As you may have seen recently, Reàl Ingredients has generously agreed to supply the prize money for a fun little contest involving our book, Minimalist Tiki. In brief, thirteen bartenders and ten bars are featured in the book, along with their recipes that follow the Minimalist Tiki ethos – about 100 recipes in total. The... Continue Reading →
The Six Essential Tiki Rum Categories
Newcomers to Tiki drinks quickly face an uncomfortable question: Just how many rums do I need? With so many recipes calling for Lemon Hart this, Jamaican rum that, overproof, and Puerto Rican, it quickly becomes overwhelming. I know, because I was once lived that nightmare. Luckily, I was able to buy many bottles and learn... Continue Reading →
Can You (Ever) Use Too Much Angostura Bitters?
“Hey Matt, I think I found a bug in your book,” began a recent message from my friend, Mike. ”The Trinidadi Issues recipes calls for 1.5 ounces of Angostura bitters...seems like that can’t be right (?)” I chuckled. Mike wasn’t the first person who’d messaged me about this recipe, certain they’d found a typo. If... Continue Reading →
Minimalist Tiki – The Book! For Sale Now!
Day in and day out, one of the most popular post here at Cocktail Wonk is Minimalist Tiki: What you truly need to make the classics at home. At long last, I’ve finally heeded Mrs. Wonk’s wisdom that this article was a book needed to be written. Without further ado, we’re pleased to announce THE... Continue Reading →
The Cocktail Wonk Top Ten Stories of 2018
It’s an annual Cocktail Wonk tradition to holistically examine the last twelve month’s writings and pick the ten stories most deserving of highlighting and after-the-fact commentary. Looking back, the frequency of publications here slowed somewhat in 2018, but the topics dove even deeper than before. And while I consider Cocktail Wonk a cocktail and spirits... Continue Reading →
Passion Grove Swizzle – A Summer Tiki Cooler
Early in my Tiki education, which at that point was primarily Beachbum Berry’s Sippin’ Safari and a scattering of blog posts, I learned a mantra: Always fresh squeeze your juice! It’s not so hard with lemons, limes, and oranges, but pineapples are always a challenge. They’re cumbersome and not easily juiced with normal kitchen gadgets.... Continue Reading →