Best Nine 2019
Top 10 Mai Tais of 2019
This was my summary post for my Top 10 Mai Tais of 2019.
The Eastern Sour
Took another run at the Eastern Sour, a Trader Vic’s original from the 1950s. This is a tweaked version of a Whiskey Sour using Trader Vic’s signature ingredient, Orgeat. The pairing of Orange Juice alongside the Lemon Juice also adds an additional dimension, though due to the volume can be risky depending on what your Orange Juice tastes like.
When I had this last time I didn’t find it sweet enough. But I made a few adjustments. This time, I used fresh Valencia Orange juice, which I find sweeter than typical store-bought OJ. I also upped the Orgeat and used Demerara rather than Simple Syrup.
Eastern Sour (original Trader Vic’s Recipe)
¾ oz Lemon Juice
2½ oz Orange Juice
¼ oz Orgeat
¼ oz Sugar Syrup
2 oz Bourbon
Shake with crushed ice and sink spent orange and lemon shells into the drink.
Eastern Sour (modified)
¾ oz Lemon Juice
2½ oz Orange Juice (fresh Valencia Orange)
½ oz Orgeat
¼ oz Demerara Syrup
2 oz Bourbon (Maker’s Mark)
Shake with crushed ice and sink spent orange and lemon shells into the drink.
Happy Instagramiversary to Me
Tiki With Ray Episode 93: Tiki In Honolulu And Waikiki
On this episode, I discuss the current state of Tiki Bars in Honolulu and Waikiki. Filmed at Devil’s Reef in Tacoma, WA.
Check out the Tiki with Ray blog.
Mai Tai Rao-Ae Celebration and 75th Anniversary Toast
This was the toast to Trader Vic and the Mai Tai on the 75th anniversary of its invention in 1944 in Oakland.
The footage starts with Vic’s granddaughter Eve Bergeron handing the mic over to Michael Thanos. Thanos was the owner of the Conga Lounge, a now defunct tiki bar in Oakland, and led a group to petition the City of Oakland to name the Mai Tai the official cocktail of the city. He is presently the owner of Forbidden Island in Alameda.