A classic Mai Tai is a tropical cocktail that evokes the spirit of the Hawaiian islands. With its blend of rum, lime juice, and orange liqueur, this drink is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day or when you’re craving a taste of the tropics. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a Mai Tai that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients for Classic Mai Tai:
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) white rum
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) dark rum
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec)
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) almond syrup or orgeat syrup
- 3/4 oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Mint sprig, for garnish
- Pineapple slice, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
How to Make Classic Mai Tai:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the white rum, dark rum, orange liqueur, almond syrup, and lime juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig, pineapple slice, and maraschino cherry.
- Serve and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients:
- Rum: Rum is the base spirit of the Mai Tai, providing the drink with its signature tropical flavor. White rum is typically used for its light and clean taste, while dark rum adds depth and complexity to the cocktail.
- Orange Liqueur: Orange liqueur adds a bright citrus flavor to the Mai Tai. Cointreau and triple sec are popular choices, but any high-quality orange liqueur will work well.
- Almond Syrup: Almond syrup, also known as orgeat syrup, adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the Mai Tai. It’s a key ingredient that gives the cocktail its distinct taste.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a tart and refreshing element to the Mai Tai, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Enjoy your classic Mai Tai and transport yourself to a tropical paradise with every sip!
