Vacation Time is Mai Tai

The Mai Tai cocktail is a tropical drink that instantly transports you to a beachy paradise. This iconic cocktail originated in the 1940s at the Trader Vic's restaurant in California and has since become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

The drink consists of rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup, shaken with ice and garnished with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. The result is a refreshing, fruity cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and sour flavors. Whether you're lounging on the beach or sipping it at a tiki bar, the Mai Tai is sure to provide a taste of the tropics.

When it comes to vacation time, there is no denying that the Mai Tai cocktail is a crowd favorite.

When it comes to vacation time, there is no denying that the mai tai cocktail is a crowd favorite. So what is it about this tropical drink that makes it so popular among beach-goers and travelers? For starters, the mai tai is a refreshing blend of rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup, making it the perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day. Additionally, the fruity and tropical flavor profile of the drink is like a mini-vacation in a glass, transporting sippers to a palm tree-lined beach right from their lounge chair. Perhaps it is the relaxing and carefree vibe that vacationers crave, and the mai tai embodies that spirit with every sip. Whatever the reason may be, there is no denying that the mai tai cocktail has earned its spot as a classic vacation libation.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Jump to:

• When it comes to vacation time, there is no denying that the Mai Tai cocktail is a crowd favorite.
• Ingredients needed to make Mai Tai
• Victor J. Bergeron's Mai Tai
• How to make a Mai Tai
• Variations on the Mai Tai cocktail recipe
• Equipment used in making Mai Tai
• Storage for Mai Tai cocktails
• Top tips for making Mai Tai cocktails
• Related
• Pairing
• Vacation Time is Mai Tai

Ingredients needed to make Mai Tai

• 1 ½ ounces white rum
• ½ ounce dark rum
• ¾ ounce orange curaçao
• ¾ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• ½ ounce orgeat
• Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig

Victor J. Bergeron's Mai Tai

The word Mai Tai may sound exotic and mysterious, but it actually has a straightforward meaning. The Mai Tai is a cocktail that originated in the 1940s and is typically made with rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup. Its creation is credited to Victor J. Bergeron, the founder of Trader Vic's, a popular Polynesian-themed restaurant chain in the United States. The cocktail's name is said to have been inspired by the Tahitian word "maita'i," which means "good" or "excellent." The Mai Tai has become a classic drink that is enjoyed all over the world and is synonymous with tropical vacations and beach parties.

How to make a Mai Tai

1 - Gather the ingredients - light and dark rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and a maraschino cherry
2 - Fill a shaker with ice cubes
3 - Pour ¼ cup of light rum, ¼ cup of dark rum, ¾ oz of orange curaçao, ¾ oz of freshly squeezed lime juice, and ½ oz of orgeat syrup into the shaker
4 - Shake the ingredients in the shaker for 10-15 seconds
5 - Fill a glass with crushed ice
Pour contents from the shaker over the ice in the glass and stir gently

Variations on the Mai Tai cocktail recipe

Are you tired of the same old mai tai cocktail recipe? Why not try something new and switch up the ingredients for a refreshing twist on this classic drink? Some variations you can make include using pineapple juice instead of orange juice, adding in coconut cream for a creamy texture, or even swapping out the traditional rum for a spicier option like tequila. Experimenting with different additions and substitutions can take your mai tai to the next level and impress your friends at your next gathering. So why not mix it up and get creative with your cocktail game?

Equipment used in making Mai Tai

Bartender's shaker

Storage for Mai Tai cocktails

Planning a party and wondering how long you can keep that delicious mai tai cocktail in the fridge? While it's always best to serve drinks fresh, a mai tai can typically be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours without losing its flavor or potency. Just be sure to cover the pitcher or container tightly to prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in. And remember, always drink responsibly and never serve expired or funky-tasting cocktails to your guests. Cheers to tasty and well-preserved drinks!

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Pairing

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