If you’re not a fan of sugary drinks but want to jump on the tiki train, you don’t have to feel left out. These tropical tipples fall more on the sour and bitter side of the spectrum, so you can enjoy their rich island flavors without all the sugar. Here are eight tiki cocktails perfect for people who hate sweet drinks.
This Whiskey Sour variation uses a little orgeat and cane sugar to mellow its robust mix of bourbon and rye, but the drink is far from sweet. Even your friends who are new to tiki will love this tipple.
The Essentials
Bourbon
Rye Whiskey
orgeat
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Fans of bitter Boulevardiers and Negronis will love this rum-based cocktail, which calls for bracing Campari. While we love it with dark, flavorful blackstrap rum, any aged rum will do.
A mix of spiced rum and hibiscus-infused red absinthe gives this take on the classic Sazerac a deeply tropical flavor. If you want a taste of the islands without the sweetness, whip up this extra strong libation.
The Essentials
Spiced Rum
Absinthe
Bittercube Trinity Bitters
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If you’re ever pining for tiki drinks in the colder months, the Black Pearl is sure to satisfy. Its heady mix of dark rum, Fernet-Branca and lime juice is tempered by nutty orgeat for balance.
The Essentials
Dark Rum
Orgeat
Fernet-Branca
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Forget about Mimosas and Bellinis the next time you’re whipping up a batch of brunch drinks. This spritzy morning libation get tropical notes from falernum and dry, Italian sensibilities from Cynar 70 and sparkling wine.
The Essentials
dark rum
Cynar 70
falernum
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If you need an even bigger jolt from your morning cup of Joe, spike it with spiced rum and almondy orgeat. Cold brew coffee makes it ready to sip on even the most sweltering beach days.
The Essentials
spiced rum
cold brew coffee
orgeat
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Effervescent and refreshing, this cooling cocktail gets its tropicality from gold rum and falernum. Averna amaro and orange bitters add depth while lime juice lends brightness.
The Essentials
Averna Amaro
Gold Rum
Falernum
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While this tropical take on a Gin & Tonic calls for pineapple juice, the drink will be much less sweet if you use fresh-squeezed stuff. Make sure to use a quality tonic to give the drink depth rather than just sugar.
The Essentials
navy strength gin
fresh pineapple juice
tonic
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