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Three tropical cocktails with ice, garnished with pineapple wedges, cherries, and leaves, sit on a wooden table—perfect for trying a classic mai tai recipe. In the background are pineapple slices on a cutting board and a whole pineapple.
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5 from 3 votes

The Ultimate Classic Mai Tai Recipe: A Tropical Escape in a Glass

When the sun is shining and the vibe is right, nothing hits quite like a Classic Mai Tai. This iconic cocktail transports you straight to a beachside paradise, with its refreshing mix of rum and vibrant flavors. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just winding down after a long day, the Mai Tai is your ticket to tropical bliss. Trust me, once you taste this concoction, you’ll be shaking up these bad boys for every gathering!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: escape, mai, tai, tropical
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 oz light rum
  • 1/2 oz dark rum
  • 1/2 oz orange curaçao
  • 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
  • Mint sprig (for garnish)
  • Lime wheel (for garnish)
  • Crushed ice

Instructions

  • Grab a double old-fashioned glass or a tiki mug and fill it with crushed ice. This will keep your Mai Tai nice and frosty, just how we like it!
  • In a shaker, combine:2 oz light rum1/2 oz orange curaçao1/2 oz orgeat syrup1/2 oz simple syrup3/4 oz fresh lime juiceAdd a handful of ice, then shake it like you mean it! You want everything well-mixed and chilled.
  • Now, strain that delicious mixture into your prepared glass over the crushed ice. Let that tropical goodness pour out!
  • To create that stunning layered effect, gently pour 1/2 oz dark rum over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the drink. This adds depth and character to your Mai Tai.
  • No Mai Tai is complete without a little flair! Add a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel on top. This not only looks gorgeous but adds an extra aromatic element.
  • Sit back, relax, and sip on your freshly made Classic Mai Tai. You deserve it!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 350kcal