The Journey Began

It started with a single Mai Tai at a proper tiki bar. Not the neon-sweet thing served at chain restaurants, but an authentic recipe—complex, balanced, and utterly delicious. That drink sent me down a rabbit hole of cocktail history, rum exploration, and late nights perfecting recipes.

I discovered that tiki drinks weren't just fruity party beverages. They were sophisticated craft cocktails disguised in fun glassware. The original creators—Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic—were pioneers who treated cocktails with the same seriousness as fine cuisine.

The Philosophy

This blog exists to share that discovery with others. To show that rum is as complex and varied as whiskey. To demonstrate that tiki culture, while fun and escapist, has depth and history worth exploring. To prove that you don't need a fully-stocked commercial bar to make exceptional drinks at home.

I believe in:

• Historical accuracy – Understanding the original recipes and intentions
• Quality ingredients – Fresh citrus, real syrups, proper spirits
• Accessible excellence – Making great drinks without requiring rare or expensive ingredients
• Honest reviews – Telling you what's worth buying and what's not
• Sustainable enjoyment – Appreciating cocktails responsibly

What You'll Find Here

Blog Posts explore cocktail history, techniques, and the culture surrounding tiki and nautical drinking traditions. From the origins of navy strength rum to building your home bar, these articles dig deeper into the stories behind the drinks.

Recipes focus on classic and classic-adjacent cocktails. You won't find invented drinks here—instead, I share the authentic recipes that have stood the test of time, along with the techniques to execute them properly.

Reviews cover rums and other spirits essential to tiki and tropical cocktails. I taste everything neat, in simple cocktails, and in classic recipes to give you a complete picture of how a spirit performs.

The Name

"Liquor Me Timbers" is admittedly a terrible pun, but it captures the spirit of this endeavor—taking cocktails seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. Tiki culture has always embraced the absurd alongside the sophisticated, and that balance defines this site.

Get In Touch

Have a question about a recipe? Want to suggest a rum for review? Curious about a piece of cocktail history? I'd love to hear from you.