Picture this: dim lights, exotic tunes humming from the hi-fi, a Mai Tai in hand that's got that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and potent. That's the magic of tiki, and Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki pulls back the curtain on it all. Written by Martin and Rebecca Cate, founders of San Francisco's legendary Smuggler's Cove bar, this James Beard and Spirited Award winner isn't just a book—it's your personal guide to recreating that vibe anywhere.
Tiki started as Depression-era escapism, blending Hollywood glamour, stolen recipes, and rum's endless varieties into something utterly addictive. But decoding it solo? It's tricky—rums vary wildly, balances are finicky, and history gets lost in the myths. This book cuts through the noise with a fresh rum categorization system that makes selecting bottles straightforward, whether you're grabbing a budget agricole or splurging on a rare vintage.
Each recipe lists exact measurements, techniques like fat-washing or flaming, and pairing notes. No more muddled mixes—just crisp, flavorful results that wow guests.
Stocking your bar? Get insider tips on essential rums across categories like light, Jamaican, and overproof. Transform a corner shelf into a grotto with mug suggestions, glassware, and decor hacks that don't break the bank. It's practical advice from pros who've built the world's top tiki spot.
Host a luau where drinks steal the show, experiment solo on rainy evenings, or deepen your cocktail knowledge for bar trivia nights. Readers rave about nailing the Navy Grog on first try or discovering rums that redefine their shelves. At around 350 pages of lush photos and stories, it's as immersive as a South Seas voyage.
Grab Smuggler's Cove, cue the exotica playlist, and let the tiki renaissance begin in your own space. Your next gathering just got a whole lot more legendary.
