1. Mixology

Name given to the art of crafting alcoholic beverages, particularly tropical drinks.

Many Tiki aficionados consider the act of creating a tropical drink such as a Mai Tai, Scorpion, or Zombie to be more art than work. As such, mixology is considered to be a craft that is learned over many years.

In the early days of Tiki, master bartenders established themselves in many restaurants and bars, such as Trader Vics. They would hone their mixology skills and perfect their wide assortment of tropical drinks. Often, these drink masters would have a protege who would learn the art as well as create their own unique touches, who would subsequently move on to another establishment, thus disseminating the art of mixology.

As Tiki establishments went into decline, the bars and restaurants lost the experience and mastery of the executive bartenders. As such, the craftsmanship that went into tropical drinks became lost. Bartenders, unfamiliar with the intricacies of mixology, would create sugary, syrupy drinks that were a shadow of their forerunners.

With the advent of Jimmy Buffet and the South-of-the-Border craze in the 1970s, mixology became increasingly plebian. Anybody was able to whip up a pitcher of Margaritas, and the ingredients became increasingly simple. The notion of carefully crafting each individual drink with top shelf alcohol fell by the wayside in many locations.

However, a handful of Tiki establishments managed to nurture their mixology craft. Tiki Ti, and other places maintained their high standards of drink craftsmanship. Also, the art of mixology has been kept alive in numerous home Tiki bars. Although these bars do not have the visibility of commercial establishments, the bar owners often study and experiment to perfect their own recipes.

It is unknown where mixology will go in the Neo-Tiki craze. Many bars, catering to the Rock and Roll generation, may find it more convenient to provide beer and tropical drinks made from bottled mixes and Bacardi. Time will only tell if mixology will go through a Silver Age to compliment the Golden Age of mixology in the 1950s and 1960s.


Updated October 31, 2004