The Mai Tai

History, Recipe, and Versions

We love a Mai Tai, and we’re not alone. The genesis of the Western Tiki movement captured the hearts of cocktail heads since its creation in 1940-something…or was it the 1930s?

Its origins are traced to Trader Vic Bergeron and his Oakland, California bar and restaurant, Trader Vic’s. Some believe Donn Beach first created it in the 1930s at his place, Don the Beachcomber. We don’t care who gets the accolades. We’re just happy one of them thought creating it was a good idea.

Destined to be a Classic

The name Mai Tai is allegedly from maitaʻi, the Tahitian word for “good” or “excellence.” Centuries ago, Tahitians had an eye on world domination, and their vehicle would be the perfect cocktail. Unfortunately, their timing wasn’t very good.

The Mai Tai’s blend of fruit, sweet, and alcohol hits perfectly. Its harmony of flavors makes it one of the easiest drinking and most satisfying cocktails around.

Tiki Bars and The Genesis of a Movement

Post-World War II was a golden age for cocktail culture in America. The Tiki culture, its cocktails, and Tiki Bars were a cultural revolution. The tropical-inspired drinks featured rum, fruit juices, and exotic liqueurs new to the West. The Mai Tai became iconic, and along with the Hurricane, Zombie, and other Tiki drinks, it was associated with the relaxed and fun attitude that Tiki embodied.

Tiki influences Hollywood

First appearing on the silver screen in the 1930s and 1940s as exotic locations in adventure films and musicals. Films like “South Pacific” (1958) and “Blue Hawaii” (1961) further popularized tiki culture. When you have a spokesperson like Elvis, you can lean back a bit.

Who can forget Gilligan’s Island? It was weekly advertising for Tiki culture. Mmmmm…Mary Anne and a Mai Tai.

The Classic Mai Tai Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz light rum
  • 0.75 oz dark rum
  • 0.75 oz orange curaçao
  • 0.5 oz orgeat, almond flavored syrup
  • 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
  • Crushed ice
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Steps

  • Fill a cocktail shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
  • Add the light rum, dark rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice to the shaker.
  • Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
  • Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
  • Float the dark rum on top, allowing it to float.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

The Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai

Popularized by the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu, it demands – you read that right – fresh ingredients and high-quality ingredients. No mixes or skimping. The Mai Tai Council can and will find you.

It is a blend of light and dark rums, along with fresh lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup.

The Mai Tai Tiki

Tiki Bob created this version. It’s known for being more bold and shouty than its brethren. A higher proportion of dark rum and a touch of pineapple juice give it a more tropical twist.

The Navy Mai Tai

The Navy Mai Tai is more potent. It has more rum than the classic Mai Tai and extra orgeat syrup. This makes it kick harder and sweeter. It’ll get you there quicker but still taste great along the way. 

The Sugar Lounge Signature Juicy Mai Tai

Sugar Lounge Signature Cocktail - Juicy My Tai

The Juicy Mai Tai Recipe

Ingredients

Steps

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
  • Add Diplomatico Plana Rum, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Passionfruit, Lime Juice, and Cherry Juice
  • Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
  • Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
  • Float the Kraken Rum.
  • Garnish with a Pineapple, or whatever makes sense to you, and serve immediately.