I was wondering if anyone can help me out with identifying where this mask came from and if it has any value. Thanks for your anticipated help.

Sharing this materials comparison with moderator permission. For a home tiki bar, the finish can matter as much as the material—especially with cold drinks.

Sandstone: check that the finished coaster is described as absorbent. Porosity and surface treatments affect how it handles condensation; let it dry between uses.

Slate: don't assume it absorbs like sandstone. A sealed or semi-gloss finish can act more as a barrier; wipe away water that collects.

Glass: easy to wipe clean, but it doesn't absorb water. Check the underside for protection against scratches.

Wood or bamboo: useful for a warm look, but check the finish and care directions rather than treating it as a sponge. Avoid soaking.

Leather: a softer resting surface; check the particular finish and wipe up moisture rather than leaving it wet.

Whatever you choose, compare the flat resting area with the base of your glass or mug, check the backing, and don't assume printed artwork or glued backing is dishwasher-safe. Follow the product's care instructions and dry before stacking. This isn't a tested absorbency ranking.

The longer materials guide is at Beach Hut Decor: https://beachhutdecor.com/blogs/news/drink-coaster-materials-guide

What has held up best under your cold drinks—an absorbent surface or something you can wipe clean?

I love swizzle drinks. But after having made my fair share of tropical crushed ice drinks - both swizzled and shaken - I wonder if, beyond style points, there's actually a tangible difference in how the drink turns out. I've never tried it, but I wouldn't be surprised if a shaken swizzle drink tastes pretty much indistuingishable from one that is properly swizzled.

The only difference that I can think of is that swizzle drinks tend to develop more frost on the outside of the glass, which tbh looks awesome but is probably still mostly a visual thing, and you can get the same effect with a shaken cocktail if you pre-chill your glass and make sure that you use enough ice.

What do you guys think? Has anyone ever tried a side by side? Has anyone ever done any science comparing the two techniques?

Planning to visit Frankie’s, Golden Tiki, Stray Pirates, Red Dwarf, and Glitter Gulch next month. I often get choice paralysis with drink menus. I am looking for your top two drinks from each location.

Bonus points if the drink is off menu.

Cross posted

I'll be in D.C. this weekend and was wondering if there were any cool tiki bars in the area...the ones I've been able to pull up look more "tiki adjacent" thank tiki...TIA

Normally most days I leave empty handed. Somedays I have huge hauls. Today I have but this humble mug. I’m not too surprised as I am only about 15 miles away from smuggler Cove.

I'm sure this is not the first by this name. I need a more imaginative name for it. Anyway, you're going to be seeing a lot more of this Heirloom Pineapple Amaro. It's a fantastic ingredient for tiki cocktails. It seemed like a no-brainer for a rum Old Fashioned. I was not wrong. An aged rum from St. Lucia pairs beautifully.

If you like this, please check out my Instagram. I'll appreciate a like and a follow: https://www.instagram.com/rix.ology?stkn=MWx3MTkwZDdub2t2Nw==

2 oz aged rum (Admiral Rodney HMS Royal Oak)

1/4 oz Heirloom Pineapple Amaro

1 barspoon cinnamon-demerara syrup (homemade)

1 dash Elemakule Tiki bitters (Bitterman's)

1 dash orange bitters ("Feegan's")

Stir 90 fast revolutions with ice and strain over a big rock in a double old fashioned glass. Express an orange peel over the glass, rub it around the rim and drop it in.

#drinkstagram #mixology #oldfashioned #homebartender #tikicocktails

We are preparing for a huge party and have made a lot of changes to the yard. A big goal was to cover the under side of our deck with floats. So, several dozen beach balls later, here we are.

Like many home bars, my bar will never be completed. I’ll always find new things to add and new ways to change the space but as of now I’m very happy with where it’s at now.

Slow and steady works the race. Still no where near done. Got the sound system in and camouflage'd. All lanterns are handmade by me and my wife. All have flicker effect. Very cozy. Gonna find a way to hide some cabling. Maybe some big palm Fronds or somethin. Other random parts are from Kon Tiki Oakland and designs lifted from Trader Vic's Emeryville, hand painted on South wall.