The Mai Tai is an iconic tiki cocktail that combines the rich flavors of rum with lime and almond syrup. It is considered one of the most famous cocktails in the world thanks to its tropical character and balanced flavor profile.
The Mai Tai is one of the most famous and controversial cocktails of tiki culture. It was created in 1944 by the famous California tiki bar owner Victor J. Bergeron, aka "Trader Vic". According to legend, Bergeron was experimenting with a new rum cocktail and offered it to his friends. After taking a sip, a Tahitian guest exclaimed "Mai tai roa ae!", a Tahitian phrase meaning "It's really good!". The cocktail got its name from this phrase.
The Mai Tai became one of the symbols of the post-World War II era, when tiki culture was on the rise. In those years, Americans showed great interest in bars with Pacific island-inspired decorations, exotic music and tropical cocktails. Mai Tai was one of the strongest representatives of this atmosphere.
“Sometimes the best escape begins in a glass”
Actually, the first recipe was quite simple and balanced: a good rum, lime juice, orange liqueur and almond syrup. Over time, different bars and restaurants started adding pineapple juice or different rums to make the cocktail more tropical. But the classic recipe is still considered one of the tiki cocktails that best shows the character of rum.
Today, the Mai Tai continues to be served in bars around the world as an icon of tiki culture. Every sip is an experience reminiscent of the warm breeze of tropical islands and the relaxed atmosphere by the sea.
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Ingredients
Unit System
45 mlDark Rum
15 mlOrange Curaçao
15 mlOrgeat (almond syrup)
30 mlFresh Lime Juice
7 mlSugar Syrup
CrushedIce
Mintsprig and lime peel (garnish)
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Method
1
Add the rum, curaçao, orgeat, lime juice and sugar syrup to the shaker.
2
Shake vigorously with ice for a short time.
3
Pour into a glass filled with crushed ice.
4
Top with more ice.
5
Garnish with a mint sprig and lime peel and serve.
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Bartender Tips
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Using quality rum is the most important point for a good Mai Tai.
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Fresh lime juice determines the balance of the cocktail; do not use ready-made lime juice.
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Slapping the mint sprig lightly before serving reveals its aroma.
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