Mai Tai
Tiki · Rum · Rocks
Created by Trader Vic in 1944, this is the most famous tiki cocktail. The original recipe used J. Wray & Nephew 17-year rum, orgeat syrup, orange curaçao, and lime juice. When a Tahitian friend tasted it, she exclaimed 'Mai Tai - Roa Ae!' meaning 'Out of this world!'
| Glass | Rocks |
| Garnish | None |
| ABV | 22% |
| Category | tiki |
| Flavor | tropical, nutty, citrus, complex |
Ingredients
- Aged Rum2 oz
- Orange Curaçao0.5 oz
- Orgeat Syrup0.5 oz
- Fresh Lime Juice0.75 oz
- Dark Rum0.5 oz
- Fresh Mint Leaves1 sprig
- Lemon Wheel1 piece
Method
- Add aged rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice to shaker
- Fill with ice and shake vigorously
- Strain into rocks glass filled with crushed ice
- Float dark rum on top
- Garnish with mint sprig and lime wheel
Pro Tips
- Trader Vic's 1944 original used 17-year J. Wray & Nephew rum (extinct). Modern spec: half aged Jamaican, half Martinique rhum agricole.
- Orgeat is non-negotiable — almond syrup from a bottle (Giffard, Small Hand Foods) makes or breaks this drink.
- A dark rum float on top isn't in the original but adds visual drama and palate contrast.