REVIEW: Trader Sam’s Holiday Rum Barrel Tiki Mug Brings Two New Seasonal Beverages

Andrew Iovino

Three exotic drinks rest on a wooden table. A decorative Trader Sam's mug takes center stage, flanked by two refreshing iced beverages in plastic cups. A backdrop of lush greenery completes the scene.

REVIEW: Trader Sam’s Holiday Rum Barrel Tiki Mug Brings Two New Seasonal Beverages

The Rum Barrel Tiki Mug – Holiday Edition is now available at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and is served with a choice of two new beverages – ‘Olu’olu or Barela Lā Hoʻomaha. We purchased the mug and tried both drinks.

Holiday Rum Barrel Tiki Mug – 2nd Edition – $75

A hand holding a green ceramic mug adorned with the words "Trader Sam's" in white, nestled among tropical plants. This Holiday Rum Barrel Tiki Mug is perfect for enjoying seasonal beverages amidst the lush surroundings.

This mug is a green variant of the 1st edition, which was released earlier at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in Disneyland. The mug is primarily green and resembles a wooden barrel, complete with etched lining in the wood planks and gold bands around the top and bottom. In the center is the “Trader Sam’s” wordmark in white. Patches of snow are bunched up in various sizes along the gold bands. A piece of holly is attached to the “R” in “Trader.”

The right side of the mug has protruding details of red garland attached to the lid. Hanging from the garland are two candy canes and a red ornament ball with a gold hook.

The left side depicts a red present box with a green bow on the bottom and two stockings hanging from the top. One stocking is green and the other is red. Both stockings have a candy cane sticking out the top.

The backside of the mug features a large ship wheel in brown and a red bow tied to the lowest handle.

The inside lip around the opening at the top of the mug is a lighter shade of green than the rest of the barrel.

The bottom of the mug says “Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto” and defines the mug as “Holiday Edition 2024.” The previous edition from Disneyland said “Holiday Edition 2023,” along with the Disneyland bar name.

A hand holds a red, shiny Mickey Mouse ornament with a red ribbon bow in front of tropical plants, evoking the festive charm of Trader Sam's.

The mug comes with a swizzle stick. The stick is clear with red banding and has a red Mickey Mouse ornament ball hanging from the top by a red ribbon. The stick and ornament light up.

Three exotic drinks rest on a wooden table. A decorative Trader Sam's mug takes center stage, flanked by two refreshing iced beverages in plastic cups. A backdrop of lush greenery completes the scene.

The mug comes with an included beverage of choice from two new seasonal offerings, an alcoholic and a zero-proof option.

Barela Lā Hoʻomaha

Goslings Black Seal Rum, coconut cream, guava syrup, pineapple juice, and lime juice

A hand holds an iced drink in a clear cup, garnished with fresh mint leaves, reminiscent of the refreshing seasonal beverages from Trader Sam's. The background features lush green plants and foliage, evoking a tropical escape.

This drink has a brown complexion.

A hand holds a plastic cup filled with Trader Sam's Holiday Rum Barrel, an iced brown beverage topped with mint leaves and a sprinkle of spice. Lush green foliage is visible in the background, capturing the essence of the season.

This is a really well-made, tiki drink. It hits all the notes that you want from a tiki-style drink: super tropical with subtle fruity notes and lime on the back end. However, it is a heavy pour of rum — and we’re not mad about that. You may need to mix it well before drinking but it hits all the notes we wanted. Overall, this is a well-made drink and hits all the flavors of the holidays and tiki bars!

Rating out of 7: 6

‘Olu’olu (Zero-Proof)

Lyre’s Cane Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Coconut Cream, Guava Syrup, Pineapple, and Lime Juices

A hand holds a Trader Sam's plastic cup filled with a creamy, iced beverage topped with cinnamon, set against a backdrop of lush green foliage.

Overall, this is very drinkable. It is definitely on the sweeter side but tastes exactly how you would want a tiki drink to taste. For those who are avoiding alcohol, you should be very happy with this.

A hand holds a festive cup of iced horchata topped with cinnamon, set against lush green and red foliage, reminiscent of the seasonal beverages at Trader Sam's.

It is heavy on the guava but in a good way. It tastes like a well-made tropical drink, a solid mocktail. The nutmeg sprinkled on top adds a nice festive touch.

Rating out of 7: 5

Will you be heading over to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to pick up this new mug? Which drink would you get with it? Let us know in the comments!

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