Preview and recipes: Book reveals long-lost secrets and stories of P/Fassionola

Preview and recipes: Book reveals long-lost secrets and stories of P/Fassionola

A much-anticipated book dedicated to unraveling the enigmatic history of “the taste thrill of the century” has been welcomed with open arms by the Tiki community and beyond, quenching our insatiable thirst for esoteric topics. Not to mention tasty tropical cocktails.

The softcover and hardback editions of "Fassionola: The Torrid Story of Cocktails' Most Mysterious Ingredient" during the special April pre-release at Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
The softcover and hardback editions of “Fassionola: The Torrid Story of Cocktails’ Most Mysterious Ingredient” during the special April pre-release at Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

So what is this taste thrill that caused so much intrigue? Rum? Bitters? Pineapple or some other exotic tropical fruit? Not quite, but close. Of course, we’re talking about Fassionola: The Torrid Story of Cocktails’ Most Mysterious Ingredient, researched and written by Gregorio Pantoja and Martin S. Lindsay.

More below: Read Hurricane Hayward’s foreword to the book
New Passionola syrup follows historic recipe

The authors not only dug up the complete story of a unique product that was in danger of becoming a footnote in 20th century mixology, they also uncovered the original “P/Fassionola” formula from the 1930s and have begun releasing it to the public with the help of noted mixologist Daniel “Doc” Parks.

Fassionola: The Torrid Story of Cocktails' Most Mysterious Ingredient

The 288-page book, self-published by the authors, is loaded with historic photos and images plus more than 100 recipes. Among these are many unpublished classics as well as new drinks by some of today’s top cocktail creators. This includes an exclusive new tribute to a Mai-Kai cocktail that had previously not been posted on The Atomic Grog blog.

After a late 2023 digital release, hard copies became available in late spring and can be purchased at Shop.ClassicSanDiego.com in both softcover and limited-edition hardback signed by the authors and Parks.

Bonus cocktail recipes below
Mona Punch (Don the Beachcomber)
151 Tribute Swizzle No. 5 (Vatos Who Tiki)
Mission Valley Daiquiri (The Atomic Grog) NEW
See also: Sidewinder’s Fang (Mai-Kai tribute) | Once A Villager (Doc Parks)

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We’ll get into more details below, but first let’s set the stage with the foreword I contributed to the book.

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Mai-Kai cocktail review: Bring a friend and sink your teeth into the classic Sidewinder’s Fang

Mai-Kai cocktail review: Bring a friend and sink your teeth into the classic Sidewinder's Fang

Updated August 2024
See below: Our Sidewinder’s Fang review | Ancestor recipe | Tribute recipe NEW
Related: Mai-Kai cocktail guide
Preview and recipes: Book reveals long-lost secrets and stories of P/Fassionola NEW

It may sound and look intimidating, but the whopping Sidewinder’s Fang is the perfect cocktail for a couple to share while enjoying a romantic evening at Fort Lauderdale’s landmark Mai-Kai Polynesian restaurant. Typically served in a giant snifter, it’s a fun and accessible cocktail that should appeal to newcomers and tropical drink aficionados alike. Featuring six ounces of rum, it’s suitable for an even larger party.

Molokai Bar server Ashley treats a guest to a Sidewinder's Fang at The Mai-Kai in February 2019. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
Molokai Bar server Ashley treats a guest to a Sidewinder’s Fang at The Mai-Kai in February 2019. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

The distinctive snifter is sometimes in short supply, so you may receive this giant cocktail in two smaller versions (see photo). But it’s been a long time since we’ve noticed a shortage of glasses, so this unique cocktail experience will live on exactly as it has for more than 60 years. The Mai-Kai is one of the few restaurants in the world to use this rare 64-ounce glass.

The cocktail itself is a classic communal Tiki drink, dominated by fruit juices and similar to the Mystery Drink, just not quite as complex. Many Polynesian restaurants served a Sidewinder’s Fang when exotic drinks flourished in the mid-century. The tribute recipe below is thought to be the original.

Continue reading “Mai-Kai cocktail review: Bring a friend and sink your teeth into the classic Sidewinder’s Fang”