Tropic Like It’s Hot – Hosting a Southern-Style Holiday Tiki Party

Jenny deRemer

Jan 02, 2025

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In the South, we’ve always known how to throw a good party, and winter tiki gatherings are no exception! While tiki culture made its mark in the mid-20th century, we’ve been welcoming those tropical vibes to our Southern homes for decades—especially when the weather gets chilly. Start your winter tiki bash with Baked Plantain Chips + Garlicky Guacamole and crispy Plantain Tostones, just like you’d find at a Caribbean-inspired gathering. Add in some Coconut Shrimp and Pineapple Rice to really transport your guests to warmer days. For the heart of the party, serve up Black Bean & Plantain Arepa Sandwiches or Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor—Southern hospitality meets island flair. And don’t forget the Pineapple Pork Kebabs No Grill Required for a truly laid-back vibe. Wash it all down with a Sparkling Hibiscus Orange Mocktail or a Passionfruit Margarita, and top it off with a sweet Tropical Pina Colada Cupcake for dessert. In the South, we’ve always known how to make winter a little warmer, one tiki drink at a time!

Table of Contents

Baked Plantain Chips + Garlicky Guacamole

A hand dips a plantain chip into a bowl of guacamole, surrounded by a plate of fried plantains. Lime, garlic, and cilantro garnish the blue tablecloth backdrop.
Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

This simple recipe calls for just 7 ingredients and 30 minutes to make! Thinly sliced green plantains are tossed in coconut oil and salt, then baked to crispy perfection. The result? Shockingly delicious chips, perfect for dipping into guacamole. Yes, it’s happening—right now!

Get the Recipe: Baked Plantain Chips + Garlicky Guacamole

Coconut Shrimp

A hand dips a golden, crumb-coated shrimp into a creamy sauce in a small blue bowl. The sauce contains chunks of mango, adding color and texture to the scene. Other shrimp are visible in the background.
Image Credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Coconut Shrimp like this is a tropical dream—juicy inside, crispy outside, and coated in a flavorful mix of coconut and cashews. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that vanishes in no time, or pair it with rice and salad for a dinner everyone will love. And don’t forget the Coconut Pineapple Chili Dip—it takes every bite to the next level!

Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

Sparkling Hibiscus Orange Mocktail

A close-up of a refreshing pink cocktail in a glass with a gold rim. The drink is garnished with a vibrant orange slice and a decorative orange flower. Another glass of red liquid is blurred in the background. A hand is holding the cocktail glass.
Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

Get ready for your new summer obsession: the hibiscus orange mocktail! Bright, zesty, and perfectly sweet, it’s like a virgin sangria in a glass—summer dreams come true! Plus, with just 6 simple ingredients and natural sweetness, it’s as easy to make as it is to sip. Let’s get these drinks flowing!

Get the Recipe: Sparkling Hibiscus Orange Mocktail

Black Bean & Plantain Arepa Sandwiches

Three arepas stuffed with roasted plantains, black beans, avocado, shredded red cabbage, and cilantro on a white plate with black spots. A soft orange napkin is partially visible underneath the plate.
Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

Now that arepas are in our wheelhouse, it’s time to take it to the next level with the ultimate arepa sandwich! Packed with guacamole, sweet roasted plantains, and smoky black beans, this delicious creation comes together in just 30 minutes using only 10 ingredients. Simple, yet full of flavor!

Get the Recipe: Black Bean & Plantain Arepa Sandwiches

Passionfruit Margaritas

A refreshing glass of passion fruit juice with ice, garnished with a sprig of mint. In the background, there are passion fruits and a light gray cloth. The drink is in a clear glass on a white surface.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Get ready to sip on some tropical vibes with these passionfruit margaritas! This pitcher cocktail is as easy to make as it is to enjoy, packed with zesty, tropical flavors that’ll have everyone at the party reaching for more!

Get the Recipe: Passionfruit Margaritas

Plantain Tostones

A plate of golden, crispy tostones sprinkled with salt is shown next to a bowl of creamy guacamole.
Image Credit: House of Nash Eats

Twice-fried and irresistibly crunchy, these green plantains—known as Patacones or Tostones—are the ultimate snack or appetizer. Sprinkled with a pinch of salt, they’re perfect on their own, dipped in guacamole or sauce, or piled high with shredded meat for a bite full of bold flavor!

Get the Recipe: Plantain Tostones

Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor

Five tacos filled with shredded meat, diced red onions, pineapple chunks, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cheese, served on a white plate with lime wedges on the side.
Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

This timeless combo gets even better when the slow cooker takes the reins. Forget hovering over the stove all day—blend up the marinade, pour it over the pork, and let your trusty slow cooker handle the rest of cooking up some Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor

Pineapple Guacamole

A bowl of guacamole with mango chunks, red onion, and cilantro, surrounded by blue corn tortilla chips on a white plate.
Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

Guacamole is hard to beat in its classic form, but adding fresh pineapple takes it to a whole new level. The moment that sweet, juicy pineapple hits the cutting board, it’s clear something special is about to happen.

Get the Recipe: Pineapple Guacamole

Hibiscus Quesadillas

A stack of freshly made quesadillas filled with avocado, melted cheese, greens, and vibrant red cabbage, placed on a wooden cutting board. The layers are visible, showcasing the colorful ingredients.
Image Credit: Image credit goes to.

Hibiscus Flower Quesadillas transform rehydrated hibiscus flowers into a surprisingly hearty tiki party snack—sautéed with onion, garlic, and spices, they offer a tangy, flavorful bite with amazing texture. Paired with melted queso fresco, avocado, and cilantro, these quesadillas make for a delicious vegetarian meal that’s anything but ordinary.

Get the Recipe: Hibiscus Quesadillas

Pineapple Pork Kebabs No Grill Required

Grilled skewers with pieces of chicken, pineapple, onions, and green peppers, garnished with cilantro and a drizzle of hot sauce, placed on crumpled parchment paper.
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

These incredibly simple Pineapple Pork Kebabs have flame licked flavor but don’t require an outdoor grill. Fresh, bright, and perfect for summer!
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pork Kebabs No Grill Required

Tropical Pina Colada Cupcakes

Cupcakes with swirled frosting, topped with cherries and pineapple slices, decorated with pink and yellow cocktail umbrellas on a wooden plate.
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Just like your favorite frozen cocktail, these cupcakes have all the sunny, tropical flavors of a pina colada! You’ll love the way the pineapple, coconut, and rum flavors really shine in this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Pina Colada Cupcakes

Layered Coconut Mango Tropical Rum Slushie

Two glasses of layered fruit smoothie with creamy white and orange layers, garnished with fresh strawberry halves on the rim. Surrounded by strawberries and a peach, set on a light background.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

This layered boozy cocktail combines frozen cocktail and mango for the ultimate indulgence. Let happy hour be more than an excuse to chat with friends, turn it into a real party with these tasty drinks.
Get the Recipe: Layered Coconut Mango Tropical Rum Slushie

Pineapple Pork Hawaiian Burgers

Two burgers on a wooden board, topped with grilled pineapple slices, caramelized onions, and barbecue sauce, served in seeded buns. A separate slice of pineapple rests beside them. The background is a textured blue surface.
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

These rich and juicy Hawaiian Burgers are flavored with sweet pineapple, tangy teriyaki sauce, savory green onions, and creamy Monterey jack cheese.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pork Hawaiian Burgers

Pineapple Rice

A halved pineapple is filled with a vibrant rice dish on a wooden platter. The dish is garnished with cashews, herbs, and pineapple chunks. A lime half and whole cashews are nearby. Bright and tropical presentation on a white background.
Image Credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Pineapple Rice is a sweet and creamy dream, thanks to coconut milk, pineapple juice, and crushed pineapple, with a zesty pop of cilantro and lime and the crunch of roasted cashews. It’s a tropical side dish that’s as easy to make as it is to wow guests—perfect for weeknight dinners or tiki party vibes!

Get the Recipe: Pineapple Rice

Frozen Pineapple Cilantro Mojito

Two glasses of a green slushy drink garnished with cilantro are on a table. Nearby are lime halves, a knife, cilantro sprigs, and pineapple pieces on a cutting board. A green citrus juicer is in the background.
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

It’s five o’clock somewhere! Celebrate with this refreshing mojito cocktail, Frozen and blended with sweet, juicy pineapple, rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a subtle hit of herbal cilantro.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Pineapple Cilantro Mojito

Grilled Pineapples

Grilled pineapple slices arranged on a white oval plate, garnished with lime wedges. The pineapple has visible grill marks and a caramelized appearance.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Take your fresh pineapple to another level with this recipe for grilled pineapple slices. Serve them with whipped cream or ice cream on top.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapples

Barbecue Ribs with Spiced Rum Pineapple Sauce

A rack of grilled ribs on a wooden cutting board, partially coated with barbecue sauce. A basting brush with sauce residue is placed beside the ribs. The ribs have a smoky, glazed appearance.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

This spiced rum pineapple sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to the table—pure magic in every bite! Paired with tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs, oven-steamed to perfection, it’s a match made in flavor heaven.

Get the Recipe: Barbecue Ribs with Spiced Rum Pineapple Sauce

Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Pineapple pico de gallo in a black bowl surrounded by limes and a yellow linen.
Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen

This bright, fresh Pineapple Pico de Gallo combines ripe tomatoes, jalapeño, white onion, garlic, sweet pineapple, earthy cilantro, and tart lime juice for a lively, tropical condiment that will bring any dish to life.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Sweet & Spicy BBQ Bacon Hawaiian Turkey Burgers

Close-up of a burger with a grilled patty, melted cheese, pineapple slices, and BBQ sauce in a toasted bun. Sweet potato fries are blurred in the background.
Image Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Juicy and bursting with flavor, these Hawaiian turkey burgers bring the party with turkey bacon, spicy BBQ sauce, pepper jack cheese, and grilled pineapple. A lighter option with bold taste, they’re perfect for wowing a tiki party crowd.

Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy BBQ Bacon Hawaiian Turkey Burgers

Grilled Pineapple, Chicken and Avocado Salad

A fresh salad in a white bowl featuring grilled chicken, pineapple chunks, blueberries, avocado, red onion slices, and spinach leaves.
Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

A tropical anthem on a plate: grilled pineapple and creamy avocado steal the show, but the juicy blueberries, tangy feta, and zippy garlicky vinaigrette make sure every bite is a flavor-packed encore. Fresh, vibrant, and impossible to resist!

Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple, Chicken and Avocado Salad

Pineapple Habanero Salsa

A bowl of pineapple habanero salsa surrounded by cilantro, limes, and a red linen sit on a wooden cutting board.
Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen

This pineapple habanero salsa recipe uses roasted tomatoes, onion, habanero peppers, and pineapple to create a wonderfully sweet and hot condiment perfect for a dip with chips, a meal topper, or mixed into a Mexican dish.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Habanero Salsa

5-Ingredient Hibiscus Margaritas

Two glasses of red hibiscus tea on a wooden platter, surrounded by lime wedges and a vibrant pink cloth. The setup is bright and inviting, with a fresh, colorful presentation.
Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

This drink kicks off with a hibiscus tea concentrate made from hibiscus tea, water, and your choice of sweetener. The process is quick and easy, giving you a stunning, deep magenta concentrate that adds a floral, tart-sweet kick to any cocktail.

Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Hibiscus Margaritas

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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