We take a look at the revival of the Tiki Bar in Sydney. For those looking for a tropical or Polynesian theme, the Tiki style may be for you. The Tiki tumblers are a great way to serve a cocktail and look impressive. But first let’s explain what Tiki is.
What is Tiki?
Tiki in Polynesian folklore was the first human being, similar to Adam in Christian stories. In different places Tiki has different meanings, and slightly different stories around it. In its most general sense, Tiki means a depiction of a human figure in art.
History of the Tiki Bar
The first era of tiki began in 1934, the year after Prohibition was repealed, when a young man named Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt hatched the fine idea to open a small Los Angeles bar festooned with South Pacific masks and whatnot, much of which he’d collected during aimless wanderings abroad.
In addition he served up exotic drinks, mostly made of rum and fruit juices. He called it Don the Beachcomber’s, and consequently attracted a small army of in-the-know celebrities and journalists.
And the movement soon went viral. The Polynesian pop style with its elaborate drinks started cropping up in cities large and small.
The Tiki Resurgence
After Donald Trump’s attempted murder of the Tiki in the 80’s (true story look it up), the movement lay dormant rather like a sleeping giant in Polynesian mythology. But as with anything in fashion, what goes around comes around, and Tiki is back and better than ever. Modern Tiki bartenders have diligently studied the history of the tradition. They have sought to revive classic recipes and pay homage to the pioneers of the culture, while looking to put their own spin on it.
You can drink from Tiki tumblers in Sydney
Sydney has had its own Tiki resurgence, with a couple of our favourites putting two very different spins on the theme.
Cliff Dive – 16/18 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
A venue once described as the city’s “only under-the-sea-themed Papa New Guinean dancehall” captures that sense of Escapism and merriment that defined the original movement. Down the pineapple stairs you will find a hidden grotto, decorated with woven bamboo and fish hanging from the ceiling. Their cocktail menu is vibrant and the sunken dancefloor is the perfect place to forget you aren’t on holidays.
Jacoby’s Tiki Bar – 154 Enmore Rd, Enmore NSW 2042
Jacoby’s Tiki bar put’s a very Enmore spin on the Tiki bar. Decked to the nines in Caribbean and Pacific decoration, Jacoby’s shares the powerful cocktail menu and the sense of escapism that define the Tiki movement. Jacoby’s however, casts aside the tropical stereotype of sickly sweet and sugary drinks, with their dedication to balanced cocktails and their impressive natural wine list (which is sorted into the colours of the Tropical sunset)
Add Tiki tumblers to your glassware range
Summer is upon us, and unfortunately not all are fortunate enough to be able to leave Sydney. Luckily with these new ceramic Tiki tumblers, you can bring the holiday to Sydney.
Available in cartons of 12 and available in 4 colours, they are the perfect summer addition to your bar.
Check out the beautiful range of Tiki tumblers we supply.
If you would like to discuss getting Tiki please call your rep or contact us on (02) 9052 9111.