Rialto, a division of Libstar Operations (Pty) Ltd, a leader in premium food imports, has long been at the forefront of transforming the local cocktail scene. With flagship brands such as Finest Call and Reàl Infused Exotics, Rialto has been instrumental in raising the standard of cocktail ingredients, offering consistent quality and innovative products that serve both professional mixologists and home enthusiasts. This range of high-quality purées, syrups, and mixers has earned a reputation for versatility and excellence, elevating cocktail recipes from the classics to the more experimental. 

A tiki takeover
In their latest venture in South Africa, Rialto has partnered with renowned mixologist Georgi Radev to bring a fresh twist to Cape Town’s cocktail culture with a tiki takeover. This collaboration is more than just an infusion of tropical flavours – it represents a blend of global cocktail traditions with a distinct South African influence. Known for his expertise in Polynesian-inspired cocktails, Radev is a master of tiki mixology, a movement that began in the 1930s and that has recently seen a revival in bars across the world. Tiki cocktails are known for their elaborate presentations, bold flavours, and a sense of escapism, offering patrons a sensory journey to distant tropical islands. 

The tiki cocktail programme in Cape Town is a celebration of both tradition and local innovation. By using premium syrups like Reàl Infused Exotics, Radev has taken iconic tiki drinks, such as Mai Tais, Zombies, and Painkillers, and reinterpreted them with South African ingredients. Local botanicals, indigenous fruits, and craft rums take centre stage in these cocktails, adding a distinctly regional flair to the globally loved tiki trend. The collaboration is a fusion of tropical flavours and local identity, offering Cape Town’s cocktail enthusiasts something truly unique. 

Cape Town bars embrace the tiki cocktail
The initiative is making waves in the city’s bar scene, with venues like Tiki Tomb on Bree Street and Cause | Effect in Camps Bay embracing the movement. These bars are not only serving creative tiki cocktails but also offering immersive experiences that transport patrons to a world of tropical bliss. The programme extends beyond the bar, with educational seminars and workshops at events like the Cape Town Beverage Show, the European Bartender School, and the Ajabu Cocktail & Spirits Festival. These seminars focus on teaching bartenders the art of tiki mixology, helping them explore new flavour combinations while showcasing local ingredients in their cocktails. 

The tiki takeover is a thrilling opportunity for the South African cocktail scene to experiment with bold flavours and creative presentations, while also embracing the country’s rich culinary heritage. As Radev puts it, “South Africa has a vibrant cocktail culture, and the tiki movement gives us a chance to explore bold flavours and creative presentations while incorporating local ingredients.”
For Rialto, this partnership is a natural extension of their mission to support mixologists and elevate the cocktail experience.

Rialto is looking forward to visiting more bars and working directly with their mixology team to add at least one Tiki cocktail to several cocktail menus in Cape Town.  

For more information about Reàl and the tiki cocktail programme, visit  Rialto Foods or  Reàl Infused Exotics.