Aku Aku Tiki Bar: Terrific Tiki Fun in Downtown Orlando!
Who doesn’t love a fruity, tropical tiki drink? When you’re looking for the best specialty cocktails in downtown Orlando, your first stop is the Aku Aku Tiki Bar.
This classic Orlando tiki bar pays tribute to one of the greatest eras in tiki culture: the 1960s. From the delicious drinks to the enticing ambiance, you can’t go wrong here.
Enjoy the Aku Aku Atmosphere
The name Aku Aku has been translated as “devil,” “ghost,” or “spirit,” and is tied to the mysteries of Easter Island.1 While Aku Aku’s origins might sound dark and mysterious, we can assure you Aku Aku Tiki Bar is bright and fun. (More like Aku Aku the spirit guide from the Crash Bandicoot games, LOL!)
The first thing you’ll notice when you step into Aku Aku is the beautiful tropical-inspired décor. The walls are aglow with multi-colored twinkle lights, and two giant Moai statues are there to greet you as you enter paradise.
With a lively and eclectic atmosphere, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve been whisked away to a sugar-sand beach with a cabana made of bamboo and thatch. It’s the perfect place to put your phone on silent, kick up your feet, and spark up a conversation with a stranger while soaking up Aku Aku’s unique personality.
A Menu Fit For A Moai
While the atmosphere at Aku Aku is undeniably fun, the drinks are the real heart of this Orlando tiki bar.
Aku Aku’s classic drink menu features meticulously-made tropical cocktails, from the classics to exclusive flavors. At Aku Aku, they know one of the most important ingredients for a tropical escape is a great drink in a great setting. They take pride in providing both to each and every visitor.
You can’t get any more tiki than a classic mai tai. This iconic drink was first created in San Francisco in 1944 and remains one of the most well-known tiki drinks of all time. Featuring white and dark rum, orange, fresh lime, and orgeat, you’ll be smiling in no time. Their menu also features other classics like the Hurricane, the Zombie, and the ever-delicious daiquiri.
But if you’re looking for something a little different, that’s where Aku Aku truly shines. Their signature drinks menu is full of fun twists on island favorites, serving up a perfect blend of the unexpected. Try the Purple Punch, featuring rum, guava, lime, and Falernum. Just be careful – they’re strong!
You can also try the Aku Aku Signature Drink, which combines pineapple, mango, and mint for a sweet-yet-refreshing finish. Another excellent choice is the Coconut Cocktail: spiced rum, coconut cream, and pineapple, all rounded out with bitters makes an unforgettable cocktail that’s fresh, smooth, and sweet.
Additionally, Aku Aku also offers plenty of beer options for those looking to cut the sweetness with something dark and classic.
Now, if you want the tiki-est tiki experience (and who doesn’t?) – order the Volcano Bowl. It comes in your choice of 32 ounces or 48 ounces and incorporates 6 different rums and tropical fruit juices. And since it comes in such a huge size, it’s the perfect drink to share with friends!
Pro Tip: Order the “Tiger F*cker” Secret Signature Cocktail
Apologies for the language…but we still wanted you to know about this one-of-a-kind cocktail because it really is tasty! In fact, it’s one of Aku Aku’s best.
But you won’t find this top-tier tiki cocktail on their menu; it’s a secret among fans, locals, and loyal clientele. Despite not showing up anywhere in writing, it’s gained a huge cult following – partly because of its origin story and partly because it’s just delicious.
Legend says the bartender created the drink after clientele kept asking for a cocktail that didn’t have any rum in it. He then named the drink in honor of a specific customer who spent an evening climbing on the adjacent Stardust Lounge’s large decorative brass tiger. (Oh, dear!)
You might blush a bit while ordering it, but this blackberry and jalapeno concoction is sure to make it worth the embarrassment.
Terrific Tiki Merch
If you loved your time at Aku Aku, make sure to take a look at their merch section on your way out! Grab a t-shirt or sticker pack to remember your evening out, or even better, grab a souvenir mug – some are even signed by the designer! It’s the perfect way to bring a bit of island paradise back home.
Tiki Time Can Be Anytime
Sure, Aku Aku makes great cocktails. But they also produce Krafty Cocktails, a series of video tutorials to guide you through making some classic drinks right at home.
If you want to learn what tiki drinks are all about or expand your home bartending skills, this is the perfect place to start! Their videos include tutorials on how to make the classic Fu Man Chu, daiquiri, margarita, Manhattan, cosmopolitan, old-fashioned, and Zombie.
It just goes to show that Aku Aku’s dedication to great cocktails goes beyond just serving them up at their own tiki bar. They want their customers to be able to enjoy great drinks anytime, anywhere!
Before You Leave, Stop By the Stardust Lounge
Nestled in an underground location in the same building as Aku Aku, you’ll find their sister spot, a hidden Orlando throwback called the Stardust Lounge.
This hidden gem is decked out in retro-chic Vegas furnishings and décor like red leather booths and chrome lamps. The ambiance will whisk you back in time to the ‘60s and ‘70s.
No matter when you stop by, the Stardust Lounge always has some kind of special event going on. They host dirty bingo on Tuesdays, a DJ livens up the tunes every Friday, and every Saturday the lounge turns into a dance floor, featuring ‘80s tunes, old-school hip hop, and dance music that you can groove to. It’s the perfect place to stop by after you’ve had a few tiki drinks!
Just don’t crawl on the tiger, okay?
What’s your favorite tropical cocktail? Have you tried making it at home? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image
Photo: Pixabay
Recommended Gear for this Adventure
Disclaimer: We earn a commission if you click any of the links above and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
