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Writer's pictureMatthew Kourie

Wellness Cocktail: Missionary’s Ascension

Updated: Nov 16



An Iconic Tiki Classic, Meets Modern Wellness.


cocktail with mint and pineapple

Evolution: From Missionary’s Downfall to Missionary’s Ascension


The “Missionary’s Downfall” holds a special place in tiki history, crafted by Donn Beach (aka Don the Beachcomber) in the 1930s. This drink epitomized the tropical flavors of the tiki movement. Fast-forward to today, and “Missionary’s Ascension” reimagines the original with a health-focused twist, transforming a tiki staple into a modern tropical wellness cocktail.


N/A

Wellness TIKI

TiKi, Exotic, Tropical

Blended


This shift from classic to wellness emphasizes not just flavor but function, integrating nutrient-rich ingredients to support health while delivering the exotic flavors that tiki fans crave.



Flavor & Function:

Refreshing mint, sweet peach, tangy lime, and tropical pineapple. This drink combines nutrient-rich ingredients to support overall wellness, offering antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats that may enhance energy, mood, and cognitive function according to the NIH.


Wellness Cocktail Philosophies: "Good, Better, Best"

"Embracing the 'good, better, best' philosophy, wellness mixology becomes a limitless and exhilarating journey—continuously refining techniques and expanding knowledge to elevate both flavor and function in the craft of cocktails that support a wellness lifestyle. At last, it gives true meaning to the term 'mixologist,' a moniker bartenders have long struggled to reconcile in the pre-wellness eras of the past century

and second cocktail renaissance."


Missionary’s Ascension Recipe


Ingredients & Nutrient Retention:


  • 3 oz Green Tea/Vanilla Tea Blend: Brew at 160–170°F for 2–3 minutes to preserve antioxidants.

  • 3/4 oz Fresh Peach Juice: Use fresh, ripe peaches; blend without heating to retain vitamin C.

  • 3/4 oz Organic Bee Pollen Honey Syrup: Make syrup with raw honey and water (1:1 ratio); avoid heating above 104°F to preserve enzymes.

  • 3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh to maintain vitamin C; minimize exposure to air.

  • 1/8 cup Avocado: Use fresh, ripe avocado and blend just before serving to prevent oxidation and preserve healthy fats.

  • 4 Chunks Fresh Pineapple: Use fresh chunks; avoid heating to preserve bromelain and vitamin C.

  • 15 Mint Leaves: Use fresh leaves



Preparation:


        1.      Combine all ingredients with 1 cup of crushed ice in a blender.


NOTE: Limit Blending Time to Minimize Oxidation & Vitamin loss

Using a blender can cause vitamin loss due to oxidation, heat, enzyme activity, light exposure, and air incorporation.


For best nutrient retention: Pre-chill ingredients, blend briefly - use pulse function, crushed ice, and serve immediately.


        2.      Blend until smooth.



Serving:


        •       Pour into a hurricane glass.


        •       Garnish with a fresh mint bouquet and a slice of fresh pineapple.


        •       Use a raw pasta straw for a sustainable touch.


References Cont'd:


Wellness Tip: Eat Your Garnish!


The fresh fruit and mint garnish aren’t just for decoration. Eating these adds fiber and boosts the nutritional value of your drink, providing antioxidants and vitamins to fortify your body.



Conclusion: Tiki’s Future in Wellness


With Missionary’s Ascension, we honor tiki’s rich history while pioneering a new wave of wellness cocktails. This tropical drink offers the perfect balance of vibrant flavors and health benefits, aligning with the growing demand for functional, nutrient-rich beverages. The future of tiki isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about connecting with a healthier, more mindful way of life, all while celebrating the exotic and exciting world of tiki.


Matthew Kourie is the Founder of Wellness Cocktails.


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