Is This The Summer of Tiki For Charleston?

If it takes three examples for a coincidence to be called a "trend," then Charleston is full throttle into the tiki drink territory. These fruity, rum-soaked, umbrella-topped concoctions are popping up in bars and restaurants across the Lowcountry. As a case in point, reporter Hanna Raskin put forth this exact thought at the same time this article came together:

@GQBound @EaterCHS @CHSbeer Based on last batch of press releases, we missed the boat on tiki. @BadBitchesCHS @FishCharleston @mavkitchens

— Hanna Raskin (@hannaraskin) June 11, 2015

It's hot in Charleston — it only makes sense sweaty imbibers would want to cool down with a big bowl of icy, easy-drinking booze with names like Scorpion Bowl, Zombie Punch, and Singapore Sling. Voodoo Lounge in West Ashley has been the go-to tiki bar for over a decade, but other spots are offering Polynesian-flavored beverages this summer as well.

Here's a few new places to indulge in a Pina Colada or Blue Hawaiian:

• Tucked-away bar Faculty Lounge hosts a Tiki Tuesday every week with flaming bowls of high-octane hooch. Hawaiian shirts not required.
• Starting next weekend, French-Asian restaurant Fish will host Tiki Sunday to end the weekends. From 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the bar will offer $8 tiki drinks. The King Street restaurant promises, "No frozen, overly sweetened concoctions here – expect fresh, artisanal revivals of South Pacific inspired classics with Fish’s signature Asian flair."
• If you don't have a ticket, then you've already missed your chance to sip Mai Tais with hostess group Bad Bitches Charleston at their Hawaiian luau at McCrady's. Spaces sold out within an hour.
• Classic Mount Pleasant restaurant Old Village Post House is hosting a Tiki Trader Shrimp Luau on June 17, complete with tropical drinks. Tickets are $75 (ordering information here) for the "Polynesian-inspired culinary journey" from chef Forrest Parker.
• Boston-based bartender Ran Duan brought a Sherry Colada to cocktail bar Proof last night. He might not call it a tiki drink, but this sophisticated libation did look pretty tropical. Duan only slung drinks for one night, but perhaps owner Craig Nelson will borrow the recipe.

Let us know if you've spotted any cocktails served in coconuts or with tiny umbrellas around town.