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–+ servings

Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe

Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
The Mai Tai combines premium rum, fresh lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup to create a balanced tropical drink. The recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and yields one serving.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Lewis bag and mallet (for crushed ice)
  • Double old-fashioned glass
  • Citrus juicer
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  • 2 oz aged rum preferably a blend of Jamaican and Martinique rum
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz orange curaçao
  • 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • Mint sprig for garnish
  • Lime wheel for garnish
  • Crushed ice

Instructions

  • Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Add rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  • Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
  • Fill a double old-fashioned glass with crushed ice.
  • Double-strain the mixture into the glass over crushed ice.
  • Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.

Notes

Store bought orgeat works well, but homemade offers better flavor. Fresh lime juice makes a big difference - avoid bottled versions.
The drink should taste balanced between sweet and sour, with the rum taking center stage.
Some bartenders add a float of dark rum on top for extra complexity.
Keep ingredients at room temperature for the best mixing results.
The crushed ice helps dilute and chill the drink properly.