Updated May 1, 2026 · 1 min read
A long list of homemade and occasionally obscure ingredients can be found in tiki and tropical cocktails, such as Don's Gardenia Mix, falernum (a Caribbean liqueur made from ginger.
Donn Beach was a true pioneer of Tiki culture, opening his iconic bar in Los Angeles during the 1930s and creating many classic cocktails, including the famous Zombie. He also developed unique syrups and mixers, like his Gardenia Mix, to elevate his drinks.
The resurgence of interest in Don’s Gardenia Mix is thanks in part to Tiki expert Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, who revived it along with the Pearl Diver cocktail in 2006.
How to Make Don’s Gardenia MixThis mix is easy to whip up and can be used in cocktails or as a flavorful addition to other dishes.
IngredientsTry it in a Pearl Diver cocktail or experiment with other creative uses to enjoy its rich flavor and creamy texture!