Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe – Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe is a classic tropical cocktail that brings memories of the warmth of legs in vacations on islands and a cocktail in a tiki bar. Mai Tai is a rum drink that consists of the perfect blend of citrus, sweet almond syrup, and a spice that was invented in the 1940s and popularized by the tiki culture. Mai Tai name is taken after the Tahitian word referring to good or out of this world, and just one sip will explain why.
The Mai Tai originated with Victor J. Bergeron (sometimes referred to as Trader Vic), but there has been innumerable variations of it, the classic one included is still favorite among the cocktail enthusiasts. It is neither too sweet nor too strong, tastes great, and in fact seems to be pretty simple to prepare at home (which makes it the perfect drink to serve during a summer party, a beach-themed event, or even a solo getaway in a glass).
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Cuisines: American, Polynesian
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Course: Beverage, Cocktail
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Servings: 1
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Calories: 180–220 kcal
Ingredients
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1 oz light rum
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1 oz dark rum (for float)
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1/2 oz orange curaçao
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1/2 oz orgeat syrup (almond syrup)
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1 oz fresh lime juice
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1/4 oz simple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
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Crushed ice
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Garnish: mint sprig, lime wheel, cherry, or pineapple wedge (optional)
Equipment
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger (or measuring tool)
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Strainer
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Rocks glass or tiki mug
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Bar spoon
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Knife and cutting board (for garnishes)
Instructions
Step one: Preparation of the Glass
You start by filling your rocks glass or tiki mug with crushed ice. You are also allowed to freeze the glass beforehand to give you a colder cocktail experience.
Step 2: Prepare the Mix
Pour the light rum, orange cura_oacuteame and orgeat syrup, lime juice and simple syrup (where used) into a cocktail shaker. Pour ice in the shaker and shake the ingredients violently to cool them down approximately 15 seconds.
Step 3: Straining and serve
Strain the blend across the broken ice in your ready glass. Pour the dark rum over the back of a spoon slowly so that it floats on the top creating a layered effect.
step 4: garnish
Add a sprig of mint, a slice of lime, and a cherry or wedge of pineapple as a tropical touch to the top of your Mai Tai. It has a refreshing touch in the smell of mint.
Step 5: Savour and Drink
Serve it right away and savour the right mixture of tart, sweet and strong. Mix carefully and drink to get a more homogenous taste.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Alcohol | ~20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 2mg |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
Tips For Success
Take good rum: Use light and dark rum because rum is the base and this should be of good quality. Rums that have aged create depth.
Omit the orgeat syrup: This is an almond-flavored syrup that Makes a Mai Tai unique. It is imperative, but it is not optional.
Fresh lime juice over bottled: Lime juice will give the best results when it is freshly squeezed.
Tropicalize it: Use fruitier pineapple juice instead but purists would argue that that is not a real Mai Tai.
Add bitters: Angostura bitters can be complicated with a couple of dashes.
Smoke it: The glass or garnish with cinnamon that has been burnt.
Final Thoughts
The Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe does not merely feel like a drink, but it is an experience. It is one of those few cocktails that not only takes you back in time but also introduces you to some exotic flavours as well as serves you a cool glass. If you are throwing a luau or even taking a night off, it does not matter because you are sure to be in paradise with your Mai Tai.
