The bright smell of lime and sweet rum makes this drink feel sunny and fresh. Each sip tastes smooth, cool, and a little fruity, like a tiny vacation in a glass.
I first made this on a warm afternoon when I wanted something simple but fun. I loved how the flavors mixed so softly, and it quickly became one of my favorite easy cocktails.
Come with me, and I’ll show you how to make this classic Mai Tai. It’s fresh, simple, and perfect for relaxing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of white and dark rum creates depth, while lime juice and orgeat syrup provide the perfect harmony of tart and sweet.
- Restaurant Quality: Make this classic at home and impress your guests with bar-quality cocktails.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just minutes with no complicated techniques required.
- Versatile: Serve as the star of a tiki party or enjoy as a refreshing evening drink.
- Crowd Pleaser: This timeless recipe appeals to both cocktail enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: None (served immediately over ice)
- Total Time: About 5 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 1 classic Mai Tai cocktail. The measurements are easy to scale up for multiple servings—simply multiply each ingredient by the number of drinks needed.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but sophisticated enough for experienced home bartenders.
Required Bar Tools
- Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
- Bar spoon for stirring
- Strainer (fine mesh works best)
- Cutting board and knife for citrus
- Rocks glass or traditional tiki mug
Ingredients for the Classic Mai Tai
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tropical cocktail (exact measurements are below):
- White Rum: Choose a quality white or light rum (1 ounce). It provides a clean base without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dark Rum: Use a premium dark or aged rum (0.5 ounces). This adds richness, complexity, and depth to the drink.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Squeeze juice from fresh limes (0.5 ounces). Bottled lime juice cannot replicate the bright, vibrant flavor of fresh citrus.
- Orange Liqueur: Curaçao, Grand Marnier, or triple sec (0.25 ounces) adds a subtle orange note and complexity.
- Orgeat Syrup: This almond-flavored syrup (0.5 ounces) is essential to an authentic Mai Tai, providing sweetness and a unique nutty character.
- Ice: Crushed ice works best for this cocktail, as it chills the drink quickly and adds texture.
- Garnish: Fresh lime wheel, maraschino cherry, pineapple wedge, and fresh mint sprig elevate the presentation.
Variations for the Classic Mai Tai
- Add a Splash of Pineapple: Include 0.25 ounces of pineapple juice for extra tropical flavor.
- Use Different Aged Rums: Experiment with Jamaican, Haitian, or other Caribbean rums for unique flavor profiles.
- Spiced Rum Option: Replace half of the dark rum with spiced rum for a warmer taste.
- Extra Citrus: Add 0.25 ounces of orange juice for a fruitier twist.
- Homemade Orgeat: Make your own almond syrup for a fresher, more personalized version.
How to Make a Classic Mai Tai: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Chill Your Glass
Place your rocks glass or tiki mug in the freezer for a few minutes. A cold glass keeps your cocktail refreshingly chilled longer.
2. Add Ice
Fill your cocktail shaker with crushed or cubed ice. The ice is essential for properly chilling and diluting the drink to the right consistency.
3. Pour the Spirits
Add 1 ounce of white rum and 0.5 ounces of dark rum to the shaker. These form the flavorful foundation of your Mai Tai.
4. Add the Citrus
Pour 0.5 ounces of fresh lime juice into the shaker. Fresh juice makes all the difference in the final taste.
5. Add the Liqueurs
Add 0.25 ounces of orange liqueur (such as curaçao or triple sec) and 0.5 ounces of orgeat syrup. These ingredients create the signature Mai Tai flavor.
6. Shake Vigorously
Cover the shaker and shake for about 10 to 15 seconds until the outside becomes frosty. Vigorous shaking ensures everything is properly mixed and chilled.
7. Strain Into Your Glass
Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into your chilled glass filled with fresh crushed ice. Straining removes the ice used for shaking and gives a smooth finish.
8. Garnish
Top with a fresh lime wheel, a maraschino cherry, a pineapple wedge, and a sprig of fresh mint. The garnish adds both visual appeal and aromatic notes.
9. Serve Immediately
Enjoy your Mai Tai right away while it’s perfectly chilled.
How to Serve the Classic Mai Tai
- At a Tiki Party: Serve alongside other tropical cocktails for a themed gathering.
- As an Aperitif: Enjoy before dinner to stimulate the appetite with its bright citrus notes.
- During Happy Hour: Make a pitcher by multiplying the recipe by the number of guests.
- For Special Occasions: Present in a decorative tiki mug for added flair and authenticity.
Storing and Preparing Ahead
- Pre-Batching: You can prepare the rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup in advance and store in a sealed bottle in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks. Add fresh ice and shake to order.
- Orgeat Syrup: Homemade or store-bought orgeat keeps in the refrigerator for up to 1 month in an airtight container.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Squeeze limes just before making the cocktail for the best flavor, though freshly squeezed juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Quality Spirits Matter: Invest in good-quality rums and liqueurs. The drink is simple, so each ingredient shines.
- Fresh Lime Juice is Non-Negotiable: Never use bottled lime juice. Fresh citrus is the soul of this cocktail.
- Use Crushed Ice: Crushed ice chills faster and creates a better texture than cubed ice.
- Shake, Don’t Stir: The shaking motion properly aerates and chills the drink while combining all flavors.
- Chill Your Glass: A cold glass keeps the cocktail at the perfect temperature from first sip to last.
- Balance is Key: Taste your drink and adjust sweetness or citrus to your preference.
- Measure Accurately: Use a jigger to ensure consistent, balanced cocktails every time.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Alcohol Content | 1.5 oz (approximately 30% ABV) |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and serving size.
PrintClassic Mai Tai Cocktail
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Ingredients
- 1 oz white rum
- 0.5 oz dark rum
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.25 oz orange liqueur (curaçao, Grand Marnier, or triple sec)
- 0.5 oz orgeat syrup
- Crushed ice
- Lime wheel (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
- Pineapple wedge (for garnish)
- Fresh mint sprig (for garnish)
Instructions
- Chill your rocks glass or tiki mug in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed or cubed ice.
- Pour white rum and dark rum into the shaker.
- Add fresh lime juice to the shaker.
- Add orange liqueur and orgeat syrup.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker becomes frosty.
- Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel, maraschino cherry, pineapple wedge, and fresh mint sprig.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Classic Mai Tai FAQs
The Mai Tai’s signature comes from the combination of two types of rum and orgeat syrup. This creates a complexity and balance that sets it apart from simpler rum cocktails. The use of orgeat syrup is particularly distinctive and gives the drink its characteristic smooth, slightly nutty flavor.
Orgeat syrup is essential to an authentic Mai Tai. While you could substitute with almond extract or other syrups, the result would be a different drink altogether. We recommend investing in a bottle of orgeat syrup, as it stores well and is used in several other cocktails.
For white rum, choose a light, crisp option like Bacardi or Havana Club. For dark rum, consider Jamaican options like Appleton Estate or Sailor Jerry. The quality of rum directly impacts the final drink’s character.
Yes. Multiply each ingredient by the number of guests and store in a bottle. When ready to serve, shake with ice and pour into individual glasses. This method is perfect for tiki parties.
A classic Mai Tai contains 1.5 ounces of total alcohol, making it a moderate-strength cocktail. The sweetness and citrus can mask the alcohol content, so drink responsibly.
Use room-temperature limes, as they yield more juice. Roll the lime on a hard surface before cutting to break down the cells. A citrus juicer or hand-held juicer makes the process quick and efficient.
While the final Mai Tai is best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately and assemble when needed. Keep spirits and syrups sealed and store lime juice in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
The Classic Mai Tai stands as a testament to the power of balance in mixology. By combining quality white and dark rums, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and the unique sweetness of orgeat syrup, you create a cocktail that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed gathering, looking to expand your home bar skills, or simply craving a taste of paradise, this timeless recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time.
With just five minutes of preparation and a handful of quality ingredients, you can transport yourself and your guests to a beachside escape. The Mai Tai proves that some of life’s greatest pleasures don’t need to be complicated—they just need to be made with care and attention to detail.
