Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

Mai Tai

|

Posted: 09/07/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
|
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

This Mai Tai cocktail recipe is simple and treats your tastebuds to the authentic Mai Tai experience. Fruity and nutty, this tropical rum drink is perfection.

Side view of Mai Tai cocktail garnished with lime wedge and cherry. More glasses of Mai Tai in the background. Lime wedges and cherries beside the glasses for garnish.

The original Mai Tai recipe originated in the 1940’s in California. Although many of these that are served today have been sweetened up with pineapple and orange juices, we think this original Mai Tai recipe is best. The flavors of rum, citrus, and almond combine for a complex and delicious cocktail experience, perfect for a dinner party or any hot summer day.

Mai Tai Ingredients

Five ingredients combine to create this delicious rum cocktail.

  • White rum: A common spirit used in tropical cocktails, Bacardi is our go-to.
  • Orange curacao: An orange-flavored liqueur that adds a citrus flavor to this cocktail. If you cannot find orange curacao, substitute Grand Marnier or triple sec.
  • Orgeat syrup: A sweet, alcohol-free almond syrup that is a staple in this cocktail. If you cannot find this near you, you can substitute another almond syrup or Amaretto liqueur. Just know that your drink will not be a true Mai Tai without the unique orgeat flavor. If you like the flavor of orgeat syrup, try our Trinidad Sour.
  • Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is always best.
  • Dark rum: Yep, this drink contains two types of rum. Dark rum floats on top of the cocktail to finish it off.
Side view of cocktail shaker of ingredients being poured into glass of ice for Mai Tai recipe. More glasses of ingredients behind front glass. Lime wedges and cherries on counter for garnish.

How to Make a Mai Tai

This cocktail recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. For the full recipe and all ingredient measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Add the white rum, orange curacao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice, and shake well.
  • Strain into a glass of ice.
  • Float the dark rum on top. Garnish and enjoy.

How to Serve

Serve your Mai Tais over ice and garnish with a lime wedge and a cherry. This cocktail tastes best when enjoyed immediately after mixing.

Side view of Mai Tai cocktail garnished with lime wedge and cherry. More glasses of Mai Tai in the background. Lime wedges and cherries beside the glasses for garnish.

Other Rum Cocktails

Looking for other rum cocktails to enjoy? We have many to choose from, ranging from the classic Rum and Coke to a fruity Rum Punch.

If you try this Mai Tai recipe or any of our other cocktails, leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Side view of Mai Tai cocktail garnished with lime wedge and cherry. More glasses of Mai Tai in the background. Lime wedges and cherries beside the glasses for garnish.
No ratings yet

Mai Tai

Serves: 1 cocktail
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
This Mai Tai cocktail recipe is simple and treats your tastebuds to the authentic Mai Tai experience. This tropical rum drink is perfection.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounce white rum
  • 1/2 ounce orange curaçao
  • 1/2 ounce orgeat syrup
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • 3/4 ounce dark rum

Instructions

  • Fill a shaker with ice.
  • Pour the white rum, orange Curaçao, Orgeat syrup, and lime juice into the shaker.
  • Shake well.
  • Strain into an ice-filled glass.
  • Float the dark rum on top.
  • Garnish and enjoy!
Author: Nathan Longley
Course: Drinks
Side view of Mai Tai cocktail garnished with lime wedge and cherry. More glasses of Mai Tai in the background. Lime wedges and cherries beside the glasses for garnish.

Did You Make This

Mai Tai

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @shakedrinkrpt and hashtag it #shakedrinkrepeat!

Nathan Longley has been his wife’s personal bar tender for as long as he can remember. While he most often enjoys a cold beer, he is known to love our vodka gimlet.

Reader Interactions

Leave A Comment

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you & seeing what you made!

Rate This Recipe:




Best of the BestTop Rated Drinks
glass of margarita with ice, salted rim, and lime
Margarita"This is literally the best margarita I’ve ever had! I can’t get over how good it is." - Becky
Moscow Mule Slush served in copper mug with straws and lime wedge. Additional lime wedges beside.
Moscow Mule Slush"This has become a favorite of ours! We make it every time we have a party." - Jessica
two glasses of strawberry margarita sangria with sugar coated rim
Strawberry Margarita Sangria"I made this for a party and it was a huge hit! Everyone asked for the recipe!" - Jenn