The Del Coronado tiki drink is a signature cocktail that has its roots in the iconic Luau Room at the Hotel del Coronado. This classic tiki drink was created by head bartender Ebert William ‘Bert’ Chan and quickly became the restaurant’s most popular beverage. The Luau Room was a beloved tiki restaurant and bar located within the Hotel del Coronado, a stunning seaside vacation resort built in 1888 on Coronado, a picturesque island in the bay.
A Timeless Tiki Classic
The Del Coronado tiki drink has stood the test of time and has recently gained renewed interest among tiki enthusiasts. It can still be found on the menus of tiki bars today, such as False Idol in San Diego. The drink’s enduring popularity is a testament to its well-balanced flavors and the skill of its creator, Bert Chan.
The Perfect Blend of Ingredients
The recipe for the Coronado Luau Special, also known as the Del Coronado tiki drink, features a harmonious blend of aged pot still rum, aged column still rum, VSOP Armagnac, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, Grand Marnier, orgeat, and simple syrup. These ingredients come together to create a complex and refreshing tropical cocktail that transports you to a bygone era of tiki culture.
How to Make the Del Coronado Tiki Drink
To create this classic tiki cocktail, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender with crushed ice and blend on high speed for no more than 5 seconds. The key is to avoid over-blending, as this can dilute the flavors and compromise the drink’s texture. Once blended, pour the mixture unstrained into a tall glass or a tiki mug and garnish with fresh mint, edible flowers, and an orange twist for a beautiful and aromatic presentation.
A Piece of Tiki History
The Del Coronado tiki drink is more than just a delicious cocktail; it is a piece of tiki history. Its recipe has been featured in various tiki bar menus and publications, cementing its status as a classic example of the exotic rum cocktails that were served at the legendary Luau Room. By enjoying this drink, you are not only indulging in a taste of the past but also paying homage to the skilled bartenders and the vibrant tiki culture that thrived in the mid-20th century.
So, the next time you find yourself at a tiki bar, be sure to order a Del Coronado and raise a glass to Bert Chan and the iconic Luau Room at the Hotel del Coronado. This timeless tiki classic is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise with every sip.
Recipe: Del Coronado Tiki Drink
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. aged pot still rum
- 1 oz. aged column still rum
- ½ oz. VSOP Armagnac
- 3 oz. fresh orange juice
- 2 oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. Grand Marnier
- ¼ oz. orgeat
- 1 oz. simple syrup (1:1)
- 4 oz. crushed ice
Tools: blender
Glass: tiki mug
Garnish: mint, edible flowers, orange twist
Instructions:
- Put all ingredients into a blender.
- Blend on high speed for no more than 5 seconds.
- Pour unstrained into a tall glass or a tiki mug.
- Garnish with mint, edible flowers, and an orange twist.
- Enjoy your delicious Del Coronado tiki drink!
