Detroit Bar Turns Into Tropical Paradise With Tiki-Style Cocktails

DETROIT — A popular downtown Detroit bar has turned into an island oasis that will serve tiki-style cocktails for the next couple of months.

The Evening Bar, located inside the Shinola Hotel, has transformed from a sultry urban speakeasy to a "Model T-iki" from now until mid-April.

The new atmosphere will pay homage to Detroit’s rich tiki history, especially automotive workers who took a break from every day life to enjoyed spots like Chin Tiki and Mauna Loa.

This tiki experience will also feature thatch huts, lush foliage and offer tiki-inspired drinks and food items.

Bar Director of NoHo Hospitality, Darryl Chan, known for making NYC’s The Portrait Bar a cocktail destination, crafted a menu of tiki classics with a distinct Detroit flair. Some of the menu highlights include:

• Model T-ai: The quintessential Mai Tai is elevated with a blend of Jamaican rums, pineapple rum, Grand Marnier, orgeat and kalamansi.
• Colada ‘66: This twist on the Piña Colada gets its tart richness from greek yogurt and a bit of funkiness from Detroit’s Doctor Bird Jamaican run.
• River Rouge: A fishbowl cocktail built for two with Genever, passion fruit, falernum, orgeat and lemon, topped off with a negroni float.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Rouge, dedicated to the protection and stewardship of southeast Michigan’s watershed.

Chef Cory Barberio, Executive Chef of Shinola Hotel, and award-winning Chef Andrew Carmellini have curated island-inspired bites, including:

• Slow-cooked baby back ribs with a guava glaze
• Crispy taro chips served with charred pineapple salsa and cilantro

To see the full menu, visit Evening Bar’s website.