Sumatra Kula

Tiki Cocktail

Let’s talk about the Sumatra Kula—a gem of a tiki classic that deserves a spot on your radar.

A Sip of Island Bliss

First things first, what exactly is the Sumatra Kula? It’s perfect blend of rum, citrus, and tropical flavors, served in a tall, frosty glass that practically demands a little paper umbrella. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel the sand between your toes, even if you’re just sitting in your living room.

This cocktail dates back to the golden era of tiki culture, the brainchild of none other than Donn Beach—yes, the same tiki godfather who gave us the Zombie and the Mai Tai. The Sumatra Kula was one of his lesser-known creations, but don’t let that fool you—it’s got all the charm of its more famous tiki cousins.

The Sumatra Kula Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz light rum
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz orgeat syrup (that’s almond syrup for the uninitiated)
1/2 oz orange juice
1/2 oz pineapple juice
1/4 oz grenadine
Crushed ice
Mint sprig and fruit garnish

Instructions:

Shake It Up: Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with a handful of crushed ice. Shake it like you mean it—this drink is all about the frosty chill.
Pour & Serve: Strain into a tall glass filled with more crushed ice.
Garnish: Top with a sprig of mint and a slice of whatever tropical fruit you’ve got on hand. Bonus points if you can add a paper umbrella.
Sip & Escape: Take a sip, close your eyes, and let the flavors whisk you away to a sun-soaked island far, far away.

Fun Fact: The Tiki Renaissance

The Sumatra Kula is part of the great tiki renaissance that started in the 1930s which is still going strong today (depending on your drinking circles, of course). Tiki culture was all about escapism—bringing a taste of the South Pacific to post-Prohibition America. It was a way to forget the worries of the world, at least for a little while, by diving headfirst into a colorful, rum-soaked fantasy. And while tiki bars took a bit of a hiatus in the mid-20th century, they’re back in full force – as we could all use a little tiki-escapism these days – and so is the Sumatra Kula.

So next time you need to escape the day, whip up a Sumatra Kula. It’s the perfect way to bring a little slice of tiki paradise into your life—no matter where you are. Cheers to the tiki revival!