This classic Mai Tai recipe is one of the most popular and requested tiki cocktails with a complex rum base with hints of citrus and almond, adding a tropical and refreshing touch!
More fun cocktails for summer and relaxing by the pool include our Pineapple Mule, Raspberry Citrus Caipirinha, and Strawberry Mojito drinks!
What is a Mai Tai Cocktail?
The Mai Tai story began in 1944, in Oakland, California, USA. According to Trader Victor Jules Bergeron, better known as Trader Vic was the owner of a tiki restaurant of the same name. Along with Donn Beach, they were the first to start tiki culture.
Years later, the Mai Tai was introduced to Hawaii in 1953 when Bergeron created a cocktail menu for the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Hotel. The cocktail became a hit, in subsequent years pineapple juice, orange juice, and dark rum were commonly used in the Hawaiian style Mai Tais.
Mai Tai Ingredients
- White rum
- Orange Curacao
- Orgeat syrup
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Dark rum
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
What Does Orgeat Syrup Taste Like?
Orgeat has a distinctive nutty flavor with a hint of citrus. Some people compare it to liquid marzipan. It adds a distinct complexity to drinks, and it’s so unique that there’s no great substitute.
How to Make a Mai Tai?
1.- Pour the white rum, lime juice, orange curacao, and orgeat syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2.-Shake vigorously for 5-10 sec.
3.-Strain into a high ball glass and slowly pour in the dark rum (it should float on the top so don`t mix it in before serving).
4.-Garnish with a cocktail cherry, pineapple, and mint.
Variation of Mai Tai
Juice – Add a little fresh pineapple or orange juice, that will give it a more citrus kick!
Grand Marnier – You can substitute the orange curacao for this liqueur, it will give the cocktail the citrus touch it needs.
Notes:
Mocktail: Turn it into a mocktail by substituting the liqueurs for pineapple and orange juices with a touch of grenadine.
More Cassic Cocktaill Recipes:
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Mai Tai
This classic Mai Tai recipe is one of the most popular and requested tiki cocktails with a complex rum base with hints of citrus and almond, adding a tropical and refreshing touch!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum I used Bacardi
- 1/2-ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 ounce orange Curacao
- 1/2 ounce orgeat syrup
- 1/2 ounce dark rum I used Myers´s
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Pour the white rum, lime juice, orange curacao, and orgeat syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 5-10 sec.
- Strain into a high ball glass and slowly pour in the dark rum (it should float on the top so don`t mix it in before serving).
Notes
- Mocktail: Turn it into a mocktail by substituting the liqueurs for pineapple and orange juices with a touch of grenadine.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 274Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 11mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 0gSugar 7gProtein 0g
