The last time I visited Hawaii, finding the classic Mai Tai was high on my vacation agenda. It turned out that there are a lot of different recipes out there for a Mai Tai, depending on which island bar you find yourself in. I am not sure anyone can decide on the original recipe. In fact, even the history of its creation is disputed according to Wikipedia. There is, however, general agreement about the basic ingredients:
White rum, dark rum, orange curaçao, Orgeat syrup and fresh lime juice.
The recipe I am sharing is the way I remember how I was taught to make them years ago when I tended bar. I add orange and pineapple juices. I really like the combination of the citrus with the tart sweetness of pineapple, along with white rum and dark rum. The picture here was taken on the balcony of our condo at Wailea, Maui after I got inspired to recreate my “classic” Mai Tai. Hope you enjoy it!
Mai Tai
Print recipeIngredients
- 1 1/2 Ounces Silver Rum
- 3/4 Ounce Orange Curacao
- 2 Ounces Orange Juice
- 2 Ounces Pineapple Juice
- 1 Wedge Fresh Lime (squeezed)
- 3/4 Ounce Orgeat
- 1 Ounce Dark Rum
- 1 Wedge Pineapple
- 1 Umbrella (optional)
Directions
| Mix all ingredients together in shaker except Dark Rum | |
| Float Dark Rum on top. | |
| Add lime squeeze and pineapple. | |
