With just 5 ingredients, this classic Mai Tai Cocktail is a strong, complex rum cocktail with hints of citrus and almond. It’s a refreshing and not too sweet drink that’s sophisticated enough for cocktail hour but easy enough for pool days too!
More fun cocktails for summer and relaxing by the pool include our Blue Hawaiian and Sex on the Beach drinks!
Classic Mai Tai Recipe
When you think of a Mai Tai, chances are a fruity, sweet drink made with pineapple juice pops into your mind, because that’s what you’ll often receive when you order one at many restaurants.
However, the classic Mai Tai cocktail is neither sweet nor overly fruity – and contains no juice, except for some freshly squeezed lime juice! With orange liqueur and freshly squeezed lime juice, it’s still a very tropical drink. The two types of rum and orange liqueur just ensure it packs a punch.
If you’re looking for a summer cocktail that’s refreshing and tropical without tasting like fruit punch, this classic Mai Tai drink is for you.
Mai Tai Ingredients
What’s in a Mai Tai? There are just 5 ingredients plus optional garnishes in this easy rum cocktail recipe.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- White rum – Any mid-shelf brand will work.
- Lime juice – Freshly squeezed.
- Orange curacao – You can substitute other types of orange liqueur as well.
- Orgeat syrup – Orgeat is made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water and is a typical Mai Tai ingredient.
- Dark rum – Like the white rum, you want to aim for a decent brand.
- Garnishes – You can garnish your fruity cocktail with a maraschino cherry, lime slices or wedges, pineapple, and mint.
Recipe Variations
While the classic Mai Tai uses just the ingredients above, there are now many variations on the original recipe if you want to switch it up.
- Try a different orange liqueur. You can use Grand Mariner or triple sec in place of the orange curacao.
- Orgeat substitutions. Some will say it’s not a Mai Tai cocktail at all if you don’t add orgeat – but I realize it’s not something everyone keeps in their cupboard. In a pinch, amaretto almond liqueur can be used instead and if you don’t have that, just add a flavored simple syrup.
- Add some juice. Many Mai Tai’s today are served more as a Mai Tai punch, with some pineapple or orange juice (or both) to round out the drink, make it go further, and add some extra fruitiness.
- Use aged rum instead of white rum. While dark rum should always be added, you can use aged rum (also called golden rum, amber rum, or anejo rum) for a richer, more complex flavor.
How to Make a Mai Tai
One reason to love this Mai Tai cocktail? It comes together in seconds.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Shake. Pour the white rum, juice, orange curacao, and orgeat syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Pour over ice in a glass.
- Add the dark rum. Slowly pour in the dark rum. It should float on the top so do not mix it in before serving.
- Garnish. Add a maraschino cherry, some lime, pineapple, and mint to the drink before serving.
Can I Easily Make These For a Crowd?
A Mai Tai cocktail is a great drink for a crowd. It is very easy to multiply this recipe by the number of servings needed. Just add the chilled white rum, lime juice, orange curacao, and orgeat syrup to a large pitcher or punch bowl in the quantity you want. Then, pour the “punch” over ice in glasses, carefully top with the dark rum, then add garnishes. A fun Mai Tai bar would be so amazing for summer parties.
Serving Suggestions
Mai Tais are typically served over ice in a lowball cocktail glass. Once you pour in the dark rum, resist the urge to stir the drink! You want to serve it with the layered effect. Garnish as little or as much as desired. You can go all out as I like to do with the cherry, pineapple, mint, and lime or just use whatever you have on hand.
More Classic Cocktail Recipes:
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Mai Tai Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum
- 1/2 ounce lime juice , freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce orange curacao
- 1/2 ounce orgeat syrup
- ice
- 3/4 ounce dark rum
- Garnishes: maraschino cherry, lime, pineapple, mint
Instructions
- Pour the white rum, lime juice, orange curacao, and orgeat syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.
- Pour mixture over ice in a glass. Slowly pour in the dark rum so it floats on top (do not stir.)
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry, lime, pineapple, and mint.
- Sip and enjoy!
