A Case for Whiskey in Tiki Drinks

Rum is most likely what first comes to mind when you think of Tiki cocktails. We’re here to challenge that notion and position whiskey as a great spirits option for these tropical and fruit-forward drinks.

There are a few classic Tiki cocktails already made with whiskey (think the Suffering Bastard), but it’s high time that whiskey had its moment in the sunlight-drenched world Tiki cocktails are meant to transport its drinkers to.

See below for three Tiki cocktail recipes using whiskey and get inspired!

 

The Taste of Things Recovered

Egan’s Fortitude, which imparts a light sweetness from the PX sherry casks it’s aged in, plays well with the pop of almond and splash of guava. It is refreshing, a bit sweet, and full of fortifying fruits—the perfect summer cooler.

whiskey tiki cocktailsIngredients:
1.5 oz Egan’s Fortitude Irish Whiskey
1 oz Guava Juice
.75 oz Caperitif
.75 oz Orgeat
.5 oz Lime Juice
3-4 drops of saline

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice to combine. Strain into a Tiki mug over crushed ice. Top with a few dashes of Angostura Bitters.

 

And Palm Trees Lined The Street

Here, the Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt shines. The flavor profile of this whisky is rich but surprisingly tropical fruit-forward.
tiki whiskey cocktails

Ingredients:
1 oz Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky
1 oz Capitoline Tiber Aperitivo
1 oz Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth
1 oz fresh pineapple juice
1 oz passionfruit juice

Directions:
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake hard to combine and pour into a Tiki over crushed ice. Top with black lemon bitters.

 

A Peaceful Beast

This cocktail is a true adventure in a glass (or ceramic fish!) It features spirits as far-flung and ancient as Irish Poitín (a precursor to whiskey) and Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin (one of the newest and most successful members of a fledgling category). This Tiki drink is rich and bright with just a hint of spice.

tiki cocktails whiskeyIngredients:
1.5 oz Mad March Hare Poitín
1 oz Nonino Amaro
1 oz coconut milk
.5 oz Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
.5 oz Creme de Banana
.5 oz fresh lime juice
dash of Thai Pepper Bitters

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake hard to combine. Strain into a mug shaped like a sea monster, over crushed ice. Top with chocolate bitters.