The Mai Tai is a classic cocktail that transports you to tropical paradise. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60 ml) aged rum (traditionally Jamaican or a blend like Appleton Estate + Rhum Agricole)
- ¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice
- ½ oz (15 ml) orange curaçao (or triple sec)
- ¼ oz (7.5 ml) orgeat syrup (almond syrup)
- ¼ oz (7.5 ml) rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar-to-water) or demerara syrup
- Garnish: Fresh mint sprig, lime wheel/shell, and a spent lime husk
Instructions:
- Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients with crushed ice.
- Shake well (about 10-12 seconds) until chilled.
- Strain into a double Old Fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime shell (optional: add a dark rum float for extra depth).
- Serve with a straw, and enjoy!
Useful Tips:
- Rum Choice: A blend of Jamaican rum (funky) and Martinique rhum agricole (grassy) is traditional.
- Orgeat Substitute: If you don’t have orgeat, use almond syrup or a mix of almond extract + simple syrup.
- No Curaçao? Use triple sec or Grand Marnier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the origin of the Mai Tai?
- Created in 1944 by Trader Vic (Victor J. Bergeron) in Oakland, California.
- Not Hawaiian! Despite its tropical vibe, it’s a Tiki cocktail from California.
- The name means “the best” in Tahitian (Maita’i).
Can I use any rum?
- Best: A blend of aged Jamaican rum (funky, rich) + Martinique rhum agricole (dry, grassy).
- Examples: Appleton Estate + Clément Rhum Agricole.
- Budget option: A good dark or gold rum (e.g., Denizen’s Merchant Reserve, Mount Gay).
- Avoid: Spiced rum or overly sweet/flavored rums.
What’s the difference between a classic and “tourist” Mai Tai?
- Classic (1944): No pineapple juice, grenadine, or coconut rum.
- Tourist version: Often includes pineapple juice, dark rum float, and bright colors
Also, Read
Mai Tai Recipe
Shake up your cocktail game with our delicious Mai Tai recipe! Find tips and tricks to create this refreshing drink that will transport you to a tropical paradise.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) aged rum
- ¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice
- ½ oz (15 ml) orange curaçao (or triple sec)
- ¼ oz (7.5 ml) orgeat syrup (almond syrup)
- ¼ oz (7.5 ml) rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar-to-water) or demerara syrup
- Garnish: Fresh mint sprig, lime wheel/shell, and a spent lime husk
Instructions
- Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients with crushed ice.
- Shake well (about 10-12 seconds) until chilled.
- Strain into a double Old Fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime shell (optional: add a dark rum float for extra depth).
- Serve with a straw, and enjoy!
