Ain't No Party Like A Tiki Party

Kick back with a balmy tiki cocktail! Orgeat, a rich almond syrup kissed with orange flower water, underpins their sumptuous, exotic flavor. Unfurl the paper umbrellas this weekend for a tiki-inspired dinner party! (image courtesy of Achim Schleuning)

Orgeat

Via seriouseats.com

Essential to tiki cocktails, start by making your very own orgeat (pronounced OR-zha). If you can't find the orange flower water, slip in a large strip of orange peel to steep alongside the almonds after pulling them from the heat.

The Original Mai Tai

Via chow.com

A true classic, the Mai Tai starts with aged rum and plenty of citrus. But orgeat, of course, lends an unmistakable flavor.

Cold Watermelon Soup

Via myrecipes.com

Tinged with hot sauce and sea salt, this soup retains it's sweet watermelon nature. Since chervil is rarely found at common markets, any mix of tarragon, parsley & mint would be an appropriate garnish.

Edamame Salad with Shiso & Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Via 101cookbooks.com

Look for edamame in the frozen foods section of your market & then spill this salad alongside all the meats you're grilling & cart it to all the picnics you attend for the rest of the season.

Pork Tonkatsu with Watermelon-Tomato Salad

Via epicurious.com

Pound pork cutlets into thin, plate sized discs. Coated with panko, they fry up to a satisfying bite. A summery arugula salad is the perfect counterpoint.

Tequila-Watermelon Popsicles

Via loveandoliveoil.com

No popsicle molds? Try freezing these in muffin tins, or in a mini-loaf pan, then cutting into slices with a hot knife.