Chi Chi Drink

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

With familiar Polynesian flair and welcoming tropical flavors, the vodka-based Chi Chi cocktail is for those beach days when you’re a long way from the beach.

For the middle of winter, we’re having some lovely sunny and warm days here in Los Angeles. This morning, for instance, is perfect. The light coming in through the windows is bright and cheery. The sky’s a marble blue, peppered here and there with little fluffy clouds. Walking around the neighborhood before sitting down to get some work done made one feel invigorated. Saying hi to the neighbors and petting the local dogs always puts a big smile on my face. Should be a good day.

Sitting down at my computer, I can hear the kids at the school around the corner, running around and laughing. Their gym teacher has some music playing for them, Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. The neighbor’s dog, Bert, is hanging out with me and napping, while our cat, Mr. Darcy, watches SpongeBob. These are the kind of mornings that I live for. Something to do, relaxed, and with nothing to complain about it. I eventually throw on Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii album, adding more laid-back and soothing vibes to the day.

It may only be a little past breakfast, but my mind has jumped ahead to this afternoon, when the cocktail hour arrives. The warm breeze from outside, and Presley’s sumptuous voice intoning about the islands has put me in the mood for something a little tropical. Should I walk around the block later and hit the world-famous Tiki-Ti for one of their potent Polynesian potions? Or perhaps I’ll craft something at home and keep the SpongeBob marathon going. Mr. Darcy did inform me that Squidward’s Tiki Land episode is coming up…

Tonight’s cocktail recipe sounded like the perfect tipple to end such a glorious day. The Chi Chi is a simple and delicious concoction, with cream of coconut and pineapple juice swirling around in a frothy and smooth whirlpool of vodka. Not too dissimilar from a Piña Colada, this invention from tiki legend Donn Beach, of Don The Beachcomber fame, is easy to make and disappears pretty quickly.

By the time Squidward was gently sailing through the aforementioned Tiki Land, sipping on his own libation, I was already on my second Chi Chi. I know that this perfect day will eventually give way to tomorrow, but for right now, I hope it lasts forever.

What Is The Best Vodka To Use In A Chi Chi Drink?

I tend to use an unflavored vodka when making a cocktail that calls for the spirit. Chopin, Belvedere and Potocki are among my favorites. Vodka is a great base, and will amplify the other flavors while taking on some of their qualities, resulting in a beautifully balanced tipple. If you’re looking for more coconut flavor, a number of vodka brands produce tropical-infused varieties.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Chill a hurricane glass in the freezer for around 15 to 30 minutes before you’re ready to make your Chi Chi. Once poured in, garnish the rim with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry on top.

WHAT IS COCO LÓPEZ?

Coco López is a well-known and reliable brand of coconut cream that is used in many cocktails, tiki drinks and desserts. Whenever I make myself any beverage that calls for cream of coconut, I always go with Coco López.

Similar Cocktails To The Chi Chi

Those days that arrive with a good attitude and even better news are always welcome, and oftentimes, they’re few and far between. We’ve all had those times where everything is feeling right, your work got done early, and it’s now time to treat yourself to a midday cocktail. A little vacation of the mind, so to speak, to reward yourself for just feeling great. And why not? The creamy coconut flavors of the Chi Chi put you in a mood for more island vibes, so here’s just a taste of some of the delicious recipes we have here that you might enjoy.

• Dirty Monkey – Rum, bananas and coconut cream help make this resort favorite a popular one.
• Coconut Margarita – Make your next ‘Rita a creamy one by adding a little something extra.
• Coconut Mojito – Smooth and minty, the creamy coconut inclusion makes this classic even better.
• Spiced Coconut Rum Shakes – Grownups love milkshakes too, especially when they’re flavored with rum and coconut sorbet.