Category Archives: Cocktails

Mai-Kai cocktail review: True origins of a lost classic, the Island Queen, are revealed

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Hurricane Hayward

Updated April 2, 2013 See below: Our Island Queen review | Ancestor recipe | Tribute recipe Related: Mai-Kai cocktail guide | More “lost cocktails” Over the course of more than 50 years, the outstanding tropical drinks at The Mai-Kai restaurant … Continue reading →

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Lost Cocktails of The Mai-Kai: The late Dr. Fong has a funky and famous history

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Hurricane Hayward

The concept of a “Polynesian” cocktail is somewhat of a misnomer. While most tropical drinks have names and imagery that recall Polynesia, most are actually Caribbean rum concoctions reinvented by American restaurateurs. One notable exception is the distinctive Doctor Funk, … Continue reading →

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The 12 Days of Christmas, Mai-Kai style

Posted on December 25, 2012 by Hurricane Hayward

On the first day of Christmas The Mai-Kai gave to me a Derby Daiquiri On the second day of Christmas, The Mai-Kai gave to me, Two Shrunken Skulls, And a Derby Daiquiri. On the third day of Christmas, The Mai-Kai … Continue reading →

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Lost Cocktails of The Mai-Kai: Take a trip back to Hanalei Bay

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Hurricane Hayward

This is the latest in a series of reviews of drinks that appeared on the original 1956-57 Mai-Kai cocktail menu but were later retired. Included is the ancestor recipe that inspired it, plus a tribute that attempts to reinterpret what … Continue reading →

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Zombie alert: 5 crucial things you need to know about the deadly cocktail

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Hurricane Hayward

The living dead are enjoying an unprecedented renaissance. From the excellent AMC miniseries The Walking Dead (based on the Robert Kirkman comic book series), to a never-ending stream of books, to “zombie walk” events springing up during Halloween season, it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in 2012, 2013, Cocktails, Cocktails, Culture, History, History, Hukilau, Mai-Kai, Recipes, Rum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Lost Cocktails of The Mai-Kai: Uncovering the influential Impatient Virgin

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Hurricane Hayward

This is the second in a series of reviews of drinks that appeared on the original 1956-57 menu but were later retired. Included is the ancestor recipe that inspired it, plus a tribute that attempts to reinterpret what The Mai-Kai’s … Continue reading →

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A great pairing: The Mai-Kai to host premium rum tasting

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Hurricane Hayward

The Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale, one of the best places in the world to sip rum and tropical cocktails, will be the perfect site for a special tasting event on Thursday, Sept. 27. From 7 to 9 p.m. in the … Continue reading →

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Lost Cocktails of The Mai-Kai: The classic Demerara Float rises again

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Hurricane Hayward

Updated April 18, 2013 See below: Our Demerara Float review | Ancestor recipe | Tribute recipe Related: The delicious Demerara Cocktail just can’t stay retired | Mai-Kai cocktail guide Most fans of the spectacular tropical drinks at The Mai-Kai in … Continue reading →

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Mini Mai-Kai Mystery Bowl offers scaled-down version of a classic

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Hurricane Hayward

There are few drinking vessels with the mystique of The Mai-Kai’s famous Mystery Bowl. The iconic communal cocktail popularized at the Fort Lauderdale Polynesian palace has been celebrated for a half-century by everyone from Johnny Carson to today’s Tiki revivalists. … Continue reading →

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Old and new favorites take home South Florida “Best of” awards

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Hurricane Hayward

Last week’s special “Best of 2012″ issue of Broward / Palm Beach New Times recognized many of the area’s coolest places to eat, drink and hang out after dark. Among the winners are several Atomic Grog favorites worth noting: “Best … Continue reading →

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