Mai-Tai (Trader Vic's)

Pro tips

• Chill your coupe or rocks glass before pouring; this drink should be served ice-cold and diluted from proper mixing.
• Use a lime shell (squeezed half) as garnish for aromatics; the oils express subtly during sipping.
• Measure rock candy syrup carefully—it's sweeter than simple syrup, so accuracy matters for balance.
• Shake hard with crushed ice for 10–15 seconds to achieve proper chill and dilution; undershaking yields a hot, overly spirited drink.

Substitutions

• Rock candy syrup → 1/4 oz simple syrup (less complex sweetness)
• French Garnier orgeat → Marie Brizard or Luxardo orgeat (sweeter; reduce to 3/8 oz)
• Holland DeKuyper orange curaçao → Cointreau or Grand Marnier (drier, less orange-forward)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger · bar spoon · citrus press or reamer

Can I substitute the 17-year-old J. Wray and Nephew rum?

This aged Jamaican rum is essential to the original flavor profile. A high-proof, aged Jamaican rum (Appleton Estate 12yr or similar) is the closest substitute, though the result will differ.

What's the difference between French and other orgeat brands?

Garnier French orgeat has a drier, more almond-forward profile. Other brands tend sweeter; if substituting, reduce by 1/4 oz and taste.

Should I use fresh lime juice or bottled?

Always fresh. Bottled lime juice lacks the brightness and acidity that balance the rum and orgeat in this drink.

Can this drink be batched or made ahead?

No. Mix to order. Prepare lime juice fresh just before serving; pre-mixed versions oxidize and lose flavor.

What equipment do I need?

A cocktail shaker, jigger, bar spoon, and citrus press or reamer for fresh lime juice. Crushed ice is traditional but optional.