Trader Sam's nod to the Disney room that introduced me to Tikidom.
As I've mentioned before, my love of all things Tiki and exotica can be traced to a visit to Disney World during my impressionable youth. More specifically, to my Aunt Wylene following the siren's call of air conditioning (and my following her) into the Tiki Tiki Tiki Room on a sweltering Orlando afternoon. My mind was blown (she seemed a bit surprised as well) and the rest is history.
For those that may not know, Trader Sam's is essentially a more adult version of the Tiki Tiki Tiki Room; as in a few less animatronic features but with the addition of a bar. There's one at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, and another at the Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World. Many of the drinks are tied into classic Disney productions and theme park rides (especially from Adventureland). It's a great intro to Tiki bars for some and a welcome oasis of respite when at either park.
As for the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum drink, it's quite simple and tasty, but I'm not sure it really qualifies as a Tiki drink. I take that back. Despite its' name, I'm quite sure it is not a Tiki drink.
Tiki drinks tend to be based upon the Planter's Punch which as they old rhyme knows is "One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong and four of weak". The Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum much like the Painkiller upon which it is based, and the Piña Colada upon which it is based, does not contain any sour component.
They're sweet and delicious in a dessert sort of way but far from a well balanced cocktail. I certainly don't mind drinking one, and for the occasional drinker they are a great addition to your repertoire, just don't plan on downing multiples they way one might a good Mai Tai! But hey! Who am I to judge? It's no more one note than a piece of Key lime pie or banana pudding and I can assure you that I can take down plenty of both...
Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum
Source - Theme Park Professor
1 1/2 ounces Pyrate XO rum
1 ounce coconut cream*
2 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 ounce orange juice
Shake vigorously with cracked ice and use a gated pour into a small glass or Tiki mug. Top with a dusting of nutmeg and cinnamon powders and garnish with a mint sprig or pineapple fronds.
*Bamboo Sam's customizations -I'm not a huge fan of Pyrate XO but I called it out here as that is what's used at Trader Sam's. I often sub homemade coconut cream syrup for the Coco Lopez or Coco Real you get at most commercial bars. It's especially helpful in a shaken drink like this as it mixes well without having to shake the hell out of it for 2-3 minutes.
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