Mai Tai Recipe (Classic co*cktail) - Mom On Timeout (2024)

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A classic Mai Tai just can’t be beat for its refreshing, tropical flavors! This easy Mai Tai recipe includes rum, fresh lime juice, sweet and citrusy orange liqueur and orgeat syrup. Together they combine to make a unique co*cktail perfect for unwinding this weekend or for serving at your next party.

Looking for a fun refresh? Make sure to try my Midori Sour recipe or this Pineapple Margarita for your next weekend wind down!

Mai Tai Recipe (Classic co*cktail) - Mom On Timeout (1)

Mai Tai Recipe

Whether you’re looking to cool off during the hot summer months or are simply dreaming of beaches during the dead of winter, this Mai Tai drink will transport you instantly to that summer fantasy.

I love a classic co*cktail recipe and this Mai Tai is no exception. The combination of white and dark rum, lime and orange creates a tropical explosion of flavor like no other. Whether you’re planning a pool party or setting up your own backyard Mai Tai bar, this recipe is a must make this summer.

Fun Fact

Typically associated with tiki bars and Hawaiian resorts, this Mai Tai drink was actually invented in California… Or so the story goes. The original co*cktail is claimed to have been invented in the 1940’s as a simple drink to showcase the flavors in Jamaican rum. It’s rumored that the drink became so popular in the 40’s and 50’s that it actually depleted the world rum supplies at the time!

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Over the years, the classic Mai Tai was sweetened to appease tourists and it has taken on several variations since then. But a classic is a classic, and the real recipe is simply too iconic not to share.

Mai Tai Recipe (Classic co*cktail) - Mom On Timeout (2)

Why I Love This Mai Tai Recipe

I love this co*cktail because…

  • It’s so unique. The nutty flavor of the orgeat syrup is something that can’t be replaced. It’s not too sweet but it is a strong drink. Perfect for switching up all the sticky sweet pineapple based drinks typically associated with rum and tiki bars.
  • It’s a crowd pleaser. This co*cktail can easily be made into a large batch for those summertime get togethers or Hawaiian themed parties! A fun Mai Tai bar would so amazing for summer parties.
  • Tropical flavors can’t be beat. I love the tropical flavors in this co*cktail and the Mai Tai ingredients list is short and easy to find at your local grocery store.
Mai Tai Recipe (Classic co*cktail) - Mom On Timeout (3)

Mai Tai Ingredients

This recipe may seem complex but the unique flavors and special Mai Tai ingredients really set this libation above the rest. No tiki bar necessary (but may be encouraged).What’s in a Mai Tai? Let’s take a quick look and, as always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post:

  • rum – You’ll need both white and dark rum for this drink.
  • lime juice – Freshly squeezed is best.
  • orange curacao – Triple sec or Grand Marnier can act as substitutes for the orange curacao.
  • orgeat syrup – This gives the drink a nutty flavor with a hint of citrus.
  • garnishes – Maraschino cherries, lime slices or wedges, pineapple chunks or wedges, and mint.
  • ice – To chill everything.

Garnishes are what really take any co*cktail to the next level. This Mai Tai co*cktail can handle a lot of garnish so don’t skimp here!

How To Make A Mai Tai

Planning a seriously amazing pool party? Fantasizing over a backyard Mai Tai bar? Ground that fantasy in a little bit of reality with this deliciously refreshing Mai Tai recipe.

  1. Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice. Pour in the white rum, lime juice, orange curacao, and orgeat syrup. Shake vigorously to combine.
  2. Pour this mixture into a glass over ice. Slowly pour the dark rum over top so that it creates a floating layer. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, lime, pineapple, and mint.
  3. Sit back, sip, and enjoy!
Mai Tai Recipe (Classic co*cktail) - Mom On Timeout (4)

For a tropical twist with a coconut flair, use your favorite coconut rum in this recipe.

Recipe Variations

There is no wrong way to enjoy a Mai Tai! Try this classic version once and then mix it up with these tasty variations:

  • While I highly recommend fresh lime juice, you can useRose’s Sweetened Lime Juicefor a sweeter version. Use one to two teaspoons depending on your desired level of sweetness.
  • Try adding a tablespoon or so of fresh squeezed orange juice for a touch of sweetness.
  • You can use Grand Marnier or triple sec in place of the orange curacao.

Storage Information

This co*cktail recipe is best enjoyed fresh. I don’t recommend storing for a prolonged period of time. It’s best to be made and enjoyed immediately.

FAQs

How Can I Adapt This Recipe For A Party?

Easily make a whole round of this Mai Tai co*cktail for a crowd. Simply add the ingredients (chilled) to a pitcher or punch bowl (simply multiply the ingredients by the number or servings you want, for example, 8.) When ready to serve, pour the punch into individual glasses, float the dark rum over top, garnish, and enjoy!

Is There A Substitution For Orgeat Syrup?

When it comes to taste, unfortunately there isn’t a great substitute. Of course you can still make the drink without it, but it won’t be a true Mai Tai drink. The nutty flavor solidifies the recipe and pairs perfectly with the rum. However, the orgeat syrup shouldn’t be too hard to find and isn’t expensive. Most larger wine and spirit stores will have it and it can easily be ordered online.

Mai Tai Recipe (Classic co*cktail) - Mom On Timeout (5)

Trish’s Tips and Tricks

  • For and added punch, mix gold and light rum in the base of the drink before floating the dark rum on top. This drink was originally created to showcase the flavors in rum, the traditional recipe is quite strong.
  • For a coconut version, use coconut rum as your base.
  • High quality rum really does make a difference in this recipe since the drink is mostly spirits.

More co*cktails You’ll Love

  1. Vodka Cranberry co*cktail
  2. Basil Lemon Drop
  3. Espresso Martini
  4. Pineapple Margarita
  5. Pineapple Strawberry Mojito
  6. Midori Sour

How To Make A Mai Tai

Mai Tai Recipe (Classic co*cktail) - Mom On Timeout (6)

Print Pin

5 from 23 votes

Mai Tai Recipe (Classic co*cktail)

A classic Mai Tai just can’t be beat for its refreshing, tropical flavors! This easy Mai Tai recipe includes rum, fresh lime juice, sweet and citrusy orange liqueur and orgeat syrup. Together they combine to make a unique co*cktail perfect for unwinding this weekend or for serving at your next party.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword mai tai, mai tai drink, mai tai recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 300kcal

Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces white rum
  • ½ ounce lime juice fresh squeezed
  • ½ ounce orange curacao or Grand Marnier or triple sec or orange liqueur
  • ½ ounce orgeat syrup
  • ice
  • ¾ ounce dark rum
  • Garnishes: maraschino cherry lime, pineapple, mint

Instructions

  • Pour the white rum, fresh lime juice, orange curacao and the orgeat syrup into a co*cktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.

    1 ½ ounces white rum, ½ ounce lime juice, ½ ounce orange curacao, ½ ounce orgeat syrup, ice

  • Pour rum mixture over ice in a glass. Slowly pour the dark rum so it floats on top. (Pour over a spoon to easily layer the dark rum.)

    ¾ ounce dark rum

  • Add garnishes of maraschino cherry, limes, pineapple, and mint. (optional)

    Garnishes: maraschino cherry

Notes

Storage Information: This co*cktail recipe is best enjoyed fresh. I don’t recommend storing for a prolonged period of time. It’s best to be made and enjoyed immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g

Mai Tai Recipe (Classic co*cktail) - Mom On Timeout (2024)

FAQs

Mai Tai Recipe (Classic co*cktail) - Mom On Timeout? ›

The Mai Tai is one of the most famous Tiki drinks in the world. Composed of rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice and orgeat (a nuanced almond syrup), it's held sway over co*cktail enthusiasts and Tiki aficionados for decades. It even enjoyed a star turn in the Elvis film “Blue Hawaii.”

What is a mai tai co*cktail made of? ›

The Mai Tai is one of the most famous Tiki drinks in the world. Composed of rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice and orgeat (a nuanced almond syrup), it's held sway over co*cktail enthusiasts and Tiki aficionados for decades. It even enjoyed a star turn in the Elvis film “Blue Hawaii.”

What's the difference between Mai Tai and Bahama Mama? ›

A bahama mama contains orange juice, pineapple juice, and coconut rum, while a mai tai is made of two types of rum, orange Curaçao, and orgeat syrup.

Is Mai Tai a strong drink? ›

Most mai tai recipes are rather potent drinks, mixing up to around 20 percent ABV (40 proof) when made with two 80 proof rums. The amount of alcohol will vary; some mai tais are stronger, while the fruitier recipes are slightly lighter.

What does Mai Tai stand for? ›

The name was allegedly taken from maitaʻi, the Tahitian word for "good" or "excellence", although the drink is usually spelled as two words, sometimes hyphenated or capitalized.

Who made the original Mai Tai? ›

In 1934, Victor Jules Bergeron, or Trader Vic as he became known, opened his first restaurant in Oakland, San Francisco. He served Polynesian food with a mix of Chinese, French and American dishes cooked in wood-fired ovens. But he is best-known for the rum-based co*cktails he created and particularly for the Mai Tai.

What type of liquor does an Ultimate Mai Tai contain? ›

The Ultimate Mai Tai Rum Blend is equal parts of: Appleton 12 Rare Casks Jamaica Rum. Smith & Cross Jamaica Rum. Planteray (Plantation) Xaymaca Special Dry Jamaica Rum.

How many types of rum should you use for a Mai Tai? ›

The mai tai combines white rum, dark rum, Grand Marnier, almond-based orgeat syrup and fresh lime juice. The dark rum is aged, giving the co*cktail a deep, caramel-like flavor that's both smoky and sweet. It balances the white rum, which offers a lighter, more subtle fruity flavor.

Is Mai Tai good for you? ›

Mai Tai. Tropical drinks, like Mai Tais, are usually made with sugar-heavy juices and, occasionally, pre-made mixes. The excessive calories contained in fruity co*cktails like this can displace more nutritious foods and well-rounded meals, causing you not only to gain weight but also to become undernourished.

What's the difference between a hurricane drink and a Mai Tai? ›

What is the difference between a Hurricane and a Mai Tai? The main difference between a Hurricane and a Mai Tai is that the Mai Tai typically includes almond-flavored syrup, while the Hurricane includes passion fruit juice.

What orange liqueur is best for Mai Tai? ›

Our preferred brand is the Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, as we've found it to be a little bit more neutrally balanced in the co*cktail than some other brands. You can definitely taste the orange but it doesn't get in the way of the rum in your Mai Tai.

What is the strongest co*cktail? ›

While Hemingway suggests drinking “three to five of these slowly”, we would definitely have to disagree. And last on our list, but certainly not the least (amount of alcohol, that is), we have the Aunt Roberta. This co*cktail contains 100% liquor and is widely regarded as THE strongest co*cktail in the world.

What do Chinese drink the most? ›

For China, it's Baiju (or shaojiu) – a collection of at least a dozen Chinese liquors made from different types of grain, including sorghum, wheat, barley and millet. Although it's not super well known outside of China, Baiju is the world's highest-selling spirit.

What's the difference between Mai Tai and daiquiri? ›

It's rum, orange juice, lime, and Curaçao. The biggest difference between his Mai Tai and the Daiquiri No. 2 is that the orange is now orange liqueur, and instead of light Cuban rum, it's very heavy Jamaican.

What is the largest Mai Tai? ›

The final product weighed in at more than 900 lbs. and well surpassed the previous record of 55 gallons. The monumental Mai Tai was witnessed and certified by Raul Faria, president of the Las Vegas chapter of the U.S. Bartenders' Guild. What did The Golden Tiki do with the giant drink following its creation?

What does Mai Tai mean in Chinese? ›

埋汰 mái tai. (dialect) dirty to mock sb.

What is orgeat liquor? ›

L'Orgeat is an artisanally crafted liqueur made from neutral cane spirit, almonds, rose water, orange blossom, and raw organic cane sugar. Made with integrity, free from any artificial flavoring or colorants. Nothing artificial, just genuine goodness.

What is a Mai Tai supposed to taste like? ›

The mai tai combines white rum, dark rum, Grand Marnier, almond-based orgeat syrup and fresh lime juice. The dark rum is aged, giving the co*cktail a deep, caramel-like flavor that's both smoky and sweet. It balances the white rum, which offers a lighter, more subtle fruity flavor.

What's the difference between a Mai Tai and a daiquiri? ›

It's rum, orange juice, lime, and Curaçao. The biggest difference between his Mai Tai and the Daiquiri No. 2 is that the orange is now orange liqueur, and instead of light Cuban rum, it's very heavy Jamaican.

What can I use instead of orgeat liquor? ›

Other Orgeat Substitute Ideas
  • Amaretto liqueurs: it is an Italian liqueur with a bitter almond flavor but made from apricots.
  • Creme de Noyaux: an almond-flavored creme liqueur.
  • Falernum: a Caribbean mixer with a slight nuttiness amongst its lime and spice flavors.
Mar 24, 2022

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