mocktail version of the Tiki Torch by leaving out the rum and orange curacao. Substitute them with extra fruit juices or non-alcoholic substitutes.

What are other popular Tiki cocktails?

Some other popular Tiki cocktails include the Mai Tai, Zombie, and Pina Colada. They're also known for their tropical flavors.

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