The Art of Mixology

Donn Beachcomber

One of Donn Beach’s most significant contributions to tiki culture was his innovative approach to mixology. He created a wide array of elaborate and secret cocktail recipes that featured exotic ingredients, rum, and intricate garnishes. His cocktails, such as the Zombie and the Mai Tai, became legendary and remain staples…

The Birth of tiki Culture

Donn in Hawaii

Donn Beach’s adventures led him to the Caribbean and the South Pacific, where he was captivated by the allure of the islands, their mystique, and their tropical flavors. Upon returning to the United States, he decided to bring a slice of these distant paradises to mainland America. In 1934, Donn…

Early Life and Pseudonym

Donn in Peacock Chair

The enigmatic figure known as Donn Beach was born as Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt in 1907 in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a young man, he developed a passion for travel, adventure, and the exotic. In the 1920s, Gantt embarked on a globetrotting journey, visiting various tropical destinations and immersing himself…