Description
Made with rum, lime juice, orgeat, orange curaçao, and a little simple syrup, Trader Vic’s original 1944 Mai Tai is a spirit-forward cocktail that’s all about balance. No pineapple juice, no grenadine, no blender. Just a properly shaken classic that hits all the right notes!
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rum (see notes below)
- 3/4 oz Fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz Orange Curaçao
- 1/4 oz Orgeat
- 1/4 oz Rich simple syrup
- GARNISH: Lime shell and mint
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice.
- Shake for 15-20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a double old-fashioned glass or tiki mug filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a spent lime shell (green side up) and a sprig of mint. Gently slap the mint between your hands before adding it to release its aroma.
Notes
- Trader Vic’s original recipe used a specific 17-year-old Jamaican rum, which is no longer available today. Most modern versions now use a blended rum or a blend of rums, often combining Jamaican and Martinique rums. But a flavorful white rum or even a blend of light and dark rum can also work well.
- “Rich” simple syrup means a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water.
- Quality orgeat matters. Liber & Co.’s orgeat is my go-to.
- The garnish isn’t just decorative — the mint and lime shell complete the drink’s aroma and presentation!
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shake
- Cuisine: Cocktails
