What ingredients are in a Mai Tai?

1 oz Light rum, 1/2 oz Orgeat syrup, 1/2 oz Triple sec, 1 1/2 oz Sweet and Sour, 1 Cherry

What glass do you use for a Mai Tai?

A Mai Tai is traditionally served in a Collins glass.

How strong is a Mai Tai?

A Mai Tai has an estimated ABV of 10.40%.

How many calories are in a Mai Tai?

A Mai Tai contains approximately 210 calories per serving.

Mai Tai

Maita'i

Glass Collins glass

Difficulty Medium

Calories ~210 kcal

ABV 10.40%

Ingredients

Light rum 1 oz
Orgeat syrup 1/2 oz
Triple sec 1/2 oz
Sweet and Sour 1 1/2 oz
Cherry 1

Instructions

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into glass. Garnish and serve with straw.

IBA ContemporaryClassic

The Mai Tai is an IBA Contemporary Classic tiki cocktail combining light rum, orgeat syrup, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix, garnished with a cherry. It is a tropical, fruit-forward drink served over ice that has become one of the defining cocktails of Polynesian-inspired bar culture. Sweet, citrusy, and balanced, the Mai Tai is a perennial summer favorite.

History & Origins

The Mai Tai was created by Victor 'Trader Vic' Bergeron in Oakland, California in 1944, reportedly for two friends visiting from Tahiti who exclaimed 'Maita'i roa ae!' (Out of this world!). A competing claim comes from Donn Beach, founder of Don the Beachcomber, who created a similar tiki drink in the 1930s. The IBA recognized it as a Contemporary Classic, and it became the signature drink of Polynesian-themed restaurants worldwide.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet almond and tropical fruit from the orgeat and triple sec, lifted by light rum. Palate: Sweet and citrusy with almond nuttiness, orange, and light rum softness, all balanced by the sour mix tartness. Finish: Fruity and gently sweet with tropical lingering notes.

almond tropical citrus sweet fruity

Pro Tip

Use an authentic orgeat syrup made from almonds rather than artificial substitutes to capture the proper nutty sweetness of the original Mai Tai.

Techniques Used

Shaking Straining

Compare Mai Tai

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Data verified August 2015

Nutrition Facts →

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