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Taste the Tropics

Taste the Tropics
June 2017
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If you like piña coladas, you’re going to love these Holy City twists on classic tiki drinks. Pass the pink umbrellas!



The Monkey Puzzle at Prohibition Don’t be fooled by the innocent-sounding name of this stiff drink, made with four types of rum, including a coconut variety by RumHaven, along with a sweet and spicy mix of strawberries, orgeat syrup, lime juice, fresh orange juice, cinnamon syrup, Angostura bitters, and Bitttermens elemakule tiki bitters. “It will knock you off your barstool,” warns beverage director Jim McCourt.

Singapore Sling at Voodoo Tiki Bar According to the menu at this kitschy tiki lounge in West Ashley, this drink will “get your ass in a sling” if you’re not careful. A funky moustached mug holds a strong mix of Cherry Heering, Cointreau, Bénédictine, house-made grenadine, fresh lime, and pineapple.

Tropiganda at Bar Mash “For me, tiki is all about fresh ingredients, tropical flavors, and fun garnishes,” says bar manager Teddy Nixon, who hosts “Tropical Tuesdays” at Mash. For a twist on the traditional rum drink, he mixes Cathead vodka, passion fruit juice, coconut, pineapple, lime, and Jamaican bitters.

Zombie at Cane Rhum Bar Chef and owner Paul Yellin limits this potent drink—combining three types of rum, apricot brandy, simple syrup, and citrus juice—to only one per customer. “The Zombie tastes good, and then you feel it,” he says. “It’s a real killer.”

Kokomo at Pier 101 The signature drink at Folly Beach’s Pier 101 is best sipped while walking along the seaside boardwalk. Featuring coconut vodka, Disaronno, crème de cacao, and cream of coconut, it tastes like a melted coconut milkshak