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Mai Tai
Method
Shaken
Glassware
Double rocks
Ice
Crushed ice
Time
4 min

Mai Tai

IBA · Contemporary ClassicsIBA classification pending verificationRumIntermediateEditorial draft

Far from sugary tropical drinks, the original Mai Tai is dry and complex: aged rum, lime, orange and almond. A true tiki classic.

Created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron

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Ingredients

1 × servings
  • 60 mlAged rumIdeally Jamaican
  • 30 mlLime juice
  • 15 mlDry orange curaçao
  • 15 mlOrgeat
  • 7.5 mlSimple syrup
  • 1 sprigMint

Volume before dilution: 127.5 ml

Step by step

  1. 1

    Shake all the liquid ingredients with ice.

  2. 2

    Pour over crushed ice in a double rocks glass.

  3. 3

    Garnish with the mint and spent lime shell.

GarnishMint sprig and spent lime shell

Allergensnuts

Advance prep

Homemade orgeat requires soaking almonds a day ahead.

Flavor profile

Sweetness
Acidity
Bitterness
Body
Aroma
Aged rumAlmondOrange

Story

Victor 'Trader Vic' Bergeron said he created it in 1944 at his Oakland, California restaurant. Donn Beach (Don the Beachcomber) also claimed an earlier drink of the same name, with a different recipe.

Technical notes

Shake briefly and serve over crushed ice, which keeps diluting and chilling. Orgeat brings texture as well as sweetness.

Serving

By the beach or pool, unhurried.

Origin

Disputed origin · 1944 · Oakland, California, USA

Trader Vic's 1944 version is widely accepted as the classic; Donn Beach claimed an earlier one.

Variations

  • Mai Tai de charanda

    Split the rum with aged charanda.

Substitutions

  • A blend of Jamaican and agricole-style rum for more complexity.

Pairings

  • Cochinita pibil tacos
  • Coconut shrimp

Techniques

Syrups, cordials & shrubs

Syrups and Cordials

Syrups are the backbone of balance: simple 1:1, rich 2:1, agave and piloncillo. Cordials add acid and flavor so one component brings both sweetness and sourness.

Beginner · 6 min read

Syrups, cordials & shrubs

Oleo Saccharum

Sugar and citrus peels rest together until the sugar pulls out the essential oils and forms an intensely aromatic syrup, a classic punch base.

Beginner · 4 min read

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Sources

Version 1 · Updated October 20, 2026