Getting Tiki with It: Toronto Tiki Culture 101

Room 2046 is getting tropical (even in the middle of autumn) with brand new tiki-inspired tumblers and shot glasses from W&P Design. Shaped like a pineapple, the international symbol of hospitality and warm welcome, they are available in two sizes and two colours. Choose from 12 oz. tumbler or a set of two 2 oz. shot glasses, both available in gold or copper.

For purists, tiki cocktails generally consist of rum mixed with fresh tropical juices, specialty bitters, and island spices. You could include other spirits, but channeling the island vibes through rum is most common. Keep reading, below there are two unique tiki style cocktail recipes to get the party started.

Fog Cutter
1 1/2 oz. light rum
1/2 oz. brandy
1/2 oz. gin
1 oz. orange juice
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp orgeat syrup
1 tsp sweet sherry
Directions: Shake all ingredients except sherry and strain over ice into tiki cocktail tumbler. Top with sherry.

Painkiller
4 oz. of dark rum
4 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. cream of coconut
1 oz. orange juice
Grated fresh nutmeg
Directions: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add first four ingredients and stir. Pour into a tiki cocktail tumbler and top with grated nutmeg.

If you'd rather have a bartender do the heavy pouring for you, there are three distinctly tiki bars that have sprouted up in Toronto. For the east-end crowd, check out The Shore Leave, the latest to unveil a trove of tiki decor and feature a diverse and interesting list of cocktails. For those who believe west is best, visit Miss Thing's or The Shameful Tiki Room – both offering a menu filled with savoury and sweet options.

To purchase barware, click here for our full collection. Aloha!