Mai Tai Recipe

Mai Tai Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Chill a double old-fashioned glass (or tiki mug) by filling it briefly with ice and water, then discard just before building the drink.

2. 2

   Combine ingredients

   In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz aged rum, 0.5 oz orange curaçao, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz orgeat syrup, and 0.25 oz simple syrup. Add a handful of ice (enough to fill the shaker about halfway).

3. 3

   Shake

   Firmly shake for 10–15 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted (shake until the outside of the shaker is cold and a light frost forms).

4. 4

   Build in glass

   Discard the chilling ice/water from the glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice about three-quarters full. Strain the shaken mixture over the crushed ice.

5. 5

   Float dark rum

   Gently pour 0.5 oz dark rum over the back of a bar spoon held just above the drink so the rum floats on top, creating the signature dark-rum float.

6. 6

   Optional bitters

   If using, add 1 dash of Angostura bitters on top of the float to add aromatic spice (optional).

7. 7

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish with a fresh mint sprig (slap the mint between your palms once to release aroma) and a lime wheel or half lime on the rim. Serve with a straw positioned to draw from both the float and the body of the drink.

8. 8

   Enjoy responsibly.