It took me a while, but I finally made it to TikiCat in Kansas City! I knew the place looked awesome from all the pictures I’ve seen online, but how are the drinks? In one word: Incredible! The tiki mixologist behind the bar during my visit was Tiki-D. She has serious drink making skills and I knew I needed to make her a Tiki VIP! Here is Tiki-D’s story …
What is the tiki scene like in Kansas City?
Tiki-D- As a bartender in Kansas City, I am witnessing a growth in Tiki inspired cocktails all over the metro area. You can find a Zombie in the crossroads area at Mission Taco, if you’re feeling something classic head towards the Pressed Penny Tavern and get a classic Daiquiri, or a Suffering Bastard at Dodson’s in Waldo, and Sot has many Tiki inspired cocktails as well, plus many more bars around town. For me, as a lover of all cocktails, especially tiki, it is great to see other bars getting inspired or adding tiki cocktails to their menus as well. Besides the cocktail tiki scene growing, we also have an amazing group of tiki enthusiasts in our community. There is actually, a group called MOKANtiki on Facebook with over 600 members and growing, sharing their interests about tiki culture, music, art, bars, you name it! They are probably the best regulars we have at TikiCat and truly the best people to talk to, and to learn from about Tiki.
What brought you into the “Tiki lifestyle” and how long has it been part of your life?
Tiki-D- The tiki bug didn’t bite me until I started working at TikiCat, when I made my first Zombie. I was curious as to why this cocktail had so many darn steps and if it even tasted good, and next thing you know I am a zombie lover myself! I started reading Smugglers Cove by Martin Cate, which got me inspired as a craft cocktail bartender, but the stories behind the cocktails and history of tiki makes you want to be part of something special that is Tiki Culture. Then I actually had the pleasure of going to Tiki Oasis Arizona, and got to meet Martin Cate; which I’m still star struck from and hopefully he reads this!
I also got to chat with Jeff (Beachbum) Berry, who I highly respect and got the chance to speak with him about some bartending guidelines that will stay with me forever. In September, I will celebrate two wonderful years being part of TikiCat and part of the tiki lifestyle, that is filled with the Ohana spirit all year long!
Can you give a little history of how you got into bartending?
Tiki-D- I started in the service Industry when I was 16, moving my way up from hosting, to serving and eventually bartending. I remember staring at the bar from the host stand and being mesmerized by the “bartender’s dance”. It lit a passion in me to get myself back there behind the bar. Eventually my hard work paid off, I turned 21 and went from being the host to lead bartender at a locally owned craft cocktail bar called District Pour House + Kitchen. It took years to get to the level that I am today, but starting at a craft cocktail bar, to now being a tiki bartender, I can say that I have had the pleasure to work around all types of cocktails and I’ve gained the confidence in my craft to make a variety of drinks, from a good Old Fashion to a Mai-Tai, the choice is yours.
Is there a difference between tiki drinks and craft cocktails?
Tiki-D- I do believe there are some differences but before we get to differences, there is something important to make note of. Tiki drinks and craft cocktails are pieces of art that take time to create, from making house made syrups, fresh juices, custom glassware and even the ice used. It all takes time, appreciation, and results in the delivery of a much more pleasing libation. To me, the obvious difference is the history of how tiki cocktails got started versus classic craft cocktails. Both have a rich history and it’s worth reading a book about, but the execution of tiki cocktails is something special. As a tiki bartender, and former craft cocktail bartender, I find that tiki cocktails have a distinguishing difference from their craft cocktail cousins, from the garnishes that help tell the story to the exotic tastes that transports you to another world.
Can you talk about your history with TikiCat?
Tiki-D- I started working at TikiCat five months after they opened, so almost 2 years ago. At the time, I was offered a job by our manager Mandi, I was lead bartender at District and decided to drop what I had going on, to move to a new type of bartending scene to grow my skills as a bartender. But I really didn’t know what impact the culture would have on me until I started. It is honestly the best decision I have made for my bartending career.
What is your favorite Tiki drink?
Tiki-D- That question is so hard because I have so many favorites, but I will say the Mai-Tai is probably my favorite. Trader Vic’s Mai-Tai, to be specific. Why, because it’s simply well balanced in flavor, bright in taste, and booze forward without scaring you. Simple and delicious, what else can you say?
What is your favorite Tiki drink to make?
Tiki-D- You probably won’t believe me but my favorite drink to make is also the Mai-Tai, the right number of steps if you’re in the weeds and it’s fun to create. I also like shaking the cocktails and the Mai-Tai is a shaken drink. Plus, the addition of the little island in your drink will help your worries seem just as little.
What is your favorite Tiki bar? Not including TikiCat!
Tiki-D- My other favorite Tiki bar is probably UnderTow in Phoenix, Arizona. I had the best experience there, from the cocktails, the staff, to the amazing decor and cocktails. It’s a very unique bar and I highly suggest going if you’re ever in the area.
What does the future hold for you?
Tiki-D- Hopefully delicious cocktails! But on a serious note, I hope to travel, and share my skills and knowledge as a well-rounded bartender. I have many things in mind to get me there, it is just doing it, and hopefully soon, because you’re only in your 20’s once!
Anything else you would like to add?
Tiki-D- Thank you Mark Sellers for making TikiCat my second home away from home!
Here is TikiCat’s website
Check out this review of TikiCat from Dieter Weber
You can follow Tiki-D’s adventures on Instagram
And also follow TikiCat KC on Instagram