Tia Mia - How to Make the Smoky Mezcal Tiki Drink Inspired by the Mai Tai

[@powermonger9090]

Every time I watch one of your Tiki drink videos I feel like I missed out on experiencing something great 60 years ago or so. Can’t wait to give this a try. Also, what would your definitive cocktail books list be for someone to build their own library for a new home bar?

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Ranked in order, here are my recommendations for books for home bartenders: 12 Bottle Bar (amzn.to/2l7GpOg) Imbibe!, Updated and Revised Edition (amzn.to/2jOeUr9) Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails (amzn.to/2kDQCnD) The PDT Cocktail Book (amzn.to/2l7Pu9w) Smuggler's Cove (amzn.to/2kcHDcy) Then old school books like The Savoy Cocktail Book (amzn.to/2kDHn70) The top of that list would be my go-to, 12 Bottle Bar by Lesley and David Solmonson. It's a great intro. They have brand recommendations, classic drinks, not so classic, homemade syrups and liqueurs, punches, drinks for different occasions, history of certain drinks, etc. They're big thing is focusing on these essential 12 bottles that allow you to make 100's of great drinks. That way you're not stuck with a $40 bottle of creme de whatever, that's only really used in one drink. Instead it focuses on the essentials. They made some difficult choices on which bottles to cut, but they came up with a great list that will let you hit the ground running. It's really the best place to start. Next would be Imbibe!, Updated and Revised Edition by David Wondrich. This is a seminal book in the cocktail renaissance. Wondrich is a cocktail historian and incredible resource for understanding and uncovering classic and forgotten cocktails. This book, when originally published, was instrumental in helping to push this cocktail resurgence. He then became an invaluable resource for researching and exploring misunderstood recipes. The Updated and Revised Edition expanded on the first edition, explored more drinks, talked about certain brands and spirits that more recently became available. There is an incredible amount of history in this book, so it's sometimes a little challenging to cut through and get to the recipes, but that’s because it’s first and foremost a history of cocktail culture in the US. Not being a traditional recipe book is not ideal at times, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re interested in what you’re drinking and where it came from. After that, I’d get Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh. This was another seminal book, published a year or so after Imbibe!. It is first and foremost a recipe book, but there is a page or two of history for each drink. There are lots of classics and revived drinks in there. There are also some esoteric ones and lots of esoteric spirits, but it is pretty agnostic when it comes to bottle recommendations, which is why for me, it doesn’t edge out 12 Bottle Bar. It really focuses on the classics, just as the title suggests. Then the books start getting a little more advanced and esoteric. The PDT Cocktail Book by Jim Meehan and Smuggler's Cove by Martin & Rebecca Cate are both good books by modern bartenders who are really dedicated to the craft and making classic and modern drinks as best as they can be. The PDT gives great recommendations for each bottle to use with each recipe, so there’s never a question of, is this the right rum? or is the Scotch smoky enough? It spells all of that out for you. There’s very little history in it, not a lot of DIY syrups or liqueurs or whatever and there are plenty of esoteric and advanced drinks in there. So, this would probably be a year two book. Same with Smuggler’s Cove. It is heavy on the esoteric, but it’s a great resource for Tiki and rum drinks. It gets pretty specific when it comes to the recipes. The Cates really care about the craft and restoring some dignity to the world of the Tiki cocktail, which was sidelined, perhaps not totally unfairly, for years as an example of what not to do, particularly at the start of the craft cocktail renaissance. The organization of the drinks and particularly of the type of rums for each drink could be better. It’s tough because each drink is so specific, it may call for 3 different types of rum, not including the absinthe, falernum, pimento, etc. This book will make you some of the best Tiki drinks and provides a lot of background on the culture, tools, techniques, etc, and it has recipes for homemade syrups and ingredients, but it is pretty deep down the rabbit hole. I mean some drinks require 5 or 6 bottles, not including fresh juices and homemade syrups. It takes some serious dedication to make these things and it takes quite a love of rums to fully appreciate it. This might be a year three book. If you're interested in a Tiki drink's history, Beachbum Berry's books would be a better way to go. They go DEEP into the history of Tiki and the history of pre-Tiki. The best part about Smuggler's is that they often times have the best recipes for a given drink and make for a great intro, without going too far into the deep end of the pool on the history. After these essentials, I’d probably go with the vintage books, like The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock or other books like that. The vintage books are great and they provide some good insight, but they often times require some translation and interpretation because so much has change between when it was written and now. Measurements could be different. For instance a recipe could call for a pony of this or a wine glass of that or it’s 2/3 one spirit, 1/6 of another, but it also includes specific amounts for other ingredients in the recipe. So, it’s a little tough to wade through those waters. That’s why something as formative as The Savoy, is ranked so low on my list. It’s full of great stuff, but it isn’t always the most accessible. Anyway, I hope that helped. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@powermonger9090]

Distinguished Spirits thanks so much for your comprehensive response. You are a legend!

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

For sure. Cheers!

[@MarshalBlack]

Whenever I see Tiki and Distinguished Spirits together I know I'm in for a treat. Great work as always!

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Ha! Great to hear. This was a fun one.

[@angel2of7death]

This channel never disappoints. Awesome vid - can't wait to make this! Cheers

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Glad to hear it. Let me know what you think of the drink when you whip one up. Cheers!

[@angel2of7death]

Just made it. Very very nice. As with most drinks with Mezcal, I find the smoky profile to dominate, but you''ll never see me make a fuss over it. Solid drink overall --- but I may have to make another just to be sure ;) Love what you're doing here... Thanks for all of these great posts/recipes. Cheers.

[@yerva01]

This was the best cocktail video I've seen in a while

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Awesome! Glad you dug it. Cheers!

[@yerva01]

@@DistinguishedSpirits Man since this video I have seen a few more and I love it, the shots that show the ingredients and cocktail in it's full glory, the history of the drink and for last a very well explained recipe and a good sense of humor I really enjoy it. Wish you the best and cheer's to you!

[@roberto6617]

I am hooked on your videos. Your drinks are excellent and the way you explain how to make the drinks is great.

[@cvc1]

You're a living legend when it comes to posting drink recipes! I want to thank you by passing on this fantastic drink created by the Royal Hawaiian bar/restaurant in Laguna Beach, Ca.. It's their special version of a Tropical Itch and they do call it that.. It's one of my favorites and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.. 1 oz bourbon 1 oz black Jamaican rum 1 1/2 oz passion fruit syrup 1/2 oz of Dons Mix. (I use BG Reynolds prepared mix called Paradise Blend) 1/4 Orgeat All ingredients into a shaker with ice and pour over crushed ice into a tall glass.. Garnish with mint or pineapple leaves..

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Sounds pretty good. I tried a couple Tropical Itch cocktails and none of them were working for me. Although, the name is used so broadly, it's not clear that there is an agreed upon formula. This one seems to be a blend of the Harry Yee (Hawaiian Village) and Kon-Tiki recipes.

[@GeeWhizbang]

Just made this tonight for the first time & will def go into our warm weather rotation..cheers!

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

It's incredible. Glad you dug it. Cheers!

[@GeeWhizbang]

Righteous as always, such great production value sir!

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Cheers! Glad to hear it. Give this one a test drive. Let me know what you think.

[@raulendymion9917]

I love Tiki cocktails! Thanks for the video and recipe

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

For sure! Glad you dug it. If you end up making one, let me know how it turns out. Cheers!

[@matthewweitz1949]

Great video

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

🥳

[@kevincorvus3298]

As always, loved the video. I'll put this drink on my mental list for things to serve at a future party. Cheers!

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Totally. This one is a crowd pleaser.

[@JoseRomero-om4gz]

Good to see you back! Cheers!

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Good to be back. Cheers!

[@twhdvm]

Looks amazing. Cool mug! Any thoughts on doing an eggnog/holiday cocktail series?

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Not sure if I’m gonna do a proper eggnog. I have a playlist of Christmas drinks with Tom & Jerry (similar to eggnog) and Advocaat (Dutch eggnog) and others. Check it out: kzbin.info/aero/PLw3w-GljemelEAF85DJNSDfrBKMWvpWAY

[@willmardorf8348]

The bottle of Tequila you showed talking about El Diablo is from this huge restaurant group called Barteca. Does that mean you’re from CT? Where Barteca/Bar Taco originates from.

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

I'm not from CT. Never been actually. Haha. But I dig that tequila.

[@skipsterz]

Awesome video! BTW, how do you like that Two James Doctor Bird Rum? Cheers!

[@ayyrazza]

Oh my guy bought the whole set I see you with that black Boston shaker! Koriko?

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Indeed. 😉👍

[@johngo3715]

When are you going to tackle the 151 Swizzle?

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Maybe one day...

[@rafaelnardiiii]

Genious name

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

I know, right! There are several mezcal Mai Tais our there but this one certainly has the best name.

[@hermanpesina6328]

In a pinch I've always subbed tequila for martinique so I'm glad I was in the same ballpark

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Ha! Yeah, it will be in the neighborhood. But the smoky mezcal will be distinctly different than a tequila. Tequila usually has that savory umami note and mezcal is fruity, vegetal and in this case, smoky as hell. Cheers!

[@ButTheGin]

Hi. Thanks for all these cocktail recipes. I've finally bought most of the necessary bar equipment to start mixing and today made the only cocktail I could make with what I had in stock - Bee's Knees, and what a fine cocktail it was, but I had to pour it in what is essentially a wine glass. So I've come asking for help - could you give a little guide to glass sizes/volumes? What volume glasses do you use or would recommend for coupe, rocks, collins, tiki, and other glasses? Thanks again.

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

These are all pretty approximate. Coupe - 5 oz Rocks - 8 oz Double Old Fashioned - 14 oz Collins - 12 oz Tiki mugs (usually on the larger side, but it depends on the drink) - 16-22 oz I hope that helps. Cheers!

[@Greedman456]

And it just happens that i have all ingredients at home after yesterdays buys:P. Lets see how this goes

[@dgrahamw15]

Great video as always. Love the new kit. Where can I find L'Orgeat? I've been waiting for a shelf stable orgeat. I'm too lazy to make another batch of the homemade stuff.

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

I checked with the company online. It's only available in NY and LA at the moment, apparently. They are going to be branching out soon.

[@dgrahamw15]

@@DistinguishedSpirits thanks for the help! I hope they come to the Bay Area!

[@markfuell7237]

Sorry I am late to the party, but great video!

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Cheers!

[@ayyrazza]

We have the same jigger. 1 oz 2 oz gun metal black from cocktailkingdom? Japanese style?

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Yessir. Both the jigger and shaker are from Cocktail Kingdom.

[@howtoplay7787]

Is it okay to use Tequila as well or does it destroy the flavour profile?

[@johngo3715]

Tequila does not have the smokey character of Mezcal.

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

What John Go said. It’s not totally impossible to find a smoky Tequila, I know one brand exists, but I’m not sure how they get away with calling it Tequila. In any case, you’re going to want to use a mezcal, and in particular, a smoky mezcal. Cheers!

[@maddogtannen69]

Goddamn i cant find anywhere that sells hamilton rums in NY NJ area been looking like crazy

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Total Wine should have them. I know they have some locations in NY/NJ.

[@maddogtannen69]

@@DistinguishedSpirits yea tried a few of them no luck =(

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Try these guys. They are the distributor for NY/NJ. blueprintspirits.com/

[@joshuaperrin3910]

Not what I was expecting!

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

What were you expecting this time? Haha.

[@joshuaperrin3910]

It's more of what's in it than anything.

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

You mean the Mezcal?

[@joshuaperrin3910]

Pretty much. Isn't it like mixing Rum & Tequila basically?

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Kind of. But the Mezcal in this drink is smoky and much earthier than tequila.

[@doctorx0079]

Had to look up "hogo"

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Haha. Good man. Going the extra mile.

[@jean-francoisdeltenre794]

ok is that a real original 17 year old j wray and nephew?

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Negative. Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2amp5eHgL6qbLM

[@jean-francoisdeltenre794]

ok just for a moments i fell for it!!

[@DistinguishedSpirits]

Haha. No worries.