The History of Tiki Culture

Tiki culture as we know it was born in 1930s California, a Depression-era fantasy that offered escape from hard times. Two men would shape this world: Donn Beach and Trader Vic.

Don the Beachcomber

Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, who renamed himself Donn Beach, opened his first bar in Hollywood in 1933. It was called Don’s Beachcomber, and it was unlike anything America had seen. Tropical decor, complex rum drinks, and an atmosphere of exotic escapism. His drinks were elaborate, often featuring a dozen ingredients, and the recipes were closely guarded secrets.

Enter Trader Vic

Victor Bergeron opened his first bar in Oakland in 1934. Initially focused on Caribbean themes, he eventually embraced the full tiki aesthetic. Trader Vic was more accessible than Don the Beachcomber, and his drinks became the standard. The Mai Tai, invented by Vic in 1944, would become the most famous tiki drink in history.

The Golden Age and Beyond

Tiki culture exploded in the 1950s and 60s. Every city had tiki bars. Restaurants featured flaming pupu platters. But by the 1970s, it had largely faded, seen as kitschy and outdated. The craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s brought tiki back, but this time with respect for the complexity and artistry of the original drinks.