Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
Forget booking a flight to Bora Bora—your taste buds can teleport there in seconds.
The Mai Tai isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a vacation in a glass. Rum, citrus, orgeat, and a hint of chaos. Ready to mix magic?
Most Mai Tais taste like sad pineapple juice with identity issues. Not this one. We’re sticking to the 1944 Trader Vic’s original—no neon mixers, no regret.
The balance of aged rum, fresh lime, and almond sweetness is stupidly good. It’s strong but smooth, sweet but sharp, and 100% Instagram-worthy.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 (double it if you’re sharing—or don’t, we won’t judge)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chill your glass. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and let it sit while you prep. No one likes a lukewarm cocktail.
- Shake it like you mean it. In a cocktail shaker, combine rum, lime juice, curaçao, orgeat, and simple syrup with ice. Shake for 12 seconds—long enough to wake up the flavors, not your neighbors.
- Strain into the glass. Dump the ice from your chilled glass, then strain the mix over fresh crushed ice. Pro move: Leave some space for garnish.
- Garnish like a boss. Slap the mint sprig (to release aroma), tuck it in with a lime wheel, and pretend you’re on a beach.
Nutritional Values
Calories: ~220
Carbs: 14g
Sugar: 12g
Alcohol: 16g
FYI, this isn’t a health drink. It’s a happiness drink.
Storage Instructions
Don’t. Mai Tais are meant to be fresh. But if you must prep ahead, mix everything except ice and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cheap rum. This isn’t a frat party. Aged rum adds caramel depth; skip the gasoline-grade stuff.
- Overdoing the sweetener. Orgeat is potent. Measure it, or your drink will taste like marzipan gone wrong.
- Neglecting fresh lime. Bottled juice tastes like despair. Squeeze it fresh.
Alternatives for the Rebellious
- No orgeat? Use almond syrup + a drop of orange flower water.
- Vegan? Ensure your orgeat is vegan (some use dairy).
- Lower sugar? Skip simple syrup and use a sugar-free orgeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spiced rum?
Technically yes, but it’ll taste like Christmas in Tahiti. Stick to aged rum.
What if I don’t have a shaker?
A mason jar works. So does vigorous stirring—just commit to it.
Is orgeat necessary?
Yes. It’s the Mai Tai’s secret weapon. Without it, you’re just drinking rum with trust issues.
Can I batch-make Mai Tais for a party?
Absolutely. Mix everything (no ice), refrigerate, and shake per drink. Your guests will crown you host of the year.
Why does my Mai Tai taste bitter?
You over-squeezed the lime. Avoid the white pith—it’s the enemy.
Final Thoughts
The Mai Tai is the ultimate no-regrets cocktail. It’s easy, impressive, and tastes like a sunset. Whether you’re drowning Monday blues or celebrating Friday wins, this recipe delivers.
So grab a shaker, channel your inner bartender, and mix one tonight. Cheers—or as they say in Polynesia, mana!
