If you’re looking for a Mai Tai recipe, this version is rich, citrusy and tropical. A classic Mai Tai combines rum, orange curaçao, lime juice and orgeat for a layered cocktail with nutty sweetness and a bold island-style finish.
Quick answer
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Rocks glass
Garnish: Mint sprig and lime shell
What is in a Mai Tai?
A Mai Tai is made with rum, orange curaçao, lime juice and orgeat syrup. Some versions float a darker rum on top for extra aroma and depth.
Ingredients
- 40ml white rum
- 20ml dark rum
- 15ml orange curaçao
- 15ml orgeat syrup
- 20ml fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Mint sprig, to garnish
- Lime shell, to garnish
How to make a Mai Tai
- Add the white rum, curaçao, orgeat and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Float the dark rum on top.
- Garnish with mint and lime shell.
Tips for the best Mai Tai
- Use fresh lime juice for a lively finish.
- Orgeat gives the drink its signature nutty character.
- Crushed ice helps give it the proper tiki feel.
- A dark rum float adds aroma and depth.
Mai Tai FAQs
Is a Mai Tai very sweet?
It should be rich and tropical, but fresh lime keeps it balanced.
What rum is best for a Mai Tai?
A mix of lighter and darker rum often gives the best flavour.
What does orgeat do in a Mai Tai?
It adds sweetness and a distinctive almond-like note.
You might also like
- Dragonfruit Mojito – for a fresh tropical serve.
- Peach On The Beach – for another sunny, fruit-led cocktail.
Final pour
A Mai Tai is a bold tropical classic with rum, lime and rich island flavour. For more cocktail inspiration, visit Boozy.
