Long time listens of the podcast know that all Sunshine does to arrange our next recording is send a text message to the Ladies of the lounge. Whoever answers, joins me on the podcast. Every now and then all three Ladies are available and its time to “wrangle the cats” which is our way of saying using creative editing to reduce the overlapping conversations and laughter. On this episode we showcase some local products including SoCal Rum and Simply Gala syrups, both used in a new cocktail the SoCal Hibiscus Flower.

Sunshine Tiki in the lounge this episode. That means you get lots of music and less banter. Its been a few weeks since we posted a show and now that all four hosts are back to working regularly we are trying to get back into our bi weekly schedule. Your music is a classic vinyl album from Henry Mancini that Sunshine has been enjoying often in the Zen Tiki Lounge. Enjoy the full LP with just a little lounge news. AND, be sure to listen to the entire episode to see if you have a chance to get a shirt from our friends at Tiki Bar T-Shirt Club.

In a first of firsts all present hosts of the podcast are sober and completely coherent. Every now and then one of the Ladies of the Lounge will abstain simply because they are being responsible and may need to operate a vehicle. But Sunshine is always at home and rarely has to worry about the dangers of driving under the influence. Don’t worry. We still have a good time and have plenty to talk about including some local rum and syrups to help craft our next cocktails.

On a warm, sunny and clear Tuesday in May the crew of the Zen Tiki Lounge hit the road to Palm Springs. We had a few goals. Break into the Reef, serve ourselves some cocktails and stick our feet in the pool. As you listen to this episode you will realize we accomplished all we set out to do and found time for shenanigans.

During the pandemic many of us been staying home as much as possible. On a very brief trip to the pharmacy Sunshine got in his car and for whatever reason the iPhone decided to play episode 240 of the podcast. This was back in February of 2012 and involved guest hostess Krista and the fourth low calorie cocktail in a series we did. So, Sunshine was thinking that since he gets requests all year long for ways to drop the sugar and calorie content in drinks that this was a perfect opportunity to put all four of those episodes into one.

Sunshine and Pumpkin are very pleased to be joined by Kat Reeder on this episode. Kat is a modern artist living on Oahu who has been creating prints, 3D pop and portraits with a beautiful stylized island look and feel. During the interview we talk about her influences from Peru to Miami and now Hawaii. And our usual dose of cocktails and music is included. We wouldn't leave you hanging.

Quarantine Zoom cast #1. Sunshine and Kalani use the miracle of a somewhat security prone web service to conduct our podcast. We enjoy a “Whats on hand” drink by sharing what ingredients with both had in common. Sunshine shares the mystery of multiple jars of cream of tartar. Kalani remembers a time when we could go to ANY bar we wanted to on any day we wanted to. And we share some tips we find helpful in adjusting to staying inside so much.

Aloha and welcome to the Zen Tiki Lounge podcast. We are the dimly lit tiki bar that lives in your head. Listen to this episode for nothing more than great exotica for your quarantine enjoyment. Sunshine plays some of his favorite from master Arthur Lyman, the always mystifying Tikiyaki Orchestra and the incomparable Yma Sumac. Mix yourself that favorite cocktail, dim the lights and relax. Special appearances via phone by Starshine, Pumpkin and Kalani.

In strange times we do what we can to feel normal and keep moving forward. The Ladies of the lounge and Sunshine got together in the Zen Tiki Lounge for what may be our last fully hosted podcast for some time. Sunshine asked who was available for the show and was surprised that everyone and their husbands wanted to come over for drinks before we are all asked to stay home.

Sunshine has returned from a first visit to New Orleans and couldn’t wait to share his trip report on a few of the places he visited. Pat O’Briens, Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29, Tiki Tolteca, Harrahs New Orleans, Bourbon Street and more.

WARNING!!! All four hosts are in the lounge for this episode of the podcast. Some listeners find it hard to listen through all the cat wrangling that happens when the whole crew is together. We won’t be offended if you skip this one. But for the hardcore fan…enjoy! This episode is our 14th anniversary podcast. Though we aren’t doing a big celebration its still notable that none of us thought this would go past year one. We have decided only to make a big deal out of the anniversaries that fall on the 5’s, so next year will be a celebration.

This episode originally posted July 2015. After realizing the drink mentioned on the show, The Ladies Man was never posted on our blot we have decided to push this one out again. Hope you enjoy this trip back to 2015. There is no reason we should deny that we are nursing a hangover.  Kalani and Sunshine celebrated July 4th Independence Day with cocktails, BBQ and plenty of exploding objects.  Starshine joined us for the festivities but was not available to record this episode of the podcast.  To soothe our heads we keep the exotica nice and light, the lights are extra dim and our cocktail is full of citrus and vitamin C.  Thats how we do hangover.   Join us for a quick trip through San Francisco.  Smugglers Cove and Tonga Room are just two of the watering holes we managed to spend a few hours sipping rum drinks while the sounds of gay pride were all around.  It was a weekend to party and the bar scene didn't disappoint.  

Mentioned on this episode is the Remixed album by the Newton Brothers. If you haven’t tried exotica with a new twist this album may be just for you.

Starshine, Sunshine and Hibiscus are in the lounge for this episode of ZTL. The work week was nothing short of lame and all of us were ready for a fresh cocktail, easy exotica and some non intellectual conversation. Our new drink is called Jaded and was simply inspired by a gift of green Chartreuse.

We are starting the new year with one of our most popular Zen Tiki Lounge drinks. The Scurvy Killer is tiki AF. Fresh citrus, rum, spice and bitters blend beautifully and please everyone. Discussed on this episode is the recent book by Kelly Hiphipahula Reily and Trader Tom Morgan. The Home Bar Guide to Tropical Cocktails is the NEW must have bar book and coffee table conversation piece. And much more

Aloooooooha! it was hard for us to believe that this was our 14th annual Holiday Spectacular. Sunshine, Pumpkin, Starshine and Kalani are in the Zen Tiki Lounge behind the microphone sharing some fun memories while sipping on a myriad of our favorite winter concoctions. Use the links below to get the recipes and mix things up for yourself. You will have to listen to the entire episode to hear the music, fun and ridiculousness. A highlight of this years show is our visit with Jeff Ballard who created the TikiComber app and has been bringing us his travels via TikiTrail for the past few years. There is plenty of holiday tiki themed goodness in this podcast so read below and listen to get it all.

As we approach the full swing of the holiday season you will need a few cocktail recipes to show off with friends and family. One of our favorites is Island Fruitcake. If you attended Circa Caliente this past October you may have had the chance to hear Jill Martini and the Shrunken Heads. The group played Sunday afternoon and served as the whip cream on a weekend full great live performances. Jill, a good friend of the podcast sent us the album and Sunshine was more than happy to play tracks on this episode.

Join Sunshine Tiki and Starshine Tiki in the Zen Tiki Lounge for a walk down Circa Caliente Room Crawl memory lane. Over the past 13 years we have recorded live at many events but have never shared our thoughts on each room on the crawl in sequential order. Until now! Below you will find the room crawl list, and some pictures from each room in the order they happened over the awesome Circa weekend.

Make your own Falernum and Spice Rum. Thats the message in this episode of ZTL podcast. Just before heading off on an Alaskan cruise, Sunshine jumped behind the bar to record this quick little show. With fall approaching its a great time to spice some of your own rum and why not try making falernum at the same time. These two infusions are essential in tiki mixology and by making your own version you can assume more control over the flavor profile of your cocktails.

Put your earbuds in and listen to this episode. Sunshine, Kalani and Starshine really enjoyed the VERY random conversations spurred by trying a new tamarind and Demerara cocktail as well as tasting some rum and bourbon. Leave the kids at home because this one is full of adult themes and shenanigans.

Sunshine here in the lounge solo for this episode. Conversation includes Tiki Oasis, Lost Spirits Distillery, home bar cocktail menus, and plenty of classic Exotica. Starting with our cocktail, the 1944 Trader Vic’s Mai Tai made with Rhum Clement, Kula Hawaiian Dark Rum, Liquid Alchemist Orgeat. Kula Dark Rum happened to be on sale and worth trying.

It is mid July and time for a slushy cocktail that Pumpkin tends to demand this time of year. Bayou Swamp Slush is our newest drink created just for our original hostess. While sipping our new frosty we dive into a host of subjects and listen to new music from The Modernes. Plus listener mail and an editorial from Sunshine on what NOT to do when invited to a party.

Did we start with a cocktail in our dimly lit tiki bar? Yes, always! Listen to the podcast for the recipe and some ideas on mixing fun new ingredients anyone can find while on vacation visiting distilleries and other fun cocktail hot spots. With your cocktail ready its time to listen to IntoxiKA. Marty Lush on the Quiet Village podcast just released his latest episode and featured this band from Honolulu.

WARNING! This LIVE episode includes an inebriated audience with sound levels that spike and adult language. ;) We always enjoy welcoming listeners, fans and friends into our hotel suite at the weekend tiki events. This episode was recorded at Tiki Caliente 11 and includes a visit by Noah from Ambros Banana Whiskey, listener Q&A and everyones favorite podcast gameshow “Whats in Kalani’s Bra?” Listen to the show for a quick taste of what its like being at a weekend long cocktail smorgasbord. See blog (below) for pic and links from the event and a small gallery of the 13 rooms on this years crawl.

Some side effects of this podcast include dry mouth, lazy eye, permanent erection and death. Or maybe those are some of the more common potential issues with most of the medications you see on TV. We suggest mixing our custom coffee cocktail called Flamingo Swamp before you enjoy this episode of ZTL. Sunshine and Starshine LOVE their coffee and LOVE It even more when you add spirits. Listen for the recipe. Also on this show: hmmmmmm, just listen. Feeling lazy.

This is a re post of an episode from 2017 upated for this of you asking about hosting room parties. This will be our last episode before attending Tiki Caliente 9, the yearly event in Palm Springs where we happily spend 3.5 days enjoying the company of old and new friends of our tiki community.  We discuss how to plan a room party, how to mix 100 drinks at a time, tips for staying hydrated in the desert and a few other odds and ends.  Mix a drink from our list of easy to build tiki drinks and enjoy the show.

Please join us on this episode of Zen Tiki Lounge podcast for the usual bar banter, drink recipes and friendly advice. Sunshine, Kalani and Starshine got together relatively last minute for an unplanned recording session. We discuss the out of control flavors of modern beverages, crafting new drinks with ingredients you want to blow through, old workplace shenanigans, are Costco spirits worth it?, sold out Tiki Caliente event, avoiding hangovers and so much more.

There is plenty going on in our dimly lit tiki bar this episode of ZTL podcast. Sunshine and Pumpkin start with a fabulous vintage tiki drink from the 1940’s. Next we dive into the mail sack to catch up on a few items sent in from listeners. When it came time for a second drink Pumpkin brought a quick dice game that proved perfect for choosing our next spirit and all the mixers needed for something quite tasty. We also discuss a recent visit to Zombie Village in SF, Aero bar in San Diego, the woes of essential oils, Mocktails in London and much more.

Having good friends stop by the lounge is always a treat. On this episode Kalani and Sunshine are joined by Susan Nelson. Susan isn’t a podcast virgin. Sunshine challenged both Susan and Kalani to give gin another try. Pictured above is our version of a sling but with a bit of a tropical twist. Both ladies enjoyed the combination of fresh juices, gin and cachaça.

This episode is all Sunshine and music. Every now and then the Ladies of the lounge are busy but Sunshine wants to get behind the mic anyway. This is when you get a lot of exotica thrown at you for setting the mood in your dimly lit corner with cocktail in hand. No other notes needed. Just listen and enjoy the short conversation and songs from Tikiyaki Orchestra, Les Baxter, The Out-Islanders, Esquivel and The Crazed Mugs.

In the history of ZTL podcast the ladies have never enjoyed an all spirit cocktail. Things change! Finally. Sunshine was inspired by a recent trip to the local booze barn and played with some new ingredients. Over the years we have talked about the Wreck Bar in Ft. Lauderdale a few times. Sunshine and husband have had the pleasure of visiting a few times while spending a little time in town before and after hopping on cruise ships. And after our second round of Smudge Pots we moved on to trying some recent purchases from a local LA distillery.

On this episode of ZTL podcast Sunshine, Starshine and Kalani try our latest cocktail creation, Mrs. Kravitz’ Daydream. Sunshine was inspired by the Bewitched character who was the frequent victim of witchcraft and a medaling mother in law. If Gladys was sipping this drink before peeping through her window it may explain a few things. Also on this show: Ice Made Clear is the latest ice making device that actually seems to make clear ice. A quick update on Tiki Caliente 11. Some anecdotal conversation about how difficult it is to be a cocktail server in a casino. Fun new bottle LED lights to brighten your bar. Nude zamboni operators and more.

What a year, what a year. Sunshine, Kalani and Pumpkin (though she arrived late) are in the lounge sipping no less than two cocktails and some other odds and ends. Just listen and enjoy the show. No blog post. No new cocktail. Its all for your years and we love you! We hope you “enjoyed” 2018 as much as we did ;)

Our annual holiday spectacular is one of our most popular episodes. Join the entire Zen Tiki Lounge podcast crew inside the lounge for hot buttered rum, listener mail, audio gift exchange and the inebriated conversation you’d expect.

It had only been a few days since recording our previous podcast. In order to get you another episode before the holidays jump on us we popped into the lounge for a quickie. Starshine, Sunshine and Kalani enjoy an easy to make drink that rings in the fall/winter season with the smoothness of cinnamon, vanilla and citrus. Mix Holiday Sunset and serve all season long.

Can you forgive us? We took 6 weeks off since the last podcast, mostly due to scheduling conflicts. But, Sunshine has also been under the weather. On this episode Sunshine and Kalani are in the lounge sipping on two of our newest cocktail. Click here for recipes and make Seven Stars or Shattered Pony to enhance your enjoyment of this podcast.

Aloooooooooooooooooooooha and Welcome to our much anticipated 400th podcast celebration recorded LIVE at The Reef Palm Springs @Caliente Tropics Palm Springs. Rory Snyder was gracious enough to allow us to host our very special celebration in his libation sanctuary The Reef. Fans, listeners and bar patrons joined us on a spicy hot Saturday to enjoy our top rated cocktail recipes along with meeting all four hosts of the ZTL podcast and a rousing game of “Whats In Kalani’s Bra?”

We made it! This is our last podcast before #400. Listen to this episode for details on our podcast celebration on 9/29/18 in Palm Springs @The Reef bar inside the historic Caliente Tropics hotel. Everyone is welcome to join us between 11am-3pm. Also, neighbor Vicki joins us in the bar and she does not hold back after having a cocktail. :)

just back from Las Vegas, Sunshine shares his experience of ordering mai tais from 6 different sin city casino bars just to see what would happen. Some bars were certainly better than others and those you may think would serve the better drink didn't necessarily do so.  Also on this episode are some quick updates on our upcoming 400th podcast celebration which will be held at The Reef Palm Springs @ The Caliente Tropics hotel. Be there September 29 from 11am to 3pm for signature ZTL cocktails, great food, LIVE podcast recording and you may be chosen to play Whats In Kalani's Bra!

Aloha and Welcome to the Zen Tiki Lounge. Join Sunshine and Pumpkin on this episode of the podcast. By request we are sipping a blended drink called the Headhunter. Also on this episode: a taste of Mulata de Cuba, new bar set up tips, barware suggestions for the beginner, a short list of easy to find rums that everyone should have, update on our 400th episode celebration coming 9/29/2018 in Palm Springs and lots more.  

Sunshine and Starshine are happy to cozy up in the Zen Tiki Lounge and enjoy our newest cocktail creation. Also discussed on this episode: A quick shout to everyone attending   Tiki Kon not in its 16th year, the blob attacks our childhood memories, planning a birthday trip to Las Vegas in tiki style, the trouble with keeping orchids and cheap LED flame bulbs made in China.

We like to please our listeners. A few requests rolled in recently to have another co host join us on the podcast.  Someone from the tiki community who is also fun behind the microphone.  Susan Nelson stepped up to the invite and joined Sunshine in the Zen Tiki Lounge for a fun hour of drinking and conversation.

This episode of ZTL is very special.  Pumpkin has blessed us with her "witty" form of conversation which is usually enjoyed in small doses such as this one hour podcast.  The show begins with a perfectly appropriate summer libation, the Sand Trap. After just one Sand Trap, Pumpkin becomes mentally stuck in her usual low brow rolling thought train that includes bedroom things she does not do, memories of being a mall rat and a strange rant about Yma Sumac running into a volcano. 

Place Holder: full blog notes in progress...please listen and enjoy for now.  Below: Sunshine Tiki takes you on a quick preview of room party hosted by Zen Tiki Lounge at Tiki Caliente 10 in Palm Springs, May 2018 Those of us who attend weekend long tiki parties often have a hard time explaining to others what we did for 3-5 days.  The best way is to show you. Below you see lots of fantastic cocktails from all those who hosted on the crawl this year at Tiki Caliente 10.  Room themes were outstanding as you can see. Pirates, mermaids, casino, Godzilla and Monkeys just to name a few.   WE LOVE TIKI BAR T SHIRT CLUB.  COMFY COTTON T'S FOR MEN AND WOMEN THAT ALWAYS FIT RIGHT.  A NEW TIKI BAR DESIGN EACH AND EVERY MONTH.  SUBSCRIBE AND GET THEM ALL DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR MAILBOX OR BUY JUST THE ONE YOU WANT.  WE WOULDN'T WEAR THEM IF WE DIDN'T LOVE THEM.  

On this episode Starshine, Sunshine and Kalani share their nerd for May the 4th otherwise known as May the 4th be with you. While sipping a nice tropical cocktail made with Stolen Smoked Rum. Exotica music in our dimly lit tiki bar. And much more. Full podcast recap coming soon, for now listen to the show.  Just hit play above or subscribe via iTunes,  Overcast FM or the RSS feed of your choice. 

At the top of this episode Sunshine Tiki begins sipping one of his favorite cocktails, the Tahitian Exotique (Below) and listening great exotica from Arthur Lyman.  The drink and music are a quick way to set the mood and imagine you are in your very own dimly lit tiki bar.  On this episode is an interview Rory Snyder from the Reef Palm Springs during the 1 year anniversary, listener mail, the spinning vinyl of Arthur Lyman: Aloha Amigo and select other exotica.  

Below left, Sunshine Tiki and Kalani enjoy Bitter Harbor in the Zen Tiki Lounge. Our newest tropical cocktail with fresh grapefruit and lemon juices along with several rums and bitters. We sported our green for St. Pattys day and sipped more than a few drinks.  On the right we cooked up a pulled pork style slider made with jackfruit in a tangy BBQ sauce.  This meat like alternative does have a slightly different texture than pulled pork, it is a little softer but not slimy or chewy.  Cooked up and on a Kings Hawaiian role this stuff from The Jackfruit Company is a great bar snack that your vegan and meat eating friends will like.   We have tried the BBQ, Tex Mex and Teriyaki versions of this tropical meat substitute.  BBQ and Tex Mex seem to be the best flavor and texture combinations.  Vegan deliciousness.   Join the entire crew from ZTL podcast at Tiki Caliente 10 this May.  Hard to believe this event has now been going for a decade.  The fun times and room parties may start to blend together in your inebriated mind.  So lets do it again.  Sunny and warm Palm Springs is begging you to visit and attend the hottest event this May.  Also, join our Tiki Caliente Room Crawl page on facebook so you get all the info about the 14 plus rooms and parties on the crawl.  And, there are still slots open (as of March 23) if you want to host.  to host you do need a room at the Caliente Tropics and a desire to make a cocktail for up to 100 people.  Amateurs and pros are welcome.   We LOVE Tiki Bar T Shirt Club.  Comfy cotton t's for men and women that always fit right.  A new tiki bar design each and every month.  Subscribe and get them all delivered right to your mailbox or buy just the one you want.  We wouldn't wear them if we didn't LOVE them.  

Its Oscar night and Sunshine wants nothing to do with it.  Who needs to see a bunch of entitled people get dressed up and ramble on about all the "amazing" things they have done?  Not us!  Thats a perfect time for a quick podcast with lite commentary and lots of exotica.  This show will best be enjoyed with a nice rum drink and a set of headphones.  Sip a Rumhattan in your dimly lit corner and enjoy 45 minutes of vintage exotica recorded from vinyl.