What is orgeat syrup?

Orgeat is a nutty almond syrup with hints of citrus and flowers (pronounced or-ZHAAT). I do recommend buying it for this recipe: there's no substitute for a proper Mai Tai. At around $10 a bottle, it's worth adding to your bar. It's also great in other cocktails like the Japanese Cocktail and Trinidad Sour .

What rums do I need for this drink?

Two kinds of rum make the magic — aged rum (also called golden or añejo) for the base with those vanilla-caramel notes, and dark rum to float on top. The float adds serious depth to the drink, but it's optional if you prefer a sweeter, less boozy experience.

Can I switch up the orange liqueur?

Traditional recipes call for orange curaçao, but Grand Marnier or Cointreau work beautifully. Use Triple Sec in a pinch.

This Easy Mai Tai Recipe Tastes Like Paradise

Name: Mai Tai (Classic Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Cocktails
Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounces* aged rum; 1/2 ounce orange liqueur: Curaçao, Cointreau or Grand Marnier; 3/4 ounce lime juice; 1 ounce orgeat syrup; 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup (optional**); 1/2 ounce dark rum, to float (optional); For serving: Crushed ice or clear ice, fresh mint, cocktail cherry, lime wedge

Mai Tai (Classic Recipe)

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4.5 from 25 reviews

Here’s how to make the original Mai Tai recipe! Gather the ingredients for this tropical rum drink that’s as complex as it is fruity.

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink 1x
Category: Drink
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: Cocktails
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 ounces* aged rum
1/2 ounce orange liqueur: Curaçao, Cointreau or Grand Marnier
3/4 ounce lime juice
1 ounce orgeat syrup
1/2 teaspoon simple syrup (optional**)
1/2 ounce dark rum, to float (optional)
For serving: Crushed ice or clear ice, fresh mint, cocktail cherry, lime wedge

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Instructions

Place the aged rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup (if using**) in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until cold.
Strain the drink into an ice-filled glass. Top with the dark rum. Garnish with fresh mint, a lime wedge, a cocktail cherry, and a pineapple slice.

Notes

Here’s a link to these fluted lowball glasses.

*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.

**A hint of simple syrup accentuates the flavor for a fruity, sweet, tart Mai Tai. Omit it for a more boozy, spirit-forward Mai Tai.

Party pitcher (8 servings): Mix 1 1/2 cups aged rum, 1/2 cup orange liqueur, 3/4 cup lime juice and 1 cup orgeat in a pitcher. Store up to 1 day. When ready to serve, stir in 3 handfuls of ice. Pour 3 3/4 to 4 oz into a glass and top with the dark rum float.

Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/mai-tai-recipe/