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Mai Tai
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.62 / 5
The Mai Tai cocktail is a tropical and refreshing drink that originated in the sunny beaches of California during the 1940s. Its name, which translates to "good" in Tahitian, perfectly captures the delicious and exotic flavor of this cocktail. The original recipe was created by Victor Bergeron, also known as Trader Vic, and it quickly gained popularity as a symbol of tiki culture. The Mai Tai is a balanced blend of lime juice, white rum, Jamaican rum, sugar syrup, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup, resulting in a luscious and fruity flavor with a hint of almond. It is often served with a garnish of mint or a slice of lime and is best enjoyed on a warm summer day.
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IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Invented
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1944
Base ingredient
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White rum
Calories
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251 calories
Garnish
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Pineapple, mint, lime
Alcohol content
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20.51% | 2.63 units *
Details
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Classic
Shaken

Tags

White rum ingredient icon
White rum cocktails
Orgeat Syrup ingredient icon
Top ten Orgeat Syrup cocktails

Lowball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Lime juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Mai Tai cocktail
Lime juice
White rum cocktail ingredient icon for the Mai Tai cocktail
White rum
Jamaican rum cocktail ingredient icon for the Mai Tai cocktail
Jamaican rum
Sugar Syrup cocktail ingredient icon for the Mai Tai cocktail
Sugar Syrup
Orange liqueur cocktail ingredient icon for the Mai Tai cocktail
Orange liqueur
Orgeat Syrup cocktail ingredient icon for the Mai Tai cocktail
Orgeat Syrup
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Mai Tai is a quintessential tiki cocktail that expertly balances the tartness of lime juice with the complex sweetness of orgeat and orange liqueur, creating a seamless tropical beverage that's both refreshing and robust. The dual rums—silky white and rich Jamaican—introduce a spirited complexity, ensuring the drink remains a beloved staple for those who appreciate vibrant yet harmonious flavors in their cocktails.

Method
How to make a Mai Tai

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a lowball glass
Garnish with a pineapple spear, mint leaves and a lime peel, and serve

Power tips
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Use freshly squeezed lime juice to ensure the best possible flavor and brightness in your Mai Tai.
Consider using a mix of Jamaican and Demerara rum for added depth and complexity in the cocktail.
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Mai Tai masterclass

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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Mai Tai?

The Mai Tai was originally created in the 1940s. There's a bit of a debate about its exact origin, but it is widely believed to have been invented by Trader Vic (Victor J. Bergeron) in Oakland, California. Another claim is by Don the Beachcomber, a competitor, who claimed to have created it in 1933 in his bar in Hollywood. Regardless of its origin, the Mai Tai is a staple of Tiki culture.

Faq icon

Why is it called a Mai Tai?

The name 'Mai Tai' comes from the Tahitian word 'Maita'i', which is a term for 'good' or 'excellence'. According to the popular story by Trader Vic, he created the cocktail for some friends visiting from Tahiti, and after tasting it, one of them exclaimed, 'Maita'i roa ae!', which means 'very good!' or 'the best!' in Tahitian, and the name stuck.

Customization ideas icon

What makes a Mai Tai unique compared to other cocktails?

What sets the Mai Tai apart is its combination of two different types of rum (White rum and Jamaican rum), along with the distinctive flavors of orgeat syrup (an almond-flavored syrup) and orange liqueur, typically balanced with lime juice and sugar syrup. This mix not only gives the Mai Tai its unique taste but also its layered complexity that's hard to find in other cocktails.

Faq icon

Can I use any kind of rum for a Mai Tai?

For an authentic Mai Tai, it's recommended to use a good quality white rum and a darker, aged Jamaican rum. The combination of these two types of rum helps to create the classic Mai Tai flavor profile. However, variations of the cocktail might use different rums based on personal preference or availability.

Food pairings icon

What kind of food pairs well with a Mai Tai?

Mai Tais, with their sweet and tangy flavor profile, pair excellently with a wide range of foods, especially Polynesian, Hawaiian, and general tropical-themed cuisines. They go particularly well with seafood, grilled meats, and dishes with sweet and sour elements. The cocktail's bold flavors can also complement spicy foods by providing a refreshing contrast.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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