Adrift Tiki Bar Welcomes Painkiller Week June 24-28
Enjoy a multi-day celebration of the iconic island cocktail, plus learn about the history of the popular drink on June 22
DENVER (June 16, 2025)— Adrift Tiki Bar, Denver’s beach hideaway on Broadway, is turning up the island vibes on June 24-28 for Painkiller Week, a multi-day celebration that is dedicated to the legendary rum cocktail that has transported drinkers to paradise for over 50 years.
Backstory about this iconic island drink: the Painkiller emerged in the 1970s at a British Virgin Islands watering hole called Soggy Dollar Bar where patrons had to swim up to the bar. Owner Daphne Henderson created a cocktail, made with dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream, and dusted with nutmeg, to reward their efforts and "kill their pain.” Pusser's Rum founder Charles Tobias recreated the cocktail recipe from the tightlipped Henderson and brought the infamous rum cocktail to sailing communities, restaurants, bars and fine cocktail venues throughout the world. Learn more about the backstory here.
“This drink is vacation in a glass and beyond delicious especially served in our hand-cranked fresh coconuts,” says Adrift General Manager Peaches Ayers. “So whether you’re a tiki enthusiast or a cocktail curious newcomer, make Adrift your warm-weather getaway during Painkiller week!”
Wanting a deeper dive into the Painkiller? Sip, taste, and learn at TIKI Time with Trader Vince, on Sunday, June 22 from 1-4 p.m. This unique experience at Adrift will walk you through the history of the cocktail, include a rum tasting, and then guests will build their own Painkiller drinks that are created in fresh coconuts. The workshop costs $40. Seating is limited. Head to Eventbrite to purchase your ticket.
On June 24-28, guests at Adrift can choose from two Painkiller options:
The Standard ($16): Featuring Pusser Blue Label Rum and Hamilton 151, fresh pineapple and orange juice, house-made cream of coconut, and fresh nutmeg
The Elevated ($25): Featuring Pusser's Gunpowder Proof Rum, fresh pineapple and orange juice, house-made cream of coconut, and fresh nutmeg. Served in a hand-cranked fresh coconut
Reservations for Painkiller Week are highly encouraged. For more information about Adrift’s Painkiller Week, contact Chea Franz at Chea@IndieCreativeCo.com.
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About Adrift Tiki Bar & Restaurant
Located in Denver’s South Broadway neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of live music venues, art-house movie theaters, bars and acclaimed restaurants, Adrift draws on the rich history of authentic Tiki lounges and modernizes the traditions borrowing from an array of island flavors and cultures. Serving elevated cocktails and spice route-inspired bites, Adrift features an extensive collection of 100+ rums from all over the world. The space has indoor and outdoor seating and 70-year-old hand-carved totems that stand adjacent to Puffer fish pendant lights in a vibrant space where guests can delight in Adrift’s take on everything from the traditional Mai Tai or Zombie to frozen Chi-Chi concoctions and punch bowls, which are presented with flair including fresh flowers and hand-pressed juice. Diners will discover well-executed global cuisine including their delectable Spam Musubi, Island Bowls, and other Polynesian fare. As part of Adrift’s social responsibility program, The Mana Immersion Fund provides financial assistance to humanitarians with a focus on medical, dental, construction and hunger relief, and a percentage of every sale at the restaurant benefits the cause. For more information, visit www.adriftbar.com, follow @AdriftBar on Facebook and @AdriftDenver on Instagram, or call (303) 778-TIKI.