Tiki Takeoff with Mezan Rum & STROH 160

I’ve always felt that the heart of tiki is rooted more in herbs and spices than in tropical juices.

The combination of them with strong spirit elevates and balances a drink. A close friend, the “Captain” in this case was getting married and I was inspired by his mixing of spiced rum and Italian amaro in his wedding cocktail. The spices from both ingredients and the bitterness of the amaro worked together to be both intensely tropical and well balanced.

The result was named The Captain’s Bride.

The drink starts with a split base of sprits starting with Mezan X.O. Jamaican rum for its luxurious aromas and funk typical of fine aged Jamaican rum combined with Stroh 160 for that spice and pop of strong spirit. For the amaro I chose Campari for its grapefruity bitterness and additional herbs and spices that play delightfully with the grapefruit and lime juice in the cocktail. Finally, for a little heat and chili pepper flavor I added some of my Boy Drinks World Serrano Cocktail Spice, an extract of fresh whole serrano chili peppers. The drink is a complex balance of bitterness, acidity, sweetness and heat that both refreshes and invigorates.

*The Captain’s Bride is dedicated to Courtney, missed by me and all your friends.

The Captain's Bride cocktail with pepper garnishes, and bottles in background

The Captain’s Bride

Photo by Ram Udwin

The Captain’s Bride

By Ram Udwin

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Mezan X.O. Jamaican Rum
  • .5 oz. Stroh 160
  • .5 oz. Campari
  • .5 oz. Demerara Syrup (equal parts raw sugar and water)
  • .75 oz. Lime Juice
  • .5 oz. Grapefruit Juice
  • 1 ml Boy Drinks World Serrano Cocktail Spice

Preparation: Shake hard and strain onto crushed ice and garnish with cinnamon and grapefruit.


Meet Ram Udwin

CHILLED 100 Member, San Diego

I am Ram Udwin of Boy Drinks World Cocktail Products, creator of specialty cocktail bitters and extracts. As a spirits expert, educator and professional craft bartender, I bring classic cocktail techniques and flavors to modern trends driving the industry. Our products reflect my journey in the craft cocktail movement and are inspired by the amazing local produce available around our southern California production facility.

Cheers!

Ram Udwin -CHILLED 100 Member, San Diego

Ram Udwin – CHILLED 100 Member, San Diego

Photo by Jaden Hwang