Mai Tai
Also known as: Май Тай, Май-Тай, Mai Tai
Illustration generated by AI from the recipe’s glass, ice and garnish — not a photograph of a real pour.
- Method: shake
- Glass: Double rocks glass
- Ice: Crushed ice
- Garnish: Mint sprig and a spent lime shell
- ABV: 18%
Ingredients
- Aged rum — 2 oz (60 ml)
- Fresh lime juice — ¾ oz (22.5 ml)
- Orange curaçao — ½ oz (15 ml)
- Orgeat (almond syrup) — ½ oz (15 ml)
- Simple syrup — ¼ oz (7.5 ml)
How to make it
- Shake everything with a scoop of crushed ice.
- Pour, unstrained, into a double rocks glass and top with more crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and the spent lime shell.
Mai Tai is a tropical cocktail with a rich flavor, perfect for summer relaxation.
The story
The Mai Tai is believed to have originated in the 1940s in California, credited to either Victor J. Bergeron of Trader Vic's or Donn Beach of Don the Beachcomber. Its name is derived from the Tahitian phrase 'Maita'i roa ae,' meaning 'good' or 'excellent.' The cocktail gained popularity for its tropical flavors and became a staple in tiki culture, symbolizing escapism and leisure.
How it tastes
The Mai Tai features a balanced blend of sweet and tart flavors, with the nuttiness of orgeat syrup complementing the rum's richness. It's typically served as a refreshing drink during warm weather or at tiki-themed gatherings, making it ideal for summer parties.
Getting it right
The key to a successful Mai Tai lies in the balance of ingredients and the quality of rum used. Shaking the cocktail well ensures that the flavors meld together, while straining into a chilled glass maintains the drink's refreshing nature. Proper garnishing enhances its visual appeal.
Variations
- Royal Mai Tai — This variation replaces light rum with dark rum and adds a splash of pineapple juice for a sweeter profile.
- Hurricane Mai Tai — Combining elements of the classic Mai Tai and the Hurricane, this version includes passion fruit juice and grenadine.
Substitutions
- Orgeat Syrup — Almond syrup can be used as a substitute, though it may lack the distinctive flavor of orgeat.
- Triple Sec — Cointreau or another orange liqueur can replace triple sec for a more refined taste.
Questions
- What rum is best for a Mai Tai?
- A blend of light and dark rums is typically recommended for a Mai Tai. Look for high-quality rums to enhance the flavor profile.
- Can I make a Mai Tai without orgeat syrup?
- While orgeat syrup is a key ingredient, you can use almond syrup as a substitute, but the drink will taste different.
- Is the Mai Tai a strong cocktail?
- With an ABV of around 11%, the Mai Tai is moderately strong, but its sweet and fruity flavors can mask the alcohol content.
This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.
Updated
Same Base
- Mai Tai (Trader Vic's) Cocktail
- Maid in Cuba
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- Maison Charles Daiquiri
- Major Bailey #2
- Malecon Cocktail
Same Method
Same Glass
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Rum · Shake · A-Z: M · Catalog
