Story by tiki fanatics Nancy Nichols and Catherine Downes. From the July issue of D Magazine.
Since the 1960s, Dallas has been smitten with South Pacific-themed glassware garnished with plastic mermaids. Ports O’Call opened in 1960 on the 37th floor of what is now the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, offering “pleasurable potions” such as Singapore Slings and Walking Deads. Trader Vic’s arrived on the scene in 1967 with a drink menu that included Mai Tais, Scorpions, and the flaming Black Stripe. It closed in 1989, reopening briefly in 2007 as part of the Hotel Palomar (now The Highland Dallas). But tiki drinks in Dallas never truly died. So put on your best Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirt and pull up a bamboo bar stool. It’s tiki time in Dallas. Again.
On July 17, Parliament owner Eddie “Lucky” Campbell will host a mixology class, tracing the tiki evolution from officers’ club cocktails to global flavor trends ($90). 2418 Allen St. 469-804-4321.
The Flaming Volcano, a boozy mix of rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine, is served in a volcano-shaped bowl with a flaming crater. 4848 Belt Line Rd. 972-392-9998.
Sweet and syrupy cocktails include The Scorpion, a saccharine mix of rum, brandy, orange juice, and orgeat. 4002 Belt Line Rd., Ste. 200, Addison, 972-991-6867.
Every Tuesday is tiki night. Order the Seacoast Defense, a modern mix of navy-strength Jamaica rum, Amaro Lucano, lime, honey, and coconut. 333 W. Jefferson Blvd. 972-863-1594.
This Seattle-themed seafood restaurant features playful tiki refreshments like the Trader Nic, a fruity mix of añejo rum, blue curaçao, absinthe, and a dash of bitters. 8220 Westchester Dr. 214-739-8220.
