This tiki classic is neither Polynesian, nor is it a daiquiri – it does at least have guava in it! It hails from the menu at the long-since-demolished Kelbo’s on Fairfax in Los Angeles, a legendary hang among tiki aficionados. The recipe was dug up from bartender Hank Riddle’s personal notes by none other than Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, in his book Sippin’ Safari.
Kelbos’ menu featured several tiki-styled drinks with gin as a base in place of rum, and this drink is among the best of those. It’s fruity, but dry, and comes off with a restrained, sophisticated vibe not normally found in drinks of the style.
