Mai Tai is the legendary cocktail often misinterpreted. In the contemporary world, people are using pineapples, cherries to make it modern with a different variety, but it changes the originality of the colour as well as in taste. As it gives the neon-bright colour to the drink and a different taste, which is far from the original taste of the Mai Tai.
This blog will tell you about the authentic mai tai recipe, its ingredients, its origin, and some tips. We will show you how to make an original Mai Tai Cocktail that is iconic.
What is a Mai Tai: The Origin
Mai Tai was originated by Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron in Oakland situated in California in 1944. It shows the twist of old rum, a boozy, maintained cocktail, but not sweet. Its name is obtained from the Tahitian phrase “Maita’i roa ae!”. Its meaning is “out of the world,” which considers the drinks’ deliberate excellent factor.
Why the Dilemma?
Over the years, its popularity reached a high level, particularly in Hawaii Resorts, which are guiding to different varieties. Many variations deviate from the authentic cocktail as they put pineapple juice, some syrup, and extra garnishing. The outcome carries a small similarity to Trader Vic’s cocktail.
Authentic Mai Tai Ingredients: You Need
To make an authentic Mai Tai, carry forward these ingredients:
Aged Jamaican Rum (2 oz): Originally, Trader Vic used J.Wray and Nephew Rum, which is 17 years old. It is not available now. You can go for other options like high-quality aged blended Caribbean rum for its originality.
Lime Juice (0.75 oz): Always use fresh lime juice for the amazing flavor.
Orgeat Syrup (0.5 oz): It is an almond syrup and sweet in taste with a blend of orange blossom water. Never replace it with amaretto.
Orange Curacao (0.5 oz): It is a dehydrated orange liquor. Not the triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier, but you can use these in a small amount.
Rich Simple Syrup (0.25 oz): Pour the sugar (2:1) into the syrup called “Rock Candy Syrup”.
Garnishing: Use a lime shell and fresh mint. Do not use pineapple, cherries, or an umbrella for decoration in the authentic cocktail.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredients | Quantity | Notes |
| Aged Rum | 2 oz | Jamaican Prefer |
| Lime Juice | 0.75 oz | Fresh and not in a bottle |
| Orgeat Syrup | 0.5 oz | Almond Syrup with high quality |
| Orange Curacao | 0.5 oz | Dry Curacao |
| Simple and Rich Syrup | 0.25 oz | 2:1 ratio of sugar to water |
| Garnishing | – | Lime Shell or mint |
Steps: How to make an Original Mai Tai
- Calculate all the ingredients in the cocktail shaker. The ingredients are old rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, orange curacao, and rich simple syrup.
- Add the ice cubes into the shaker and crush them with ice cubes.
- Then, for 10- 15 seconds, shake until it becomes cool.
- After shaking vigorously, pour into an old-fashioned glass for the classic look.
- Now, decorate the drink with some lime shells and some mint, and avoid using pineapple, cherries, or other things.
Recipe Tips: Ignoring Common Mistakes
- Do not use pineapple, orange juice, and also syrups because the authentic Mai Tai does not include these things. These are the modern additions that hide the rum’s difficulty.
- Jump from the Dark Rum Float because in Hawaii, it is a tourist attraction and not from 1944. Ingredients should be mixed.
- Do not over-garnish your cocktail because it will leave behind the authenticity of the Mai Tai. Just garnish your drink with lime shells and mint, and do not add extra things for the decoration.
- Use the quality Orgeat because of the taste, and remember, do not replace it with amaretto. As it changes the quality of the cocktail.
- Always select the right rum because rum is the main ingredient here. Use the Jamaican rum and avoid the light rum.
- Consider the orange Curacao, but you can use Cointreau in small quantities. The orange curacao is the classic choice.
Conclusion
In the original Mai Tai, the main essential is the rum, which is balanced by lime, almonds, and orange flavors. It is not full of sugar, but a refreshing cocktail that stands out. Avoid the mistakes in contemporary recipes you find on the internet. Enjoy the Mai Tai Cocktail with its original taste.
Disclaimer: The recipe is based on the authentic 1944 Trader Vic’s Mai Tai and guided by expert sources. Many varieties are available in tourist destinations, but it focuses on the originality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
A. White Rum is lightweight, and for the original taste, prefer the Jamaican rum.
A. Yes, because it signifies the taste of almonds and does not substitute for amaretto.
A. Then you can replace it with Cointreau for the best outcome.
A. Mai Tai focuses on the original taste, and Tiki drinks contain a heavy quantity of juice.