This tropical Mai Tai cocktail is guaranteed to brighten your day.
During a trip to the Hawaiian Islands we enjoyed a few too many Mai Tais. Our favorite casual hangout in Hanalei was Tahiti Nui, famous for its Mai Tais and lively happy hours. That classic island vibe inspired this fresh and balanced version.
A Mai Tai is one of the most recognizable Tiki cocktails. The core elements are rum, an orange liqueur, and orgeat (an almond syrup). Many variations include lime juice and occasionally pineapple juice; the balance of sweet, tart, and caramelized rum character is what makes the drink so appealing. Ian — Clayton’s cousin and a talented home mixologist — shared this Mai Tai recipe with us during a recent visit to New Mexico. It’s smooth, well-balanced, and easy to prepare year-round.
If you enjoy Clayton’s Margarita, consider this its tropical cousin: Ian’s Mai Tai. Big thanks to Ian for the recipe — cheers and enjoy responsibly!
Looking for more fun cocktail recipes? Try these!
Batched Cosmopolitans
Frozen Paloma
Italian Margarita
Ian’s Mai Tai
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces aged rum (I like Pusser’s)
- 2 ounces white rum (I like Cruzan Aged Light)
- 1 ounce Cointreau (or other quality orange liqueur)
- 2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ ounces orgeat syrup (Giffard or Small Hands are good choices)
Instructions
- Combine both rums, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and orgeat in a cocktail shaker.
- Add plenty of ice, then shake vigorously until the shaker feels very cold to the touch.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and, if you like, a pineapple wedge and a pineapple leaf. Mint is also a popular garnish for a bright aroma.
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used only as a general guide.
Additional Info
About this Mai Tai
The appeal of a great Mai Tai lies in its balance: the warmth and depth of aged rum, the bright citrus from fresh lime, the sweet-almond complexity of orgeat, and the orange notes from Cointreau. Using quality ingredients and fresh lime juice makes a noticeable difference.
Tips and Variations
- If you prefer a slightly fruitier version, add a splash of pineapple juice, but adjust the orgeat and lime to keep the balance.
- Try swapping the white rum for a different light rum you enjoy; the aged rum provides richness while the lighter rum adds brightness.
- Orgeat is essential for the almond flavor; if unavailable, you can make a simple substitute at home using almond extract and simple syrup, though the flavor will differ.
- Chill your glass ahead of time and use large ice cubes for slower dilution when serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mai Tai in a rocks glass or a Tiki-style mug over ice. Garnishes like fresh lime, a pineapple wedge, or a sprig of mint add aroma and visual appeal. This cocktail pairs well with grilled seafood, spicy dishes, and tropical salads.
Storage and Leftovers
Cocktails are best enjoyed fresh. If you must store a pre-mixed batch, keep it refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 24 hours and add fresh ice and garnishes just before serving.
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