Searching for the perfect Mai Tai recipe? We’ve got you covered with the authentic version of this tropical classic. While many beach bars serve sugary, artificial versions, our Mai Tai recipe honors the original formula created by Trader Vic in 1944 – balanced, nuanced, and showcasing quality rum rather than hiding behind syrupy sweetness. This is the sophisticated tiki cocktail your home bar deserves.
What Is a Mai Tai Cocktail?
The Mai Tai is a rum-based cocktail featuring orange liqueur, lime juice, and orgeat syrup. Created by Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron in 1944, the name comes from the Tahitian phrase “Maita’i roa ae!” meaning “Out of this world – the best!” exclaimed by the first Tahitian guest who tried it. Contrary to popular belief, the original Mai Tai wasn’t designed as a fruity beach drink but rather as a sophisticated vehicle to showcase the complex flavors of quality aged rum.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make a Mai Tai Recipe
How to Make a Mai Tai Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the aged rum, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and orgeat syrup with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until properly chilled and diluted.
- Strain into a double old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.
- Gently float the dark rum over the top by pouring it over the back of a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and lime wedge, positioning them to release aromatics with each sip.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Tip 1: For an elevated experience, use a blend of rums – try combining equal parts of Jamaican and Martinique rhum agricole for complexity reminiscent of the now-extinct 17-year Wray & Nephew rum from the original recipe.
- Tip 2: Quality orgeat makes all the difference – invest in a craft version or make your own from toasted almonds, sugar, and orange flower water.
- Tip 3: Crushed ice is non-negotiable – it properly dilutes the drink while keeping it cold throughout the drinking experience.
How to serve this cocktail
Serve in a double old-fashioned glass or traditional Mai Tai glass with crushed ice. Some establishments use elaborate tiki mugs, but we prefer glassware that showcases the drink’s amber color gradation. This cocktail is perfect for warm evenings, weekend gatherings, or whenever you need a momentary tropical escape without sacrificing sophistication.
More Cocktail Recipes
Looking to explore the world of rum-based classics? Check out our Daiquiri, Mojito, and Dark ‘n Stormy recipes, or browse our complete Rum Cocktail Collection for more tropical inspirations.
Mai Tai Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz aged rum like dark or golden rum
- 1 oz orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Curaçao
- ¾ oz lime juice freshly squeezed
- ½ oz orgeat syrup
- ½ oz dark rum for float
- Mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine aged rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, and orgeat syrup with ice.
- Shake well until chilled (about 15 seconds).
- 4. 5. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Gently float the dark rum over the top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.
Video
Recipe FAQs
While orgeat’s almond and subtle floral notes are crucial to an authentic Mai Tai, in a pinch, you can create a simplified version by mixing 1 part amaretto with 3 parts simple syrup. The result won’t be identical but will preserve some of the nutty character.
The original Trader Vic’s Mai Tai contained no juice beyond fresh lime. The fruit juice versions emerged later as the drink gained popularity in Hawaii and at resort bars. While refreshing, those variations mask the complex rum flavors that define a true Mai Tai.
For historical accuracy, use a blend of aged Jamaican rum (like Appleton Estate) and rhum agricole from Martinique. If simplifying, choose a quality aged golden rum with pronounced vanilla, oak, and tropical fruit notes rather than a light or spiced variety.
Yes, a properly made Mai Tai contains approximately 2 ounces of rum plus orange liqueur, making it a relatively strong cocktail despite its balanced, approachable taste. Its potency is often underestimated due to the pleasant flavor profile.
Both are tiki classics, but the Zombie contains three different rums, grapefruit juice, cinnamon syrup, and absinthe, creating a more complex and significantly stronger drink. The Mai Tai, by comparison, is more focused on showcasing quality rum with complementary flavors.
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