Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail that perfectly embodies the spirit of tropical escapism. With its vibrant colors, sweet and tangy flavors, and refreshing taste, this iconic drink has captured the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Originating from Trader Vic's in California, this iconic cocktail was created by Victor Bergeron (Trader Vic) in 1944 and is a harmonious blend of light and dark rums, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. It is traditionally served with a garnish of pineapple wedge, mint sprig, and a cherry.
This article presents a comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect Mai Tai at home, featuring two distinct recipes that cater to different preferences. The first recipe stays true to the original Trader Vic's Mai Tai, while the second recipe offers a modern twist by incorporating Jamaican rum and honey syrup for a unique flavor profile. Both recipes provide step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and helpful tips to ensure a delightful and authentic Mai Tai experience.
THE ORIGINAL MAI TAI
Steps:
- Pour all the liquids into a cocktail shaker. Fill it with ice and shake for about 30 seconds. Pour it all into a 16-ounce double old-fashioned glass. Garnish with lime slice, pineapple, and mint sprig.
MAI TAI
Steps:
- Mix together the pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine in a large pitcher. Add the spiced rum, coconut rum and sparkling clementine juice if using; mix well to combine.
- Cut the ends off the pineapple, and then remove the skin, being careful to trim away the eyes. Slice the pineapple about 1/2-inch thick. Use mini cookie cutters to cut fun shapes.
- Load picks with the pineapple, clementine wedges and cherries.
- Pour the juice mixture into glasses over ice and garnish with the fruit skewers.
WATERMELON MAI TAI
Steps:
- Place the watermelon, rum, St. Germaine liqueur, lime juice and superfine sugar in the pitcher of a blender and blend on high until well blended. Pour into a double old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.
MAI TAI
This iconic rum-based cocktail was invented by Victor Bergeron in the 1940s at his first Trader Vic's restaurant, in Oakland, California. (Bergeron's nickname was Trader Vic.) There are countless interpretations, many of them sugar bombs. We stayed true to the original to create a balanced Mai Tai that includes the key flavors of almond (in the form of orgeat syrup, an essential ingredient in many tiki cocktails), citrus and caramelized sugar.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories beverage
Time 20m
Yield 1 serving
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine the demerara sugar with 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 5 minutes. Transfer the demerara syrup to a small bowl and set aside to cool completely, about 15 minutes (see Cook's Note).
- Combine the lime juice, gold and light rums, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, 1/4 ounce demerara syrup and 1 cup ice in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until chilled, about 10 seconds. Pour the cocktail into an old fashioned or rocks glass. Stick the stem of the mint sprig into the center of the cut side of the spent lime half (it should look like a palm tree on a floating island). Place the garnish in the drink lime-side down.
WATERMELON MAI TAI
Provided by Ted Allen
Time 10m
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Puree 1 cup cubed seedless watermelon in a blender with 6 tablespoons light rum, 1/4 cup elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain), the juice of 2 limes and 2 tablespoons superfine sugar. Serve over ice. Garnish each drink with a watermelon ball.
THE ORIGINAL MAI TAI
Here's how to make the original Mai Tai recipe! Gather the ingredients for this tropical rum drink that's as complex as it is fruity.
Provided by Sonja Overhiser
Categories Drink
Time 5m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place the aged rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, and orgeat syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until cold.
- Strain the drink into an ice-filled glass. Top with the dark rum. Garnish with fresh mint, a lime wedge, cocktail cherry and pineapple slice.
ALLEN KATZ'S MAI TAI
This recipe comes from Allen Katz, host of "The Cocktail Hour" on Martha Stewart Living Radio.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Drink Recipes Cocktail Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Shake ingredients over ice and strain over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
THE PERFECT MAI TAI
The perfect Spring or Summer drink. Tried and tested for over 12 years now. and always a crowd favorite! This recipe yields one gallon!! Use a 1 gallon sun tea jar for serving!
Provided by 7MICK
Categories Drinks Recipes Cocktail Recipes Rum Drinks Recipes
Time 27m
Yield 32
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large jar or drink cooler, combine the light rum, dark rum, 151 rum, orange liqueur, almond syrup, simple syrup, and lime juice. Stir and top off with orange juice. Do not use grenadine if you want the true Mai Tai! Serve in 8 to 12 ounce glasses with ice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 171.5 calories, Carbohydrate 21.3 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.4 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 4.3 mg, Sugar 13 g
Tips:
- Use fresh lime juice and orange juice for the best flavor.
- If you don't have orgeat syrup, you can make your own by blending equal parts blanched almonds, sugar, and water.
- Be careful not to overproof the yeast. If the dough rises too much, it will collapse and the bread will be dense.
- Bake the bread in a preheated oven for the best results.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing it.
Conclusion:
The Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. With its mix of rum, lime juice, orange juice, orgeat syrup, and grenadine, it's a delicious and refreshing drink that is sure to please everyone. Whether you're making it for a party or just enjoying it at home, the Mai Tai is a great choice.
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