Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones
August 20, 2025

Image source: A Bar Above

Prep Time

4 minutes

Servings

1

Glassware

Old Fashioned Glass

Ingredients

1 oz aged Jamaican rum (30 ml)
1 oz Martinique or agricole-style rum (30 ml)
¾ oz fresh lime juice (22 ml)
½ oz orange curaçao (15 ml)
¼ oz orgeat syrup (7 ml)
¼ oz simple syrup (7 ml)
½ oz dark rum (15 ml), to float
Mint sprig and spent lime shell, for garnish

Tools

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Jigger
Citrus juicer
Cocktail shaker
Hawthorne strainer
Bar spoon

Directions

Add all ingredients except the dark rum to a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice.
Shake briefly for 5–7 seconds.
Pour the mix into a Old Fashioned glass.
Carefully float the dark rum on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.

Mixologist's Notes

Trader Vic originally used a blend of Jamaican and Martinique rums — a practice many bartenders continue for added complexity.
The lime shell garnish isn’t just decorative; it can hold a splash of overproof rum for a dramatic “flaming Mai Tai” presentation.
Resist the urge to add pineapple or orange juice — those belong to later, less authentic variations.

Flavor Profile

Bold, nutty, and citrusy with layered tropical complexity.

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About the Mai Tai cocktail

Few drinks carry as much myth and lore as the Mai Tai. Created in 1944 by Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron in Oakland, California, the cocktail was born from Vic’s desire to showcase the depth and complexity of aged Jamaican rum.

Legend has it that after serving the drink to Tahitian friends, one of them exclaimed, “Maita’i roa ae!” — meaning “out of this world, the best!”

The name stuck, and the Mai Tai soon became a global sensation.

Over time, its reputation was muddled by overly sweet, fruit-punch-like imitations, but the original Mai Tai remains a beautifully balanced rum sour that highlights quality ingredients and careful construction.

What Makes the Mai Tai Cocktail Special

The Mai Tai isn’t just a tiki drink; it’s a testament to rum itself. By layering an aged rum with orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat, it achieves balance between rich spirit, nutty sweetness, and fresh citrus.

Unlike the sugary versions found in beach bars, the true Mai Tai is crisp, refreshing, and complex.

It has body from the orgeat, brightness from the lime, and tropical depth from the rum — making it a cocktail that never feels one-note.

Spirit Swaps and Food Pairings

Use a blend of aged Jamaican rum and agricole rum for a more authentic, funky profile.
Swap curaçao for triple sec or Grand Marnier if needed, though curaçao provides the most traditional orange note.
Experiment with almond liqueurs if orgeat is unavailable.

The Mai Tai pairs beautifully with Polynesian-inspired dishes like poke, grilled seafood, or roasted pork. Its nutty sweetness also complements spicy foods, making it a natural companion for Thai or Hawaiian cuisine.

Why It Endures

The Mai Tai’s endurance lies in its elegant simplicity and iconic flavor balance. When made properly, it proves that tiki drinks can be sophisticated cocktails rather than just vacation treats.

Its tropical presentation — often adorned with mint and a lime shell — only adds to its lasting appeal.