Uncovering the Secrets of Original Tiki Drinks
Renowned mixologist Jeff “Beachbum” Berry has dedicated his career to unearthing the lost recipes of iconic tiki cocktails from the 1930s and 1940s. One such gem is the Nui Nui, originally crafted by Don the Beachcomber in 1937 and featured in Berry’s book, Beachbum Berry’s Sippin’ Safari.
A Complex Blend of Flavors
This blended cocktail may seem like a modern invention, but its rich flavors of cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla, combined with rum and fresh juices, elevate it far beyond a typical boat drink.
Gathering Ingredients
To recreate this classic, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. For the cinnamon and vanilla syrups, you can opt for high-quality commercial products or take the time to infuse your own using our recipes. Allspice liqueur, also known as Pimento or Allspice Dram, can be found at specialty liquor stores. We recommend the St. Elizabeth brand, distributed by Haus Alpenz.
Crafting the Nui Nui
This recipe yields two drinks and requires minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces crushed ice, plus more for filling the glasses
- 4 ounces amber Virgin Islands rum
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 ounce Cinnamon Syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice liqueur
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 2 (6-inch) spiral-cut orange peels, for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients except the orange peels in a blender and blend on high until frothy, no more than 5 seconds.
- Pour the mixture into two tall glasses and add additional crushed ice to fill.
- Sink and coil an orange peel into each drink, with the top hanging over the rim of the glass.
Tips and Variations:
Experiment with different types of rum and juices to create unique variations of the Nui Nui. For a more intense flavor, increase the amount of allspice liqueur or add a dash of cinnamon powder to the mixture.
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