Tiki drink for the holiday season

The planter's punch at Bud & Marilyn's. JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer

Planter's punch, $10, 
Bud&Marilyn's, 
1234 Locust St., 215-546-2220
budandmarilyns.com  

     

Nothing says retro Americana quite like the parasol-topped scowling-face mug of a good tiki drink. The Yachtsman in Fishtown has been at it for a year. And now Bud & Marilyn's is dabbling in island kitsch with a pop-up holiday tiki bar for the hidden courtyard it shares with sibling Little Nonna's. This planter's punch, inspired by the 19th-century classic, is already among the best of the throwback drinks on B&M's regular cocktail list, so it's a natural to star at the holiday event. This brew of Myer's dark rum (Myer's invented the drink) is blended with citrus juices and Peychaud's bitters over ice, and is so balanced and smooth, you need to willfully sip it slowly. A fresh dusting of fragrant grated nutmeg on top, though, just keeps luring you back for sips until it's gone. From Dec. 9 to 23, that punch will be joined out back (with heaters) by mai tais, daiquiries, and hot drinks to wash down the tiki bite menu of pork buns, chicken satay, and sweet and sour meatballs. The holiday spirit goes Polynesian. 

 - Craig LaBan, Inquirer Restaurant Critic