“All good tiki drinks have a great story behind them,” says John Bernard, proprietor of Cleveland’s Porco Lounge and Tiki Room. “Something Tequila was created in response to customers asking, ‘Do you make Margaritas? Could you make me something tequila?’ ” In the Something Tequila, Bernard creates a hybrid of a Margarita and a Rum Barrel (a tiki classic) with a combination of three types of citrus, passion fruit, and tequila. While the agave-based spirit was not a typical twentieth-century tiki ingredient, Bernard impresses upon his guests that “tiki is all about the adventure and exploring what you like.”
Garnish: mint, citrus wedges or wheels, edible flowers, swizzle sticks—whatever you have on hand
Directions
Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
Add ice and shake until chilled, about 10 seconds.
Pour the contents of the shaker into a barrel-shaped tiki mug and garnish with mint, citrus wedges or wheels, flowers, and swizzle sticks.
Editor's Note
Passionfruit Syrup: Makes about 2 cups
1 1⁄4 cups water
1 1⁄4 cups sugar
1⁄4 cup thawed frozen passion fruit concentrate, preferably The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley or Ravifruit
In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. In a medium container, combine all the ingredients and stir until the passion fruit is incorporated into
the syrup. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
