Mai Tai Cocktail

This mai tai cocktail combines light and dark rums with orange liqueur and a tiny splash of pineapple juice, the result is a citrusy, bright and smooth drink. Sipping this cocktail makes me feel like I’m lounging on a beach, listening to the sound of lapping waves.

If you’ve tried a mai tai in the past and been unimpressed with the sugary or overly fruity flavor, this classic version of the mai tai might change your mind.

Mai Tai Cocktail

My brother-in-law is known to make one heck of an incredible cocktail. His version of the mai tai made me realize that this drink isn’t meant to be too heavy on the pineapple and orange flavors. I look forward to enjoying one of these whenever we visit.

The last time I visited my sister, I twisted my brother in law’s arm to show me how to make his classic version. The mai tai is very smooth and flavorful without being overly sweet.

The key difference in this recipe compared to others I’ve tried is waiting to add the pineapple juice at the very end.  I shake the other ingredients in a cocktail shaker but leave the pineapple juice to add to the glass right at the end. This allows you to add as much or as little pineapple juice as you like in order to sweeten the drink.

If you want a pure and authentic old-fashioned mai tai, feel free to skip the pineapple juice entirely. Me? I’m a fan of the added flavor it provides here.

I suggest starting with just a couple ounces of pineapple juice and tasting the drink before adding more. If you prefer a stronger rum flavor, you might want to start with just a single shot (1.5 oz.) of pineapple juice before adding more to taste.

The only place I’ve found that makes a cocktail close to this version is PF Chang’s. As proven with the fabulous Coconut Lemon Sour, their bartenders know how to mix a drink.

Mai Tai Ingredients

Using good quality ingredients is important with any cocktail and the mai tai is no different.

This a rum based cocktail that uses both light and dark varieties of rum. I’ve found the quality of the light rum doesn’t matter too much but you don’t want to use bottom of the barrel liquor. Bacardi or a similar standard shelf variety will work just fine.

When it comes to the dark rum, don’t skimp. Cheap dark rums just don’t have the same smoothness as the better stuff and smooth is one of the primary characteristics of a delicious well-made mai tai.

I use Mount Gay Rum most often when I make this drink but your favorite middle quality or top shelf dark rum will do. Don’t substitute spiced rums. They’ll disrupt the flavor balance in this cocktail.

Orgeat syrup is the secret ingredient that gives mai tais their distinct flavor. Made from blanched almonds and orange-flower water, Orgeat syrup has a sweet and nutty almond flavor that’s amazing paired with pineapple juice. There are several good brands of Orgeat syrup available or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you could even make your own.

This classic mai tai gets its tropical citrus flavor from a dash of orange liqueur. Gran Gala is my preferred brand but feel free to substitute with whatever orange liqueur you have available.

Finally, the pineapple juice. Ideally, use 100% Pineapple Juice in this recipe rather than one that’s mainly added sugar. That fresh tropical pineapple flavor brings the flavors of citrus, almonds, and rum together for a cocktail that tastes like summer at the beach. 

Cocktail Recipes

Looking for more delicious and easy cocktail recipes? I’ve got you covered. Like a mai tai, Pineapple Mojitos conjure images of lazy summer days by the ocean or pool, soaking up the sun. They’re one of the drinks I make most often and popular with everyone who tries one.

The Moscow Mule has fast become one of my favorite cocktails. Refreshing and citrusy with lime, vodka and ginger beer, it’s an easy go to for parties any time of the year.

My husband’s favorite drink is The Old-Fashioned. Not for the weak, an Old-Fashioned brings together Bourbon whiskey, bitters and soda water and is typically garnished with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.

For something a little more unusual, check out this Brazilian Caipirinha Cocktail.  The primary ingredient is Ypioca Cachaca, the most popular distilled liquor in Brazil. It’s a basic combination of the cane sugar based liquor served over ice with a twist of fresh lime juice.

Mai Tai Recipe

1. Combine 1 ounce of light rum, 1 ounce of dark rum, half an ounce of Orgeat syrup and ½ ounce of orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.

2. Shake well until the drink is chilled, then strain over crushed ice.

3. Add 2 – 3 ounces of pineapple juice and adjust the amount of juice to taste.

Traditionally, the mai tai is served in an Old Fashioned glass. It makes for a beautiful, classic presentation. You can also serve this in a highball glass.

Classic Mai Tai

5 from 2 votes

This drink is very smooth and flavorful without being overly sweet.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 serving

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Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 ounce light rum Bacardi is fine
• ▢ 1 ounce mid range or top shelf dark rum I used Mount Gay Rum
• ▢ 1/2 ounce Orgeat syrup
• ▢ 1/2 ounce Gran Gala orange liqueur
• ▢ 2 – 3 ounces pineapple juice adjust to taste

Instructions

• Combine the first four ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled and then strain over fresh crushed ice. Add pineapple juice and stir. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcal · Carbohydrates: 14g · Sodium: 5mg · Sugar: 11g

Tried this recipe?Mention @barefeetkitchen or tag #barefeetkitchen!

{originally published 10/23/12 – recipe notes updated 1/31/19}