Mai Tai
Forget the sugary, fruit-punch versions. A true, classic Mai Tai is a sophisticated, rum-forward masterpiece and the undisputed king of tiki cocktails, offering a complex journey of nutty, citrus, and funky tropical notes.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aged Rum (Jamaican)
- ½ oz Orange Curaçao
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz Orgeat (Almond Syrup)
- ¼ oz Simple Syrup (1:1)
- Garnish: Mint Sprig & Spent Lime Shell
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the aged rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, orgeat, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a double rocks glass to the top with crushed ice.
- Strain: Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass over the crushed ice.
- Garnish: Place the squeezed lime half on top of the ice to create an "island." Slap a large mint sprig against your hand to release its aroma, then plant it next to the lime "island" like a palm tree.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Orgeat is Essential: Orgeat (pronounced "or-zhat") is a sweet almond syrup with hints of orange flower water. It is the signature, non-negotiable ingredient that gives the Mai Tai its characteristic nutty and floral depth.
The Magic of the Rum Blend: A truly great Mai Tai often uses a blend of rums. For simplicity, starting with a single, high-quality aged Jamaican rum will still produce a spectacular drink.