Tiki culture and tropical cocktails with Shannon Mustipher

Tiki is the one and only cocktail category that instantly transports the drinker to island time. I had the opportunity to chat with Shannon Mustipher, cocktail consultant and spirits educator, about her latest book, “Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails.”

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Donn Beach is considered the “founding father” of tiki culture. The restaurant he opened in Los Angeles bearing his name, Don the Beachcomber, was the first to serve what were initially called “exotic cocktails” in the late 1930's. Shortly thereafter, Victor Bergeron, aka Trader Vic, opened his first restaurant in Oakland, Calif. 

Meanwhile, both bars —, and subsequent imitators that soon followed —, employed Filipino bartenders, who brought with them knowledge of how to mix tropical juices.  So, while we can say that tiki was invented in California, some of the earliest practitioners of it have roots in East Asia and Polynesia.  

The initial inspiration was to highlight the diversity of quality rums, and as I explored the concept, I realized it would be worthwhile to explore a wider range of spirits and ingredients that are available to us today.  I looked at everything with a "What would Donn Beach do?” mentality — for example, if he had access to mezcal, I am sure he would have used it in his recipes.

Likewise, I wanted the visuals in the book to make it clear that this book was taking an off-the-beaten-path approach to combining ingredients and would be beautiful enough to live as a standalone work of art in and of itself.  

The Zombie, hands down. It is an icon and almost single handedly made tiki a phenomenon in the bar world.  It first appeared in late 1939 and was so popular that many copycat versions and spin- off bars popped up across the U.S. to capitalize on its popularity. 

It is a strong drink, however, so if you have prefer lighter drinks, the Saturn —gin, passionfruit, orgeat, and lemon — is delightful and takes after the Mai Tai.  

Over the last odd decade, a new generation of bartenders and consumer have called into question where and when it is appropriate to utilize imagery derived from Oceanic and Polynesian cultures and traditions, and to this end have sought to incorporate imagery and decor that has more general "Nautical” or "seafaring themes” to avoid making any disrespectful gestures towards marginalized or underrepresented cultures and people.

“May your drink be potent and your journeys pleasant."

Shannon's writing, cocktail recipes, and opinions have been featured in a several publications, including Imbibe, Punch.com, GQ.com, and Liquor.com. She currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y., and enjoys traveling, cooking, and collecting “too many books.”

Purchase  “Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails”

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Southern Glazer’s "Served Up" podcast has been elevating voices in the beverage alcohol industry since 2020. Now, with Eric Hemer, MW, MS, joining Bridget Albert as co-host, expect thought leadership, industry insights, exclusive interviews, and inspiring conversations that drive innovation. Join us weekly as co-hosts Bridget and Eric stir up the spirit of hospitality with lively conversations and plenty of personality.

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