Just Like Christmas
A belated roundup of all the fine Christmas tiki I had in...January...in February?
Are you a creative person? If so, then you know one of the few elemental truths of being creative (at least in our society as it’s constructed) is there never feels like enough time for your creativity. Ever. There’s always something to do. Or you just want to do nothing, which we able accomplish these days every time we sit down to watch one episode of something on Netflix and end up watching for. Creativity requires deliberation. It requires effort. And after putting forth a bunch of effort just trying to keep the lights on in every other regard right now that can feel like a lot. Acknowledge it. Own it. I’m not saying it’s okay. I’m just saying it’s true. And that you, like me, probably wish you did the thing you were passionate about a bit more than the thing that keeps the lights on and enervates you.
Would that we could, though. A day, a week, a month, a year…these are all quantities of time that can get away from you shockingly easily. Doing this newsletter is equal parts creative outlets to make up for the other ones I’ve lost along the way and exploring a new and exciting (or newer, I guess?) passion. Sometimes not in the most timely manner. But we work with the tools we got, people. This is a tough time. Give everyone in your life a break. They deserve it just for getting up and getting through each day right now.
Anyway, that’s enough about the world we live in. Come escape it with my belated roundup of the Sippin’ Santa beverages. And bookmark it for next year I guess :)
Sippin’ Santa is presented by someone you will likely be familiar with or become familiar with soon if you are interested in tiki, Beachbum Berry. The same person who has a wonderful little spot should you find yourself in the French Quarter and the same person who brought you the wonderful resource, Total Tiki? How can one man do so much? Well, this time he’s back with something near and dear to my heart, Christmas tiki. It’s a compliment to the now more ubiquitous Miracle concept that you’ve surely seen somewhere near you. But this…this is tiki, this is my wheelhouse, this is something I must have something to say about, right?
And I do! This year they did eight beverages I enjoyed courtesy of my good friend Ken who facilitated all this madness. In some specific order. Here we go:
Brah Humbug (Scotch, Drambuie, mulled wine)
I wanted to like this one more than I did. Really, I enjoy hot beverages and it’s…fine. I get that I don’t have the greatest set up for it (give me a minute though and that will change lol) but I don’t think that was the problem. I just didn’t find this much different from any other mulled wine. I’d be down to try this one prepared by someone else, but this lost something along the way in my opinion
Kaloka Colada (Dark Jamaican & Gold Puerto Rican Rums, Pumpkin Spiced Coconut Cream, Orange Curaçao, Lime Juice, Orange Juice)
This is another one I thought I would enjoy more. But there was a lot of lime. Or not enough of something else. Something wasn’t quite right with the mix. It was still drinkable, but the lime overpowered some of the the flavors here, especially the pumpkin spiced coconut cream, which ostensibly should feature more in a Colada. I had enough to try this one twice and did a blended version and found that to be an improvement
Endless Summer Swizzle (Overproof Rum, Lime Juice, Nutmeg Syrup, Herbal Liqueurs, Angostura Bitters)
Now we get to the ones that were perfectly enjoyable up to sublime. Could have used a touch more nutmeg in this one, but I love me a good swizzle, and this is one that had one of the more fun garnishes of the lot. Presumably the “herbal liqueurs” in question here is Chartreuse and Benedictine, because that’s sure what it tasted like, but I get leaving that to the discretion of the various bars participating
Blitzen Bowl (Jamaican & Demerara Rums, Allspice Dram, Apricot Brandy, Tuaca, Ginger Syrup, Lime Juice, Angostura Bitters, Almond Bitters)
Tuaca is not something I’m particularly familiar with, but it’s one of those brandy, citrus and vanilla liqueurs that seems like it shouldn’t work. But those Italians know what they are doing, and in this case, it’s mostly the vanilla that’s coming through. There were a ton of great fruity, nutty flavors shining through in this one. This was well mixed and well worth my time. It should be too fruity and nutty, but it’s not. That’s the magic of tiki sometimes
Sippin’ Santa (Aged Demerara Rum, Amaro, Nutmeg Syrup, Cinnamon Syrup,
Lemon Juice, Orange Juice)
Amaro is underappreciated in tiki. It’s a key component of one of the best tiki drinks there is (Jungle Bird), and it’s something that needs to be used judiciously. It can quickly overpower things in the wrong hands. But used right, it starts bringing out the right notes, with a touch of bitter, but not too much.
The nutmeg syrup was also great in this one. Unexpected but quite enjoyable. That’s why they are the professionals, people.
Parrot In A Pear Tree (Blanco Tequila, Pear Liqueur, Parrot Mix, Black Walnut Bitters, Apple Brandy, Lime Juice)
Despite not getting the top spot, this is the one I am most likely to recreate, if I can figure out what exactly parrot mix is. Pear and walnut, who knew? I certainly didn’t. They are delightful flavors together. I did not find this one too pear-y. In fact, I floated a little St. George Pear liqueur on top. The benefits of a lot of crushed ice shining through right there I guess.
Had I been more prepared, I guess I would have served this in a Pearl Diver glass? Next time I guess
Runaway Sleigh (London Dry Gin, Cranberry-Sage Syrup, Lime Juice)
I feel like tiki occasionally obfuscates a simple truth. Simple is good. It’s worth thinking about every component, especially when you are adding 5 or 6 or 7 or 8. What are they all doing together, and do you really need them? This is a perfect example of keeping it simple to great effect.
It’s hard to go wrong with gin, cranberry, and lime, and the sage gives it that perfect seasonal hint. The cranberry and sage garnish was also on point. I did this on a large rock, but in retrospect, this is a drink that deserves to be served up. Notes for next time. If we are being honest, this would also be a prefect drink at your next Thanksgiving dinner.
North Pole Punch (Bourbon, Overproof & Dark Jamaican Rums, Creme de Banana, Maple Syrup, Cinnamon Syrup, Lime Juice)
Look, what can I say, I’m a sucker for Creme de Banane. Put that shit in everything. It’s so good. This is another one that I will make for you any season. Bourbon and rum, especially overproof rum, make magic together. A little Smith & Cross and some Old-Grandad 114 and you are on your way to something. The maple as the sweetener gives it that seasonal touch, and just a bit more sweetness than it might otherwise with plain old simple.
Anyway, that’s enough for now. Next time, back to whatever fun originals are creaking around my kitchen. Been playing with some stuff, like usual :)
This is Trader Jane’s, a periodic newsletter about drinks (mostly tiki) and other fun writing. Follow me on Substack for something once or twice a week (that’s the goal for now at least), and follow me on Twitter and Instagram for more timely updates on my beverages (and for lots of other things of course!)
And, as with any good drink, feel free to share (responsibly, of course)