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