How to Make a Mai Tai Cocktail – Tropical, Bold, and Full of Rum Flavour
Paul Cooper
Information
5 min
Medium to strong
1 cocktail
Rum-based Cocktail
California, 1940s
A Brief History of the Mai Tai Cocktail
The Mai Tai Cocktail was first created in California during the 1940s, with many crediting tiki bar legend Trader Vic. Meant to highlight the flavour of a fine aged rum, the drink quickly became a symbol of tiki culture.
The name “Mai Tai” comes from the Tahitian phrase "Maita’i roa a’e!", meaning “the best - out of this world.” Its mix of rum, citrus, and almond remains a tropical icon today.
Ingredients
25ml light rum
25ml dark rum
15ml orange curaçao
15ml fresh lime juice
10ml orgeat syrup (almond)
Crushed ice
Lime wedge and mint sprig (for garnish)
Equipment You’ll Need
Jigger (25ml/50ml)
Citrus Press or Juicer
Boston Shaker
Hawthorne Strainer
Rocks or Tiki Glass
Bar Spoon (for floating rum)
Ice Scoop
Muddler (optional for mint garnish)
🛒 Shop Mai Tai Cocktail Tools at BarBits
Method
Step 1 - Add Ingredients to the Shaker
Pour the light rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup into your shaker using a jigger for accuracy.
Step 2 -Shake with Ice
Fill the shaker with cubed ice and shake for 10–15 seconds to chill and blend.
Step 3 - Strain Over Crushed Ice
Strain into a tiki or rocks glass filled with crushed ice using a Hawthorne strainer.
Step 4 - Float the Dark Rum
Carefully float the dark rum on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a bar spoon to create a layered effect.
Step 5 - Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge. Optionally press the mint gently with a muddler for extra aroma before serving.
Cocktail Recipe
With layers of flavour from rich rum, tart lime, sweet almond, and orange liqueur, the Mai Tai Cocktail is a true tropical classic. It's bold, balanced, and best enjoyed with the right tools and fresh ingredients.
Shake up your own at BarBits.co.uk and bring a taste of tiki paradise to your glass.
