How to Make a Mai Tai

Guide Note Ah, the tropical taste of a Mai Tai! Whether it conjures up thoughts of a Polynesian beach vacation or memories of a Friday night tradition at the local Chinese restaurant, this tropical drink has been an American tradition since it was introduced at Trader Vic's in Oakland, California in 1944. This guide to How to Make a Mai Tai will have you sipping away in no time!

Table of Contents

Mai Tai Tips

  1. Substitute 151 rum for part of the light or dark rum for a higher octane Mai Tai.
  2. Top with 1/2 ounce of dark rum.
  3. Some people use blue curacao instead of orange for the color.
  4. Party stores sell the little paper umbrellas, which give Mai Tais an air of authenticity.
  5. Can be prepared ahead and stored in a pitcher in the refrigerator.

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Introduction

  • What is a trip to a Chinese restaurant without a Mai Tai? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to enjoy one at home? Well, now you can! A few simple ingredients and tools, and you'll be sipping away in Polynesian splendor.

What You'll Need

(Creative Commons photo by Marc Levin)
(Creative Commons photo by Marc Levin)

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Rum
    • Mix light and dark, or use one type, depending on your preference.
  • 1/2 ounce Orgeat, an almond flavored liqueur
  • 1/2 ounce Orange Curacao
  • 1/4 ounce Simple Syrup
  • 2 ounces Fresh Lime Juice
  • Lime Wedge for garnish
  • Crushed Ice

Equipment

Making a Mai Tai

  1. Fill glass with ice.
  2. Combine the remaining ingredients in cocktail shaker.
  3. Shake until well mixed.
  4. Pour into rocks glass, over the ice.
  5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

"Don the Beachcomber" disputes the claim that the original Mai Tai was created at Trader Vic's. If you'd like to try the competing version, the Food Network has it available here.

Tips and Tricks for Making A Mai Tai

  1. A Rock Candy swizzle stick is a nice touch!
  2. Can thread cherries on a tropical umbrella stirrer for the full Chinese restaurant effect.
  3. Some people prefer Grand Marnier to the Orange Curacao.
  4. You can replace the orgeat with amaretto, or a drop of almond extract.
  5. Can make the glasses special by dipping the rims in simple syrup, then sugar.
  6. If you're serving a crowd, this recipe from All Recipes makes a gallon!

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