Brooklyn Tai

Pro tips

• Pour the beer last and slowly to preserve carbonation and prevent excessive foam.
• Use fresh lime juice squeezed immediately before serving—bottled juice dulls the bright acidity essential to balance the orgeat.
• Chill your glass with ice before building the drink to keep everything cold longer.
• Slap the mint sprig gently between your palms before garnishing to release oils and boost aroma.

Substitutions

• Dark rum → spiced rum (adds warmth but changes the profile slightly)
• Brooklyn Lager → Pilsner or pale lager (maintains crispness, use any quality clean lager)
• Fresh mint → basil (non-traditional but herbally interesting)

What beer works best in a Brooklyn Tai?

Brooklyn Lager is traditional, but any crisp, clean lager works. Avoid heavy or dark beers that overpower the rum and orgeat balance.

Can I make a Brooklyn Tai without orgeat syrup?

Orgeat is essential for the signature almond-forward flavor. Almond extract mixed with simple syrup is the closest substitute, though the result differs.

Should this cocktail be served over ice?

Yes, serve over ice in a highball or rocks glass. The ice keeps the drink cold and slightly dilutes it as it melts, opening up the flavors.

How do I prevent the beer from going flat?

Pour the beer last and gently. Build the rum, orgeat, and lime first, then top with cold beer immediately before serving.

What's the ratio of alcohol to beer in this drink?

The 1 oz rum plus 12 oz lager creates roughly 1 part spirit to 12 parts beer, making it a very approachable, sessionable cocktail.