Mai Tai Cocktail

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This classic Mai Tai cocktail is boozy, colorful, and delicious! It features two kinds of rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.

This classic Mai Tai cocktail is boozy, colorful, and delicious! It features two kinds of rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.
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Add a Mai Tai to the bar menu at your next get-together! It’s a great choice for a summertime cocktail. 

What Is A Mai Tai?

A Mai Tai is a classic rum-based cocktail that was introduced in Hawaii in the 1950s. It’s a sweet and colorful drink with tropical flavors and colors. In addition to two kinds of rum, Mai Tais contain orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • white rum
  • freshly squeezed lime juice
  • orange curaçao, Grand Marnier, triple sec or another type of orange liqueur
  • orgeat syrup
  • ice
  • dark rum
  • maraschino cherry, lime wedge, pineapple wedge and mint for garnish

How to Make A Mai Tai

  • Pour the white rum, lime juice, orange curacao and orgeat syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.
  • Pour this rum mixture into a glass filled with ice. Slowly add the dark rum by pouring it over a spoon so that it floats on top. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, lime wedge, pineapple wedge, and mint if desired.
This classic Mai Tai cocktail is boozy, colorful, and delicious! It features two kinds of rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.

What Does A Mai Tai Taste Like?

A Mai Tai is a strong cocktail with the perfect amount of sweetness. It features the citrusy flavors of orange and lime and a hint of caramel from dark rum. 

Tips And Tricks

  • Choose high-quality white and dark rum for the best results.
  • Instead of orange curaçao, use Grand Marnier, triple sec or another type of orange liqueur.
  • For a sweeter drink, add freshly squeezed orange juice to taste.
  • Pour the dark rum over a spoon to float it on top. 
  • Add garnishes for a beautiful presentation.  

How To Store A Mai Tai Cocktail

A Mai Tai is best enjoyed immediately, but if you’ve already mixed the ingredients without adding ice, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. 

This classic Mai Tai cocktail is boozy, colorful, and delicious! It features two kinds of rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.

How To Serve A Mai Tai Cocktail

Serve Mai Tais over ice in a tall cocktail glass. If you’re hosting a party, make a pitcher by multiplying the ingredients by the number of drinks you’ll need. Pour into ice-filled glasses and float the dark rum on top. 

What Type Of Rum Is Used In A Mai Tai?

This Mai Tai recipe uses both white and dark rum. For a different flavor, try coconut rum or another flavor of good quality rum. 

What Can I Use To Substitute Orgeat Syrup?

Orgeat syrup is made with raw almonds, sugar, water, vodka, and orange flower water. It has a very distinct flavor that’s hard to duplicate. If you can’t source orgeat syrup, you can make a batch of demerara syrup and add ⅛ teaspoon of almond extract. 

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This classic Mai Tai cocktail is boozy, colorful, and delicious! It features two kinds of rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.

Mai Tai Cocktail

By: Izzy
This classic Mai Tai cocktail is boozy, colorful, and delicious! It features two kinds of rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.
Prep: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ ounces white rum
  • ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ ounce orange curaçao, Grand Marnier, triple sec or another type of orange liqueur
  • ½ ounce orgeat syrup
  • ice
  • ¾ ounce dark rum
  • maraschino cherry, lime wedge, pineapple wedge and mint, for garnish

Instructions 

  • Pour the white rum, lime juice, orange curacao and orgeat syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.
  • Pour this rum mixture into a glass filled with ice. Slowly add the dark rum by pouring it over a spoon so that it floats on top.
  • Garnish with a maraschino cherry, lime wedge, pineapple wedge, and mint if desired.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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