When it comes to tropical cocktails, the Mai Tai is an all-time favorite. The combination of sweet almond syrup, fresh lime juice, and rum creates a deliciously refreshing drink that transports you straight to a beach paradise. But did you know that there are different variations of the classic Mai Tai that you can try? From the Well Oiled Mai Tai to the Bitter Mai Tai, each cocktail has its own unique twist on the classic recipe. So, let’s get started!
The Classic Mai Tai
Ingredients
- 50 ml White Rum
- 20 ml Cointreau
- 30 ml Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 20 ml Almond Syrup
- GARNISH : Mint Bouquet
Instructions
- Shake all the ingredients with ice , then strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with the mint bouquet and enjoy the best Mai Tai you ever had!
Well Oiled Mai Tai
Ingredients
- 40 ml White Rum
- 10 ml Dark Rum
- 10 ml Falernum
- 20 ml Almond Syrup
- 30 ml Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 1 Dash of Tiki Bitters
- 2 Dashes of Cherry Bitters
- GARNISH: Mint Sprig
Instructions
- Shake all the ingredients (except the dark rum) with ice, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Float the dark rum and garnish with the mint sprig.
Angostura Mai Tai
Ingredients
- 40 ml White Rum
- 20 ml Cointreau
- 30 ml Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 20 ml Almond Syrup
- 10 ml Dark Jamaican Rum
- 2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters (float)
- GARNISH: Mint Sprig & Dehydrated Lime Wheel
Instructions
- Shake all the ingredients (except the dark rum and bitters) with ice, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Float the dark rum and the bitters and garnish with the mint sprig.
Cranberry Mai Tai
Ingredients
- 50 ml White Rum
- 20 ml Cointreau
- 30 ml Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 20 ml Almond Syrup
- 10 ml Cranberry Syrup
- GARNISH: Mint Sprig & Edible Flower
Instructions
- Shake all the ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an edible flower and a mint sprig.
Bitter Mai Tai
Ingredients
- 45 ml Campari
- 25 ml Jamaican Rum
- 15 ml Orange Curacao
- 30 ml Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 25 ml Almond Syrup
- GARNISH: Mint Sprig
Instructions
- Shake all the ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass over crushed ice.
- Garnish with the mint sprig.
Tips:
- For the almond syrup, you can either use store-bought or make your own by combining 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk and 2 cups of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat, add 1 tsp of orange flower water, 2 tbsp of almond extract and 1/3 cup of cognac and stir to mix.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have a specific type of rum, feel free to substitute it with another similar rum that you have on hand.
- You can adjust the sweetness or tartness of the cocktails to your liking by tweaking the amount of almond syrup and lime juice used.
Conclusion:
The Mai Tai is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Whether you prefer the classic version or a modern twist, there is a Mai Tai recipe out there for everyone. With its refreshing blend of rum, citrus, and almond syrup, the Mai Tai is the perfect drink for any occasion. So why not mix up a batch and try it for yourself? Cheers!
