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Farewell Terry Six
Tonight was the last night for Terry @tuff_break_ at The Kon-Tiki, and he is moving to Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree. Terry has been an integral part of the team at Kon-Tiki since the beginning. And for sure has influenced the groovy rock vibe that sets the Kon-Tiki apart from many tiki bars.
As I noted last week, we don’t rate bartenders. But those paying attention will note that my number one Mai Tai on 2019 was the “Ultimate Mai Tai” from Kon-Tiki and made by Terry. So he is in the Ultimate Mai Tai pantheon for sure.
Tonight there was a wonderful cake and cupcakes by @tfritch1 and the usual crowd of Oakhana luminaries.
I had Terry make the Ultimate Mai Tai once again and it was soooooooo goooood. I also had Terry make a Kon-Tiki house Mai Tai (Denizen 8/Petitie Shrubb). It was very good, and although the Petite Shrubb isn’t my favorite in a Mai Tai I would say this one was better than the Mai Tai with the same Shrubb at Smuggler’s Cove last year. A very tasty Mai Tai.
Terry also served me an amazing Navy Grog. The recipe was a mix of the Trader Vic’s and the Don the Beachcomber recipes and was outstanding. So Terry has made the best Mai Tai AND the best Navy Grog I’ve ever had at a commercial tiki bar. Mahalo Brother! Best wishes for the life change and move to the desert with your wife and the dogs.
Orange Liqueur Taste Test
Orange Curacao is an orange-based liqueur essentially similar to Triple Sec. It is based on the dried peel of the Lahara citrus fruit, otherwise known as the Curacao Orange, from the island of Curacao in the Caribbean. The liqueur is typically sweet, often through the use of added sugar. The spirit base is often combined with Brandy or Cognac.
It’s also an essential component in a Mai Tai.
The photo is from a tasting I did with fellow tikiphile Alex Fritch at his fab home tiki bar. We came to a few conclusions. The Ferrand is my personal favorite, but I have to admit the Drillaud wasn’t much different and is half the price. I also like Cointreau, and I like a higher ABV in an orange liqueur.
Here’s our recommended list:
- Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao Orange Liqueur (40% ABV)
- Cointreau Triple Sec Orange Liqueur (40% ABV)
- Clement Créole Shrubb Liqueur D’Orange (40% ABV)
- Drillaud Orange Liqueur (35% ABV)
- Senor Curacao Orange Curcao (31% ABV)
May not be for everyone:
- Hamilton Petite Canne Shrubb Orange Liqueur (35% ABV)
Tasting Notes:
Some people told us they like the Hamilton, but in our testing the grassy Rhum Agricole flavor is much harder to work with.
The Clement Shrubb is also based on Rhum Agricole but the grassy flavor is much more muted and works great in a Mai Tai.
Drillaud is considerably less expensive and still makes a fine Mai Tai. So, this is the one to get if you’re looking to save a little money.
RTD Mai Tai that does not suck!
Ready to Drink (RTD) cocktails are trendy now, but don’t have a good reputation amongst cocktail snobs used to crafted cocktails with fresh juices and top-shelf spirits. Count me into this group of snobs.
But I am here to tell you that the On the Rocks “The Mai Tai” is actually pretty good. The bottle is 375ml at 40 proof, so more than double the booze in a regular can of beer. Served over ice, this would be quite fine to share with a friend.
The label says this features a blend of light and dark rums from Cruzan, along with a blend of flavors including orange, pineapple, orgeat, and coconut. This is the first RTD Mai Tai where I’ve been actually able to taste orgeat, and it’s quite good. Personally, I’d drop the hint of coconut but at least it does not overpower the cocktail. I enjoyed drinking this.
You’re going to pay for the quality, though. This one bottle retails for around $13, which is similar to the four pack of 12 oz cans from Cutwater.
