Classic Mai Tai Recipe

This iconic tiki cocktail balances sweet, sour, and nutty flavors with the kick of rum.

Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• Garnish: Lime wedge, mint sprig, and optional spent lime shell
• 2 oz aged rum (preferably a blend of dark and gold)
• ¾ oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz orange curaçao (or Cointreau)
• ½ oz orgeat syrup

Equipment:

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Ice
• Double old-fashioned glass or tiki mug

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for the best flavor!

Step 2: Add Rum to the Shaker

Pour 2 ounces of your aged rum into the cocktail shaker. Using a blend of a darker, more flavorful rum and a gold rum is often recommended for complexity.

Step 3: Add Fresh Lime Juice

Measure out ¾ ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice and add it to the shaker. Avoid using bottled lime juice for the best taste.

Step 4: Add Orange Curaçao

Next, add ½ ounce of orange curaçao (or a similar orange liqueur like Cointreau) to the shaker. This provides a sweet orange flavor.

Step 5: Add Orgeat Syrup

Pour in ½ ounce of orgeat syrup. This almond-based syrup is a key ingredient that gives the Mai Tai its signature nutty flavor.

Step 6: Add Ice to the Shaker

Fill the cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice.

Step 7: Shake Well

Securely place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.

Step 8: Strain into a Glass with Ice

Fill a double old-fashioned glass or tiki mug with fresh ice. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.

Step 9: Garnish

Garnish your Mai Tai with a fresh lime wedge and a vibrant mint sprig. For an extra touch, you can also float a spent lime shell (the squeezed-out half of the lime) on top.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Your classic Mai Tai is now ready to be enjoyed! Sip slowly and savor the tropical flavors.

Tips and Variations:

• Rum Selection: Experiment with different aged rums to find your preferred flavor profile. Jamaican and Martinique rums are popular choices.
• Orgeat Quality: Use a high-quality orgeat syrup for the best nutty flavor.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can slightly reduce the amount of orgeat syrup.
• Dark Rum Float: For a more visually appealing and boozy Mai Tai, you can gently float a small amount (½ oz) of dark, high-proof rum on top of the finished drink.
• Other Garnishes: Feel free to get creative with your garnishes, such as adding a pineapple wedge or a cocktail cherry.

Cheers to your delicious homemade Mai Tai! Enjoy responsibly.