An upbeat, tropical themed drink that radiates a warm-weather vibe, the Mai Tai is one of the most well-known and popular drinks. It was invented in Oakland, California by Victor J. Bergeron at his restaurant in 1944. The drink pulls inspiration from the Tahitian word ‘maita’i’ which means ‘good’ or ‘excellence’, the name itself an explanation for why the drink has become the popular Tiki-cocktail that it is today. The drink also enjoyed a feature in the famous Elvis Presley movie “Blue Hawaii.” Made from white rum, dark rum, orange liqueur, pineapple juice, and orgeat syrup – a sip of this will help you escape to the Pacific Islands.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz White Rum
  • 1 oz Appleton Estate ( or another Amber Rum)
  • ¾ oz Cointreau (Triple Sec)
  • ¾ oz Orgeat
  • ¼ oz Lime Juice
  • 1 oz Pineapple Juice
  • 1 dash Angostura Bitters
  • Dark Rum (float topper)

Tools You’ll Need:

Shaking Tins

Jigger

Hawthorne Strainer

Dasher Bottle

Preparation Steps:

  1. Prepare a Tiki Glass or Pilsner Glass and fill with ice.
  2. Combine all ingredients except the Dark Rum in a shaker filled with ice and shake. 
  3. Strain into the glass. 
  4. Top with Dark Rum float, pouring slowly.
  5. Garnish with a Luxardo Cherry or Pineapple Wedge.