The Lauwiliwilinukunuku’oi’oi
A Tiki Classic with a Name You’ll Never Spell Twice
If you just copy-pasted that title — don’t worry, we would have too.
Meet the Lauwiliwilinukunuku’oi’oi, a drink with a name as wild as its flavor. Originally created by legendary bartender Marcovaldo Dionysos, this Tiki cocktail is as fun to sip as it is to say (eventually).
A Fish, a Book, and a Whole Lot of Rum Wisdom
We discovered this gem in the absolute bible of tropical mixology: Smuggler’s Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki by Martin and Rebecca Cate. If you’ve never read it, grab a copy — it’s packed with rum wisdom, recipes, and enough Tiki lore to make you want to build your own bamboo bar.
The Lauwiliwilinukunuku’oi’oi (yes, we’re copying and pasting now too) is named after a colorful Hawaiian fish — known for its vibrant pattern and impressively long name. Much like the drink, it’s a showstopper.
This cocktail is tropical, balanced, and surprisingly easy to make once you’ve gotten past the pronunciation. Don’t let the number of syllables scare you — the flavors are bright, smooth, and deeply satisfying.
And here’s a fun twist:
Swap out the rum for gin, and you’ve got yourself the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a — another Tiki cocktail with a fishy name and a cult following. (And yes, that’s the actual name of the Hawaiian state fish.)
Why We Love This Drink
Besides the tongue twister of a name? It’s a masterclass in balance. Tart lemon and juicy pineapple meet the creamy almond notes of orgeat, rounded out by smooth, aged rum and a couple of dashes of Peychaud’s for depth and color. It’s tropical, yes — but not too sweet, not too boozy, and not too complicated.
It’s everything a great Tiki drink should be: layered, lively, and just a little bit over-the-top.
🍍 Lauwiliwilinukunuku’oi’oi 🍍
Ingredients
- 22.5 ml Lemon Juice
- 22.5 ml Pineapple Juice
- 15 ml Orgeat
- 60 ml Blended Aged Rum
- 2 Dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters
- Garnish: Maraschino Cherry and Pineapple Leaves
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker.
- Add crushed ice.
- Shake.
- Pour everything (dirty pour) in a double rocks glass.
- Garnish with Maraschino cherry & pineapple leaves or dehydrated citrus & edible flowers.
- Enjoy!
Remember: Drink Responsibly, Don’t Spill Any! 😉
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a die-hard Tiki enthusiast or just dipping your toes into tropical cocktails, the Lauwiliwilinukunuku’oi’oi is a must-try. It’s fun, flavorful, and just the right amount of extra — the kind of drink that turns a regular night into a little celebration. So dust off your shaker, prep your pineapple leaves, and give this tongue-twisting gem a go. And hey, if you master the pronunciation? That’s just the cherry on top (literally).
📸 Don’t forget to share your Lauwiliwilinukunuku’oi’oi creations with us using #WorthingtonsBar. We can’t wait to see the creativity and summer vibes you bring to this tropical drink! Cheers (or as they say in Hawaii — Okole Maluna!) 🌺🍹
Make sure to check out our Instagram page! We would love to connect with you and hear about what recipe we should make next. 😁
