Mai Tai Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Mai Tai is a refreshing, exotic cocktail that balances fruity and nutty flavors in the best way possible. With its blend of rum, lime, and almond, it’s both tropical and sophisticated. The combination of different rums adds complexity to the drink, while the lime and orange flavors keep it light and zesty. It's a simple recipe that makes you feel like you're on vacation with every sip. Perfect for summer parties or enjoying a quiet evening by the pool.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ ounces white rum

• ¾ ounce dark rum

• ½ ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• ½ ounce orange liqueur (such as Curaçao or triple sec)

• ¼ ounce orgeat syrup

• ¼ ounce simple syrup

• Crushed ice

• Mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Fill a shaker with crushed ice.

2. Add the white rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.

3. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds to combine the ingredients.

4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.

5. Gently float the dark rum on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.

6. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1

• Preparation time: 5 minutes

• Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Tropical Twist: Add a splash of pineapple juice or coconut cream for a richer, sweeter flavor.

• Frozen Mai Tai: Blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen version of this drink.

• Spiced Mai Tai: Use spiced rum in place of the white rum for added warmth and depth.

• Mai Tai Mocktail: To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with additional juice and use a rum-flavored syrup or essence.

Storage/Reheating

A Mai Tai is best served fresh, as the flavors are most vibrant when made to order. You cannot store or reheat this cocktail as it will lose its refreshing qualities. For optimal enjoyment, prepare it right before serving.

FAQs

1. What is orgeat syrup, and where can I find it?

Orgeat syrup is a sweet, almond-flavored syrup that is a key ingredient in many tiki cocktails. It’s available at most liquor stores or can be found online.

2. Can I make a Mai Tai without orgeat syrup?

You can substitute orgeat syrup with almond syrup, but it may slightly alter the flavor. Some people use simple syrup with a few drops of almond extract if they don’t have orgeat on hand.

3. What kind of rum should I use for a Mai Tai?

A traditional Mai Tai uses both white rum and dark rum. The white rum is mixed into the drink, while the dark rum is floated on top to add richness.

4. Can I make this cocktail ahead of time for a party?

While the Mai Tai is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just add the ice and float the dark rum when you're ready to serve.

7. What is the origin of the Mai Tai?

The Mai Tai is believed to have originated in the 1940s in either California or Hawaii, though its exact origin is debated.

8. Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

For the best taste, fresh lime juice is highly recommended. Bottled lime juice may lack the freshness and vibrant acidity that the cocktail needs.

9. What glass should I use for a Mai Tai?

A Mai Tai is typically served in a rocks glass or a tiki mug. The glass should be large enough to hold the crushed ice and allow room for garnishes.

10. Can I adjust the sweetness of the Mai Tai?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can reduce the amount of simple syrup or orgeat syrup. Adjust to taste based on your preferences.

Conclusion

The Mai Tai is a classic, flavorful cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you're celebrating summer or just enjoying a relaxing evening. Its tropical flavors, refreshing citrus, and nutty almond undertones make it a standout choice. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create the perfect Mai Tai at home and transport yourself to a tropical paradise with every sip.