#22: Ciro's Special

This week starts with another sipping drink, the Ciro's Special.  Created in the 1940s at Ciro's nightclub in Hollywood, this one is really tasty; one of the few sweet sip-drinks I've done on the Log so far.  Grand Marnier and Jamaican Rum make up the base flavor, with lime juice and Creme de Cassis mixed in as well. 

• 1 oz fresh lime
• 3/4 oz Creme de Cassis
• 1/4 oz Grand Marnier
• 1 1/2 oz Jamaican Rum

I'd put this one towards the top of the list for easy sips, the Grand Marnier makes it an easy one to take down, without it being just a glass of syrup.  Also, Yelp apparently thinks I am an alcoholic now:

#21: Port Light

Wrapping up this week at the Hut is the Port Light.  This is easily one of the best drinks I've had on the list, sort of like a bourbon slushie.  It consists of nectar, honey and lemon juice, mixed with bourbon and then blended into a frozen concoction.  This would make an awesome poolside refresher for a summer day.  Must remember this one for future visits.  Until next time!

#20: Noa Noa

Continuing the journey, next stop was the Noa Noa.  Coincidentally, similar in ingredients to the Suffering Bastard, but with some important changes.  The key ingredient that gives this drink its distinction is brown sugar.  Mixed with rum, bitters, lime and mint, it makes for a very powerful tangy drink with a sweet aftertaste.

#19: Suffering Bastard

Kicking off this weeks visit to the Hut, is one I've been anticipating: The Suffering Bastard.  The flavor and recipe of this popular drink is often disputed, some folks claiming that it should be orange-based (orange curacao & orange juice with orange slice).  However, as with most of these recipes, I bow to Jeff Berry's cataloged Grog Log version, which is identified by ginger beer (or Ginger Ale), and the mint sprig, as pictured above.  This drink is a mixture of Gin, Brandy, bitters, ginger ale, and mint, which comes together to make a tangy flavor with a strong aroma that will remind you of a Mojito.

My original Grog Log companion, Mike McKee, came down to join me this week, tackling a few new drinks himself, including Lisa-Marie's Hawaiian Highball (pictured below), and intimidatingly-named named: Black Strap Slap.

#18: Kapu-Kai

Finishing this week of Hut visits is the Kapu-Kai, another sipping drink in a rather large goblet.  This concoction is a sweetened rum sip, with a dash of citrus, as it contains straight rum, lime and syrup.  Like the Loni Honi, this would make a good late-summer backyard pool drink.  Somethin' to sip and chat with.  Speaking of chat with, this week two South Park colleagues of mine, Neil Ishimine, and Jason "J-Lo" Lopez, made it out to visit the Hut and catch up!  They had the ever-popular Blue Hawaiian, Honi-Honi, Rhumboogie, and Coconut BayBreeze.

#17: Blue Reef

Next in line is a popular tiki cocktail, the Blue Reef.  Known for its electric blue appearance, as demonstrated in the photo below, the Blue Reef is an inviting summer beach cocktail.  Take heed, however, the secret ingredient in this concoction is Galliano, which gives the drink an extremely strong flavor of black licorice.  Even the lime and Curacao are silenced by the overwhelming flavor of Galliano, so be prepared.

This was the end of the drinking experience for me, with my friends Mike, Meg and Catherine, but fortunately they were able to grab several drinks before heading out.  Between the two of them, they took down the popular whiskey drink, the Honi-Honi, the Voodoo Juice, and possibly the best drink on their menu, the Blue Hawaiian.

#16: Tortuga

The Tortuga is a drink that came highly recommended from many Drooling Bastards, and it lived up to its reputation.  This monster has everything:  Bacardi, Sweet Vermouth, White Creme de Cacao, 151, Lemon, Lime, Orange, etc.  Just watching Ian the Bartender mix it all was a hilarious experience in itself.  This one sneaks up more than any drink I've ever had.  The multiple juice flavors give it a fruity cover, while the 151 and other booze gives it a strong punch.  This is probably one of my favorite drinks on the log, as well as a fan favorite among other Loggers, but certainly not a good idea to try driving home after.  My good childhood friend Mike Carney made it out for this visit, visiting from Missouri, with his wife Megan, and our mutual friend Catherine.  Very glad I got to introduce some out-of-state visitors to the oldest Tiki Bar in L.A!