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 Light Rum; 1 oz Triple Sec; 1 tbsp(s) Orgeat or Almond Flavored Syrup; 1 tbsp(s) Grenadine; 1 tbsp(s) Lime Juice

The Mai Tai is a classic tropical cocktail balancing light rum, triple sec, orgeat syrup, and fresh lime juice into a smooth, aromatic drink. Its almond and citrus notes make it a standout choice for tiki-style entertaining.

🏷️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 Mr. Boston Official Bartender's and Party Guide

Ingredients

1/2 tsp Powdered Sugar
2 oz Light Rum

1 oz Triple Sec

1 tbsp(s) Orgeat or Almond Flavored Syrup

1 tbsp(s) Grenadine

1 tbsp(s) Lime Juice

6 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Shake with ice and strain into large old-fashioned glass about 1/3 full with crushed ice.
2
Decorate with a maraschino cherry speared to a wedge of fresh pineapple.
3
For a hair-raiser, top with a dash of 151-proof rum; fora true Polynesian effect, float an orchid on each drink.
4
Serve with straws.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use fresh-squeezed lime juice—bottled loses its acidity and bright flavor within hours of opening.
Chill your glass beforehand; Mai Tais are best served cold, and crushed ice melts faster than cubes.
Measure ingredients precisely using a jigger—balance between rum, citrus, and sweetness is critical to avoid an overly syrupy drink.
Stir rather than shake to preserve the clarity and prevent excessive dilution from the orgeat settling.

Substitutions

Light Rum → aged or spiced rum (shifts flavor to deeper, warmer notes)
Triple Sec → Curaçao (adds subtle orange color and slightly different citrus profile)
Orgeat → homemade almond syrup or store-bought almond extract mixed with simple syrup (texture may be thinner)
Grenadine → pomegranate syrup or homemade grenadine (color and tartness vary slightly)

Storage & make-ahead

Mai Tais are best served fresh. Pre-batch the rum, triple sec, orgeat, and grenadine in a pitcher and refrigerate up to 2 days; add fresh lime juice and ice immediately before serving.

Equipment

jigger · bar spoon or stirrer · rocks glass or tiki glass

Common Questions

Can I make a Mai Tai without orgeat syrup?

Orgeat is essential to the Mai Tai's signature flavor. If unavailable, almond syrup or a blend of almond extract with simple syrup can approximate it, though the taste will differ.

Should I use fresh lime juice or bottled?

Fresh lime juice is strongly recommended for brightness and balance. Bottled lime juice lacks the acidity and flavor complexity needed for this cocktail.