Cocktail Art
Mai-Tai
The Mai-Tai is a classic tropical cocktail known for its rich, sour, and complex profile. It combines white and dark rums with the nutty sweetness of orgeat syrup, bright orange curacao, and fresh lime juice. Created in California during the mid-20th century tiki craze, it is the ultimate refreshing drink for summer parties and warm evenings.
- GlassRocks glass
- MethodShake
- Time3 min
- Strength≈ 17% ABV
How to make a Mai-Tai
Shake it in a rocks glass with crushed ice. About 3 minutes.
- Combine the white rum, dark rum, orange curacao, orgeat syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple spear, a mint leaf, and a half lime slice, then serve with a straw.
Bartender’s tips
- If you do not have dark rum, you can substitute it with overproof rum to add a stronger character to the drink.
- Orange curacao is traditional, but you can use Cointreau, triple sec, or Grand Marnier as a substitute if needed.
- Always use fresh lime juice and freshly crushed ice to keep the drink cold and properly diluted.
You may also like
If you enjoy the tropical flavors of the Mai-Tai, you might also like these classic rum cocktails: Hurricane, Daiquiri, Bacardi, and Cuba Libre.
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★ 4.6 · 584 ratingsMai-Tai questions
What is the alcohol content of a Mai-Tai?
The alcohol by volume (ABV) of this Mai-Tai recipe is about 17 percent, making it a moderately strong cocktail.
Can I substitute orange curacao in a Mai-Tai?
Yes, you can easily substitute orange curacao with Cointreau, dry orange liqueur, triple sec, or Grand Marnier.
What kind of rum is best for a Mai-Tai?
This recipe uses a balanced combination of 30 ml white rum and 30 ml dark rum to create its signature complex flavor profile.