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 Rum; 1 oz Old Mr. Boston 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 combining dark rum, triple sec, almond-flavored orgeat syrup, grenadine, and fresh lime juice for a balanced, aromatic drink. This iconic tiki cocktail is defined by its smooth rum base and rich almond notes.

🏷️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 Deluxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

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

1 oz Old Mr. Boston 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 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 fresh lime juice squeezed immediately before mixing—bottled juice dulls the cocktail's bright citrus character.
Crush ice finely rather than using regular ice cubes; crushed ice chills faster and melts slower in this drink.
Chill your glass beforehand to keep the cocktail cold longer without rapid dilution.
Shake all ingredients hard for 10–12 seconds to properly emulsify the syrup and achieve the right dilution.

Substitutions

Old Mr. Boston Rum → Myers's Dark Rum or Bacardi 151 (adjusts flavor profile and proof)
Orgeat Syrup → almond extract + simple syrup at 1:4 ratio (less authentic but functional)
Grenadine → pomegranate juice or cherry liqueur (shifts sweetness and color slightly)
Lime Juice → lemon juice (changes acidity balance; less traditional)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger or measuring spoon · bar strainer · rocks glass or tiki mug

Common Questions

What type of rum works best in a Mai Tai?

Dark or aged rum provides the best flavor; Old Mr. Boston Rum or similar quality brands work well. Some bartenders use a blend of light and dark rum for complexity.