Looking for a new cocktail to try out this weekend? Want to wind down with a fresh new drink? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should drink this weekend.
Summer feels like it’s just around the corner, which means rum drinks will be taking over cocktail menus before you know it. At this point, the tiki trend is at the tail end of its moment. But, we still think you should have a few recipes in your arsenal. And the epitome of classic tiki drinks is the Mai Tai.
While the exact origins remain unknown, its history is often traced back to the 1940s at the iconic Tiki bar Trader Vic’s. It’s vibrant, colorful, and, when well-made, an excellent opportunity to showcase high-quality rum. Whatever you do, don’t use any pre-bought mixers or juices. Go for fresh ingredients and great spirits. If you’re looking for a perfect poolside sipper, then make sure you know how to make a Mai Tai.
Mai Tai Ingredients
Rum – Your home bar should always have a bottle of at least one white rum and one dark rum. The Mai Tai happens to be one of the best cocktails that calls for both. For dark rums, Appleton Estate is a classic option and Kasama is a newer brand that we’ve been enjoying. For white rum you’ll get a lot of mileage out of BACARDÍ Superior.
Curaçao – At the end of the day, whatever orange liqueur is available to you will be just fine. Cointreau is a standard option for your classic Mai Tai but you could also hunt around for some interesting and unique bottles of curaçao. Drillaud Blue Curacao is also a solid, inexpensive option for your Mai Tai.
Orgeat – Orgeat, or almond syrup, adds a distinctive note to the Mai Tai experience so you’ll want to make sure you pick up a bottle for this recipe. Torani is the classic option at most bars but Liber & Co. sell a stellar syrup in a smaller format, too.
Lime Juice – As always, pick up some fresh limes and juice them yourself before making your Mai Tai cocktail.
Mai Tai Recipe
- Combine 1 1/2 ounces white rum, 3/4 ounce orange curaçao, 1/2 ounce orgeat, and 3/4 ounce lime juice to a shaker.
- Add ice (preferably crushed ice) and shake until well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
- Dump everything into a double rocks glass.
- Float 1/2 ounce dark rum on top and garnish with a lime wheel and mint.
- Enjoy!
