Not just rum.

While most Tiki drinks use rum,other spirits are occasionally used as well. The Saturn(invented in 1967 by Filipino bartender Joseph “Po Po” Galsini for the IBA World Cocktail competition) is the classic gin Tiki drink:

Mix #27 Saturn

1.5oz gin
1/3oz orgeat
1/3oz falernum
1/2oz passion fruit syrup
1/2oz lemon juice

Blend with ice until slushy.

The original was blended,but many places shake the drink as well. I prefer it blended. If you want to introduce a gin drinker to Tiki,this is it.

Last October,the Search For Tiki ran a series of Halloween recipe postings. Most used Plantation rums(which I find excellent),but this one used Citadelle gin:

Mix #28 Gunslinger’s Grave

2oz gin
1oz orange juice
3/4oz lemon juice
1/2oz grenadine
1/4oz passionfruit syrup
1/4oz allspice dram
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2oz soda water

Shake everything except soda. Pour soda into glass and add mix and more ice.

I started out using Tanqueray gin,but this drink turned me on to Citadelle,which is now my gin of choice. It’s smoother with a nicer bouquet,and the art deco bottle looks cool in your bar. Oh,and this mix is good enough for me to add it into my regular rotation roster.

Gin,you win!