Cocktail
Mai Tai
How to make a Mai Tai - the legendary tiki cocktail of rum, orange liqueur, lime and almond syrup (orgeat). This is how the classic succeeds.
6 minPrep time
mediumDifficulty
TumblerGlass
1Serving(s)
The Mai Tai is the supreme discipline of tiki cocktails and the flagship of the American exotic bars of the 1940s. Its secret lies in the balance of strong rum, lime and the nutty almond syrup orgeat. Mixed correctly it is fruity, complex and anything but sweet.
Instructions
- Fill a tumbler with crushed ice and set aside.
- Add rum, curaçao, lime juice, orgeat and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill up with ice cubes and shake hard.
- Strain the drink over the crushed ice in the tumbler.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a piece of lime peel.
Garnish: Sprig of mint and lime peel
Pro tip: Orgeat is the secret star - the almond syrup gives the Mai Tai its typical nutty depth. Without it the drink lacks character.
Frequently asked questions
What is orgeat?
Orgeat is a sweet almond syrup with a hint of orange blossom. It gives the Mai Tai its characteristic nutty note and is essential for the original taste.
Who invented the Mai Tai?
The Mai Tai is attributed to Victor 'Trader Vic' Bergeron, who created it in 1944 at his bar in Oakland. The name comes from the Tahitian 'maita'i', which means roughly 'good'.
Which rum goes in a Mai Tai?
Classically an aromatic dark rum from Jamaica. Many recipes blend two different rums to achieve more complexity.
Ingredients
- Dark rum (Jamaica)4 cl
- Orange liqueur (Curaçao)2 cl
- Lime juice (fresh)2 cl
- Almond syrup (orgeat)1.5 cl
- Simple syrup0.5 cl
