The Paradise Lost is a modern tiki cocktail that was created by Kirk Estopinal at Cane & Table in New Orleans, Louisiana. The recipe was the product of his trying to make a drink that was "tiki but of the moment." He achieved this with the contemporary usage of vodka and sherry that deliver a hit of dryness but keep the alcohol level lower; meanwhile, the clever addition of coconut water, mixed with the classic lime, orgeat, and aromatic bitters, brings a bit of flavor without the loud and colorful qualities of the coconut cream you usually find in tiki cocktails.
Add vodka, sherry, coconut water, lime juice, and orgeat syrup to a shaker.
Fill shaker with cubed ice.
Shake for 10-20 seconds.
Fill a Pilsner or tiki glass with fresh cracked ice.
Using a Hawthorne strainer, strain into a Pilsner or tiki glass.
Top with bitters.
Using a bar spoon, gently stir for 1-2 seconds to create an ombré effect.
Garnish with mint sprig.