Mai Tai Recipe
White Rum, Dark Rum, Lemon Juice, Almond Syrup, Grenadine.
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Ingredients
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Cocktail Base
Modifiers & Garnish
Method
Mixing the Mai Tai
Prepare glass
Fill a double old-fashioned glass or a rocks glass with crushed ice and set aside to chill while you mix.
Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add white rum (1.5 oz), dark rum (0.75 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.75 oz), orgeat/almond syrup (0.5 oz), grenadine (0.25 oz) and the optional simple syrup (0.25 oz) if you prefer slightly sweeter balance.
Shake
Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well chilled (about a heavy frost).
Strain
Discard the ice from the chilled serving glass if it has melted significantly. Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass over fresh crushed ice, leaving a little room at the top for float and garnish.
Float dark rum (optional flourish)
If you want a traditional layered look, gently pour an extra 0.25–0.5 oz dark rum over the back of a spoon onto the top of the drink so it floats.
Finish & Garnish
Drizzle the grenadine slightly if additional color is desired (the 0.25 oz included in the shaker will add sweetness and color). Add a mint sprig and a lime wheel or wedge for garnish. Clap the mint between your hands once and insert for aroma.
Serve immediately with a short straw for sipping. Advise the drinker to stir gently if they want a uniform flavor, or sip as layered for changing flavor profile.