A Brief History of the "Tiki Craze" and Caribbean Inspired Cocktails
By: Anthony Purzycki
Tiki culture is a fun and unique way to experience the tropical vibes of the Caribbean, even if you’re not on a tropical island. Tiki Month, which is celebrated at Madness Distillery in the Poconos in Pennsylvania, is a great time to learn about the history and culture of Tiki drinks and cuisine.
Where the Tiki Drink Came From
Tiki culture began in the 1930s in Hollywood, California, with the opening of a restaurant called Don the Beachcomber. The restaurant was owned by Ernest Gantt, who later changed his name to Donn Beach. Donn Beach was inspired by his travels to the Caribbean, and he wanted to bring the tropical vibe of the islands to California. He created a menu of exotic drinks and Polynesian-inspired dishes, and the restaurant became a hit.
What is in a Tiki Cocktail?
The Tiki craze quickly spread across the United States, with Tiki bars and restaurants popping up in cities like New York, Chicago, and Miami. Tiki drinks became popular, and they were often made with rum, a spirit that is commonly associated with the Caribbean. Tiki drinks are also known for their use of tropical fruits like pineapple and coconut, as well as juices and syrups, like grenadine and falernum.
The Perfect Rum for a Tiki Cocktail
Madness Distillery’s Tortuga Rum and Tortuga Rum Burn are perfect spirits to make your Tiki Cocktails with. Tortuga rum is a premium aged rum that is aged for at least 3 years, which gives it a rich, smooth flavor with notes of banana, pineapple, and jalapeno. Tortuga Rum Burn is a unique blend of aged rum, cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices, which gives it a warm, spicy flavor that is perfect for Tiki cocktails.
Celebrate Tiki Month on Your Poconos Getaway
Tiki Month is a great time to visit the Madness Distillery in the Poconos in Pennsylvania and experience Tiki culture. The Poconos are a popular vacation destination, and they offer a wide range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and swimming in the summer. The Poconos is also home to Trap Door Immersive Experiences located in the same plaza as Madness Distillery. During Tiki Month, many bars and restaurants in the Poconos will offer Tiki-inspired drinks and dishes, so you can try a Mai Tai or a Pina Colada while you’re there.
Get a Taste of the Caribbean in a Cocktail
In conclusion, Tiki culture is a fun and unique way to experience the tropical vibes of the Caribbean, even if you’re not on a tropical island. Tiki Month is a great time to learn about the history and culture of Tiki drinks and cuisine.
Taste Madness this Tiki Month at the Distillery
Make sure to try the perfect spirits like Madness Distillery’s Tortuga Rum and Tortuga Rum Burn, which will enhance your Tiki Cocktail experience. Whether you’re visiting the Poconos for Tiki Month or any other time, there are plenty of activities and delicious Tiki-inspired drinks and dishes to enjoy.
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Mentioned Products
Tortuga Rum
The Caribbean in a bottle. Tortuga Rum White blends flavors like pineapple and jalapeno peppers with banana and orange peel for an unforgettable flavor fit for any Cursed Pirate.
Madness Distillery
Madness Distillery is located 3180 Route 611 in Bartonsville, PA in the Poconos. Coming in Summer 2023 is our new sister location at 77 Wind Creek Blvd in Bethlehem, PA and is currently undergoing construction.
History
Tone Purzycki, known for his immersive entertainment company, Trap Door, watched as his guests wrapped up an experience, excited, and unsure of what to do with the rest of the night. He decided he needed to provide them something else and so, Madness Distillery was born. When you visit Trap Door in the Poconos or Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, you can stay after and have some cocktails at a Madness Distillery themed Tasting Room. It does not matter if its Trap Door or Madness Distillery, the mission is still the same.
To provide an experience that brings people together.
Locations
Each location has different themed tasting rooms and cocktail bars from which to choose. Our Poconos location is home to our Zombies Tasting Room and the Wonderland Asylum Club. In Bethlehem, you’ll find our pirate themed Tortuga Rum Bar.
Besides our Distillery Blog, Madness Distillery also offers hosting for team building, meetings, events, and parties with bottle service at our private rooms or at the bar. For more information on any of our products, prices, and locations, explore our website or call 973-796-7534