https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/food/2015-07-31/get-ready-for-texas-tiki-week/

Get Ready for Texas Tiki Week

By Brandon Watson, July 31, 2015, 4:00pm, On the Range

Listen, I’m not your father. Far be it for me to tell you how to live your life. But I will say you will be a terrible, awful, despicable no-goodnik if you don’t go to one of the Texas Tiki Week events next week. Remember Natalie Sands, the spoiled rotten villain of Girls Just Want to Have Fun? You’ll be her without the cool leotards.

The annual celebration of all things tropical and boozy was started in 2012 by the Austin chapter of the United States Bartenders’ Guild as a fundraiser, educational opportunity, and an excuse to drink some really great cocktails. Now in its fourth year, the event attracts tikirati from across the nation. Some events are only open to professionals, but there is still plenty of fun for the, err, lei-man.

Below is our ongoing list of happenings:

Tiki Week Preview
Drink.Well, 207 E. 53rd
Sunday, Aug. 2, 6-10pm

We are not sure if Lionel Ritchie's classic 1983 single "All Night Long" was the inspiration behind this event, but we do know that we will be at this fiesta forever. $6-8 tiki cocktails are on the menu and guest bartender Derek Blomfeld (Tiki Tolteca in New Orleans) will be behind the stick.

Dallas’ Mate Hartai and the Tipsy Texan David Alan Happy Hour Takeover
The Jackalope, 404 E. Sixth
Monday, Aug. 3, 3-5pm

The Remedy bartender with the righteous beard meets our very own arbiter of all things high octane. We don't think it is a hostile takeover, but you better do what they say anyway.

Official Texas Tiki Week Kickoff Party
Isla, 208 W. Fourth
Monday, Aug. 3, 7-11pm

Tropical the island breeze, this is where we want to be. See if you remember the rest of the lyrics after one of Isla's stout drinks. The organizers suggest a $10 donation for non-USBG members. We suggest finding a designated driver.

BG Reynolds Tropical Syrups Class
Isla, 208 W. Fourth
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2:30-4pm

Portland's Jabriel Donohue teaches you to take the bitter(s) with the sweet. Free tickets for members, limited amount of nonmember tickets available for $10 here.

Mai Tai Tuesday Austin USBG Bus Tour
Originally this event was only open to USBG members, but inside intel tells us that a few limited seats will soon be open to the general public. Stops include Isla, Weather Up, The Tigress, and Drink.Well. Tickets here.

Mai Tai Tuesday
Tuesday, Aug. 4

The Tigress, King Bee, Half Step, Isla, Weather Up and Drink.Well will all have takes on the classic drink.

Schooners and Crooners: A Tiki-oke Social
King Bee Lounge, 1906 East 12th
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 10pm-1am

What better way to recruit new USBG members than with a rousing rendition of "We Didn't Start the Fire"? $10 suggested donation for nonmembers.

Lost Lake Happy Hour Pop-Up
Hotel San José, 1316 S. Congress
Wednesday-Thursday, Aug. 5-6, 3-6pm

Legend has it that the lake was originally lost in a game of "Have You Ever" played by Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and an ebullient Alice B. Toklas. Now Erin Hayes and Paul McGhee from Chicago's famous tiki bar have become legends of their own.

Alamo Drafthouse “Cocktails & Cinema” Presents Beach Blanket Bingo
Alamo Drafthouse, 1120 S. Lamar
Thursday, Aug. 6, 7pm

The Drafthouse’s Bill Norris has created a menu that pairs perfectly with Frankie and Annette’s sandy shenanigans. Moviegoers receive a complimentary armadillo tiki mug to fill with piña coladas or Muscle Milk later. We won't judge. Tickets available here.

“Hollywood Havana” and the Secret Mix
The Roosevelt Room, 307 W. Fifth
Friday, Aug. 7, 9pm

The Jigglewatts Burlesque Revue pour on the glamour, and guest bartender, Mindy Kucan (Hale Pele in Portland) pours Caña Brava Rum and Giffard liqueurs. The night’s featured libations were designed for the 86 Company "Secret Mix" competition and the winner will be revealed during the show. 

General public and at the door tickets are $25.  $15 tickets for Current members of the USBG can purchase $15 tickets in advance.   Available here.

Bar Congress Tiki Menu
200 Congress
Through Aug. 31

If you can't wait for the official Tiki Week, Bar Congress will wet your whistle. Jason Stevens has concocted new takes on tiki classics including the Drift Away with honey, falernum, hibiscus, ginger, and a whole lot of rum.