The Arkham Kula is a captivating tropical cocktail that combines the exotic flavors of tiki drinks with the mysterious and intriguing world of H.P. Lovecraft’s stories. Created by Jason Alexander, this cocktail is a riff on Don the Beachcomber’s classic Sumatra Kula, with a unique twist that transports you to the eerie and fascinating realm of Lovecraftian horror.
The Lovecraftian Connection
The name “Arkham Kula” is a nod to the fictional city of Arkham, Massachusetts, which appears in many of H.P. Lovecraft’s tales of cosmic horror. Arkham is believed to be based on the real-life city of Salem, with elements of Danvers, such as the infamous state asylum, blended in. By naming this cocktail after Arkham, Jason Alexander has imbued it with an air of mystery and intrigue that perfectly complements its complex and alluring flavor profile.
The Ingredients
The Arkham Kula features a blend of rums, including Plantation Xaymaca Rum and Plantation OFTD Overproof Rum, which provide a robust and funky base for the cocktail. The rum is combined with lime juice, orange juice, Don’s Mix (a combination of grapefruit juice and cinnamon syrup), honey syrup, and passion fruit syrup, creating a symphony of tropical flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
The Preparation
To prepare the Arkham Kula, the ingredients are whip-shaken with crushed ice, which helps to integrate the flavors and create a smooth, frothy texture. The cocktail is then poured into a Zombie glass (Tiki mug) and filled with more crushed ice, giving it a visually stunning presentation that evokes the mysterious atmosphere of Lovecraft’s stories.
The Flavor Profile
The Arkham Kula offers a complex and intriguing flavor profile that includes notes of caramel, orange, honey, lime, funky rum, tropical flavors, and cinnamon spice. The aroma of the cocktail is equally enticing, with hints of mint, passion fruit, and caramel that draw you in and invite you to explore its depths.
The Recipe
To make your own Arkham Kula, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Plantation Xaymaca Rum
- 1/2 oz Plantation OFTD Overproof Rum
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz Don’s Mix
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 1/2 oz passion fruit syrup
- Mint sprig for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with crushed ice and whip-shake until well-chilled. Pour into a Zombie glass (Tiki mug) and fill with additional crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and enjoy your journey into the mysterious world of the Arkham Kula.
