Ah, summer … the time of the year when you want to sip on refreshing cocktails that feature lots of fruit juices. The rum drinks of the Caribbean are a great start, but consider also the often-maligned category of “Tiki Drinks,” recipes that were inspired by, if not exactly invented in, the South Pacific.

That’s exactly what I do in my latest article for Primer Magazine, where I bring you some history, some suggestions, and seven delicious recipes for Tiki drinks. No sour mixes or over-sweetened nonsense here; all of these drinks use fresh fruit juices and delicious liquors in perfect combination. Check out the article and learn more about this overlooked category of cocktails!

Here’s an excerpt:

When I think of Tiki drinks, an image immediately forms in my mind: I see a gigantic banyan tree, its limbs stretched out in every direction, and around its trunk a dwelling built of massive, dark, wooden beams, with a thatched roof and little lamps hanging in its windows. Expatriates from many countries gather there, wearing suits of white linen and flower-print gowns, to sip exotic concoctions while staring out through the mosquito netting at the setting sun as it sinks into the crashing ocean. In the distance, drums pound out a powerful rhythm.

You can read the full article over at Primer.

My latest article has gone up over at Primer Magazine. It’s an extensive look at how to put together a really great home bar on a pretty limited budget. There are some awesome liquors out there at very reasonable prices, and I’ve done the (enjoyable) research necessary to provide recommendations on many of them. If you like making cocktails or just want to learn a bit more about liquor in general, it’s a pretty good place to start. Check it out!