A Brief History of Tiki Cocktails

Tiki culture, often synonymous with exotic escapism, emerged in the mid-20th century, blending Polynesian aesthetics with American cocktail sensibilities. Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic were the pioneers, crafting elaborate, rum-based concoctions that transported patrons to tropical paradises. Today, Tiki cocktails are celebrated for their intricate flavours and theatrical presentations.

Tiki Classics 

Zombie – £14 (3 Skulls) (Nut Allergen)

Notorious would be an understatement. Tikki’s most famous and lethal concoction has been abused beyond recognition over the decades. Our version is as close to the original as is possible to get. Step back, enjoy the fire show and get ready for a tropical Zombie attack! Max 2 per customer (for your own safety)

Ingredients: Tiki Hideaway Zombie Rum Blend, Absinthe, Grapefruit Juice, Falernum, Cinnamon, Grenadine, Bitters

Painkiller – £13 (2 Skulls)

Originating at the Soggy Dollar bar on the tiny tropical Island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, where it is still made and attracts tourists and brave drink enthusiasts today. The tropical Island is missing just one thing – a dock, meaning that thirsty guests will need to jump off their boat and swim up to the beach to wet their whistle.

Ingredients: Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof Rum, Coconut Cream, Pineapple & Orange Juice

Trader Vic’s Mai Tai – £13 (2 Skulls) (Nut Allergen)

Originating at the Soggy Dollar bar on the tiny tropical Island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, where it is still made and attracts tourists and brave drink enthusiasts today. The tropical Island is missing just one thing – a dock, meaning that thirsty guests will need to jump off their boat and swim up to the beach to wet their whistle.

Ingredients: Appleton Estate Signature Rum, Cointreau, Almond, Lime Juice

Jungle Bird – £12.50 (1 Skull)

Originating from the launch of the Aviary bar at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton in 1978. At this time, the bar had a netted area, near a swimming pool in which tropical birds could be watched whilst enjoying a cocktail (or three). This bittersweet libation has found international popularity due its unique combination of tropical & aperitivo flavours.

Ingredients: Goslings Black Seal Rum, Campari, Demerara, Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice

Missionary’s Downfall – £11 (1 Skull)

Originally created by Don the Beachcomber in the 1930’s, initially made using a blender, our version is lovingly shaken and served over ice. Here we find a wonderfully refreshing creation, perfectly combining the crisp flavours of Drop Works Clear Drop Rum along with honeyed tropical stone fruit flavours and herbaceous mint.

Ingredients: Drop Works Clear Drop Rum, Peach Liqueur, Honey Syrup, Lime & Pineapple Juice, Fresh Mint

Doctor Funk – £13 (3 Skulls)

The only Tiki cocktail to truly have its origins in the South Pacific, Dr Bernard Funk practiced medicine in the town of Apia, Samoa and would prescribe a variation of this drink which was said give “an imparting of courage to live to men worn out by doing nothing”. A truly historic Polynesian drink, and certainly not for the faint hearted.

Ingredients: Goslings Black Seal Rum, Wray & Nephew, Absinthe, Lemon & Lime Juice, Grenadine, Soda Water

Tradewinds – £12 (2 Skulls)

Created sometime in 1970’s Jamaica, this tropical, boozy creation was rediscovered by Beachbum Berry and then adapted by Smugglers Cove in San Francisco. A delightfully fruity creation, taking its inspiration from the East to West prevailing winds that flow through the equatorial region, used by sailors for centuries for travel and navigation.

Ingredients: Havana Club 3 Year Rum, Appleton Estate Signature Rum, Apricot Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Coconut Cream

Saturn – £11.50 (2 Skulls) (Nut Allergen)

Created in California in 1967, named to honour the rocket that propelled the first Apollo shuttle into space. This drink is curiously delicious in it’s use of classic Tiki flavours with a gin base. It’s been described as “carrying the regality of a Mai Tai but with the drinkability of a Tom Collins”. Sounds good to us, cheers!

Ingredients: Beefeater Gin, Lemon Juice, Almond, Passionfruit Syrup, Falernum

El Diablo – £11 (1 Skull)

Originally a Trader Vic creation, our version uses ginger cordial and demerara sugar for a punchier, spicier experience. This is one of the few classic Tiki drinks which utilises Tequila, Vic said of this drink “go easy on this one, because it’s tough on your running board!”

Ingredients: El Jimador Blanco Tequila, Blackcurrant Liqueur, Ginger Cordial, Lime Juice, Demerara

House Grog – £13 (2 Skulls)

Between the years of 1775 – 1970, sailors in British Royal Navy were issued a daily “tot” of rum, which varied greatly in amounts but at one point was as much of half a pint of navy strength rum per day! The mixing of the daily rum rations with water, limes and sugar became known as Grog. Our salute also adds blackberries & spices for extra complexity.

Ingredients: Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof Rum, Blackberry Liqueur, Demerara, Lime & Pineapple Juice, Pimento Dram

Scorpion Bowl – £40 (Nut Allergen)

A true Tiki classic, this deliciously refreshing and boozy punch is perfect for 3-4 shipmates to share.

Ingredients: Havana Club Especial Rum, Beefeater Gin, Martel CV Cognac, Almond, Lime & Orange Juice, Demerara Sugar

Dead Man’s Chest – £90

A wonderfully theatrical and fruity sharing cocktail for 6 – 8 swashbuckling friends to share. Served in our bespoke cocktail treasure chest.

Ingredients: Bacardi Coconut Rum, Lychee Liqueur, Lime & Grapefruit Juice, Pineapple Juice, Cinnamon Syrup

Snackuiri Shots – 6 for £15

Classic Daiquiri

• Ingredients: Havana Club 3 Year Rum, Lime Juice, Sugar Syrup

Banana & Allspice

• Ingredients: Mount Gay Eclipse Bajan Rum, Banana Syrup, Lime Juice, Pimento Dram

Strawberry & Coconut

• Ingredients: Bacardi Coconut Rum, Fresh Lime Juice, Strawberry Syrup

Mango & Passionfruit

• Ingredients: Havana Club 3 Year Rum, Fresh Lime, Mango Syrup, Passionfruit Syrup

We also have an extensive list of Island Inspiration Cocktails, combining all your favourite flavours and available 2 for £15 during promotional periods.

We’ll see you soon…

Experience the magic of Tiki cocktails at Tiki Hideaway, where every sip is an adventure. Ready to explore our new and exclusive 2024 cocktail menu? Visit us today at Leeds, Manchester or Liverpool for your very own taste of paradise. 

For more information or to book a table, email: bookings@escapismbars.co.uk or search for us on Insta & Tiktok!