The Mai Tai is a symbol of relaxation. But in modern times, it has been corrupted with low quality rums and unnecessary fruit juices. A proper Mai Tai has no orange juice, no pineapple. It is not overly sweet, but the perfect balance of strong, sour, sweet and spice.
It’s one I’ve been really working to understand and improve on. I love tinkering around with all of the many combinations, the blending of different rums, and layering of all the very different flavors.
I’m Going to share two versions. The first is more generic, and beginner friendly The other, while not “traditional,” is my preferred Mai Tai. It’s delicious.
- 2oz Aged Rum
- 1oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ¾oz Orgeat Syrup
- ½ Orange Liqueur
- Mint Bouquet
- 1oz Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum
- 1oz El Dorado 12yr Demarera Rum
- ⅓oz Rhum JM Agricole Blanc
- 1oz Lime Juice
- ¾oz Orgeat (Homemade)
- ½oz Clement Creole Shrubb D’Orange
- 1 Spent Lime Shell
- 1 Dash of Angostura Bitters
•Method•
Add all ingredients (including the lime shell) to a shaker with ice. Shake and then dump into a rocks glass. Garnish with a mint bouquet.
Cocktail Homecraft 