Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is a timeless tiki cocktail that balances citrus brightness, nutty sweetness, and rich rum depth. Created in the 1940s, it’s become a symbol of tropical relaxation and island-style hospitality. White rum provides a smooth, crisp base, while orange curaçao and orgeat syrup add layers of fruit and almond flavor. Fresh lime juice brings tangy freshness, and the dark rum float offers a bold aromatic finish. Traditionally served in a rocks glass or tiki mug, the Mai Tai is as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Garnished with lime and mint, it’s a drink that instantly sets a vacation mood.

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Tasting Notes

The Mai Tai offers a balanced mix of bright citrus, nutty sweetness, and rich rum depth. The first sip brings a lively burst of lime, immediately complemented by the smooth, almond-like orgeat. The orange curaçao adds a light, fruity note, while the float of dark rum deepens the flavor, lending a mellow, slightly smoky finish. Its layered profile shifts as you drink, with the darker rum slowly blending into the rest of the cocktail. Fresh mint and lime garnish enhance the aroma, making each sip refreshing yet full-bodied. This drink is both crisp and complex, ideal for those who appreciate contrast.

Equipment and Glassware

Preparing a Mai Tai requires only a few tools but using the right ones makes all the difference. A sturdy cocktail shaker is essential for combining the rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat efficiently. A jigger ensures accurate measurements, keeping flavors in balance. A bar spoon is important for floating the dark rum so it rests neatly on top. For serving, a short, wide rocks glass or a tiki mug is traditional, offering room for crushed ice and garnishes. A fine strainer can help achieve a smooth pour, and fresh garnishes are best prepared with a small paring knife.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz white rum
• 3/4 oz orange curaçao
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
• 1/2 oz dark rum for float
• Garnish: lime wheel and/or mint sprig

Instructions

• Add Ice: Add crushed ice to a cocktail shaker.
• Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the white rum, fresh lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup.
• Shake: Shake lightly for about 15-20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
• Pour: Pour into your rocks glass or tiki mug.
• Float the Dark Rum: Gently pour the dark rum over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the other ingredients in the glass.
• Garnish: Add a lime wheel and/or a mint sprig for garnish.
• Serve and Enjoy: Your Mai Tai is now ready to be enjoyed. Cheers!

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor balance.
• Chill your glassware beforehand to keep the drink cold longer.
• Crush ice finely for better dilution and texture.
• Pour the dark rum slowly over a bar spoon to create a clean float.
• Try different rum blends for unique flavor variations.
• Keep orgeat syrup refrigerated to maintain freshness.
• Avoid over-shaking; a light mix preserves clarity.
• High-quality curaçao will improve the citrus profile.
• Garnish with fresh mint for aromatic appeal.
• Serve immediately for peak flavor and temperature.

When to Serve

The Mai Tai is a standout choice for relaxed afternoons, beach gatherings, and backyard cookouts. Its refreshing profile and colorful presentation make it a natural fit for warm-weather events, tropical-themed parties, or casual evenings with friends. It also pairs well with grilled seafood, fresh fruit, and light appetizers, making it versatile for outdoor dining. Its balance of sweetness, acidity, and rum depth ensures it remains enjoyable over the course of a gathering. Whether served poolside or at a laid-back dinner, this cocktail’s layered flavors and aromatic garnishes keep it a favorite in social settings that call for something special.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

White Rum

• Bacardi Superior
• Plantation 3 Stars
• Flor de Caña Extra Dry

Dark Rum

• Myers’s Original Dark
• Gosling’s Black Seal
• Plantation Original Dark

Orange Curaçao

• Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
• Senior Curaçao of Curaçao
• Grand Marnier

Orgeat Syrup

• Small Hand Foods
• Liber & Co.
• Giffard Orgeat

Similar Cocktails

• Yellow Bird
• Sesame Mai Tai
• Guava Rum Cocktail
• Tropical Swizzle Cocktail
• Tropical Delight Cocktail