Mai Tai is a tropical cocktail that has become synonymous with Tiki culture. It was created in 1944 by Victor J. “Trader Vic” Bergeron at his restaurant in Oakland, California. The story goes that Bergeron crafted the drink for some friends visiting from Tahiti, and upon tasting it, they exclaimed, “Maita’i roa ae!” which means “out of this world” in Tahitian, giving the cocktail its name. Although another Tiki bar owner, Donn Beach, also claimed to have invented it, Trader Vic’s version is the one that gained widespread popularity and became a staple of exotic cocktails.
Flavor:
Mai Tai has a rich, complex flavor that combines the sweetness of orgeat syrup and the citrusy tang of lime with the bold, earthy notes of aged rum. The addition of orange liqueur adds a subtle fruity sweetness, creating a balanced and refreshing tropical drink.
IBA Category:
Contemporary Classics
Ingredients:
40 ml Aged Rum
20 ml Dark Rum (for float)
15 ml Fresh Lime Juice
15 ml Orange Curaçao
15 ml Orgeat Syrup
Recipe:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine 40 ml aged rum, 15 ml fresh lime juice, 15 ml orange curaçao, and 15 ml orgeat syrup.
2. Add ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Float 20 ml dark rum on top.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel, and serve immediately.
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