It’s time for a tiki party!

Every now and then we love going to Trader Vic’s in Palo Alto. If you are unfortunate enough to have never frequented this legendary establishment, then put it on your list. Trader Vics’ are swanky Polynesian restaurant/bars that make you feel like you went back in time and found yourself on a tropical island. From San Francisco to Dubai, Trader Vics’ are complete with all sorts of tribal gear, tiki heads, jungle flora and a plethora of other carefully coordinated tropical decór. Bartenders sporting Hawaiian shirts mix up fruity rum and other potent cocktails that at once curl your hair and knock off your flip-flops.

Our favorite concoction is the “Suffering Bastard.” And let me tell you, more than two of these and you will be a suffering bastard, so make sure you load up on the pupu platters. This beverage makes a Mai Tai seem like amateur stuff.

Suffering Bastard

2 ounces dark rum
1 ounce silver rum
3 ounces Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Mix
1/2 ounce lime juice
Cucumber slice for garnish
1 sprig of mint for garnish

Put ice in a shaker and add the rums, Mai Tai Mix, lime juice, then shake. Without straining pour liquid into chilled double old-fashioned glasses. Slice the ends off of a cucumber, preferably English, then cut lengthwise into quarters. Scrape the seeds out and score the pulp side in a criss-cross pattern. Garnish each glass with a quarter slice of cucumber (half if it’s a small cuke) and a sprig of mint.

Stay tuned for another of my Trader Vic’s favorites: Bongo Bongo soup.

Drink slowly…

Possibly Related Posts:

• Knocking Back Moonshine with Max Watman
• An Interview with Chef Seth Caswell
• Infused Vodka
• National Eggnog Month
• Holiday Drinking Lessons