Tiki culture in Las Vegas nearly vanished before it even took off, experiencing a resurrection in more recent years.
The Aku Aku, a chic stand-alone Polynesian restaurant at the Stardust, opened with much anticipation on January 29, 1960.
However, just three nights later, a fire, fueled by 18 mph winds, tore through the upper sections of the A-frame structure while guests were calmly evacuating.
Despite this daunting start, the venue reopened six weeks later, embarking on a successful 20-year journey.
Donn Beach, known as the godfather of tiki, played a vital role in steering the aesthetic of Aku Aku.
He later expanded his influence by launching an offshoot of his famed Don the Beachcomber at the Sahara in December 1962, solidifying the connection between Las Vegas and the allure of the islands.
Today, several establishments continue to uphold the vibrant tiki tradition in Las Vegas, each offering unique and imaginative cocktails.
One of the pioneers of the modern tiki revival is Frankie’s Tiki Room, which was opened in 2008 by owner P Moss.
His drink, the Demon Rhumba, has gained a reputation for its electrifying taste.
Described as a “high-voltage orange jolt that will exorcise your demons,” the concoction consists of Bacardi Orange Rum, Hana Bay 151 proof rum, Cointreau, Fanta orange soda, orange bitters, and lime juice, beautifully garnished with mint leaves.
Priced at $14, the Demon Rhumba can be enjoyed at Frankie’s Tiki Room, located at 1712 W. Charleston Blvd.
The Golden Tiki, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has lined up a series of exciting performances from August 20 to August 26.
Festivities will conclude with cake, burlesque shows, and the creation of the world’s largest zombie drink.
As part of the celebration, they introduce The Golden Tiki cocktail, an exquisite blend featuring Rhum JM Golden tiki barrel pick, El Dorado 12-Year-Old, Bitter Truth Golden Falernum, along with POG, pineapple, and lime.
This special drink is available for $25 or $100 when paired with a limited-edition anniversary mug and a commemorative 10-year anniversary coin.
Todo Bien takes a unique approach to tiki drinks with a Mexican twist.
Their Solar Flare cocktail is crafted with stone fruit-infused Astral Tequila Blanco and Mezcal Union, complemented by Velvet Falernum, macadamia nut orgeat, and passion fruit.
This drink is versatile, offered in three sizes: a single cocktail for $17, a medium drink for $42 that serves two to three, or an extravagant monster drink for $136 serving 10 to 12 people.
Over at Golden Monkey Tiki Lounge, the Feelin’ Coconutty cocktail reflects its mythology involving lush forests and sea creatures.
This drink is a delightful combination of Captain Morgan, Banks 5 Island Rum, Kalani coconut liqueur, ube-coconut syrup, pineapple, and lime, priced at $18.
Finally, Glitter Gulch Tiki embraces tiki’s foundational roots by hiring designer Bamboo Ben to create a true tiki atmosphere.
Among their offerings is a mai tai reimagined as Mai Hands Tai’d, featuring layers of agricole rhum, Tanduay Rum Gold, and a lilikoi passion fruit foam, all for $18.
Las Vegas continues to celebrate tiki culture through these establishments, ensuring that the legacy of escapism and tropical enjoyment thrives in the desert.
image source from：neon
