Mai Tai Cocktail

Name: Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 tsp Powdered Sugar; 2 oz Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum; 1 oz Curacao; 1/2 oz Orgeat or any almond flavored syrup; 1/2 oz Grenadine; 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice

A Mai Tai is a balanced tropical cocktail built on aged rum, curaçao, orgeat, and fresh lime juice, defining the classic tiki cocktail standard. Its signature appeal lies in the interplay of citrus, almond, and rich rum flavors.

🏷️Equipment: old-fashioned glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$14–$23

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

1/2 tsp Powdered Sugar
2 oz Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum

1 oz Curacao

1/2 oz Orgeat or any almond flavored syrup

1/2 oz Grenadine

1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice

6 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Shake well with cracked ice and strain into large Old Fashioned cocktail glass about 1/3 full with crushed ice.
2
Decorate with Maraschino cherry speared to wedge of preferably fresh pineapple.
3
For a hair raiser top with a dash of 151 proof rum and for a real Hawaiian effect float an orchid on each drink.
4
Serve with straws.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use freshly squeezed lime juice within 2 hours of juicing for maximum brightness and acidity.
Chill your glass or coupe beforehand to keep the cocktail cold longer and improve mouthfeel.
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds with plenty of ice to achieve proper dilution and temperature.
Taste for balance: if the drink feels too sweet, add a small splash more lime juice; if too tart, adjust orgeat proportionally.

Substitutions

Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum → any aged or gold rum 80+ proof (maintains body and warmth)
Orgeat syrup → homemade almond syrup (approximates flavor but less refined)
Fresh Lime Juice → bottled fresh lime juice if necessary (loses some brightness)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger or measuring spoon · strainer · bar spoon

Common Questions

What rum should I use for a Mai Tai?

Use aged, high-quality rum like Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum or similar dark/gold rum. Avoid light rum, which lacks the depth needed for authentic flavor.

Can I substitute orgeat syrup?

Orgeat is essential for the Mai Tai's signature almond note. If unavailable, homemade almond-flavored syrup is acceptable, but standard sweeteners cannot replicate its flavor.