How to Make a Mai Tai: Classic Recipe for a Tropical Favorite

If you’ve ever wanted to bring vacation vibes home, the Mai Tai is a great place to start. This tropical cocktail is all about fresh lime juice, rich rum, and a balance of sweet and citrusy flavors. It’s easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for everything from backyard BBQs to beach-themed parties. Here’s a simple recipe that walks you through how to make a Mai Tai the right way, no neon mixers, just the good stuff.

Mai Tai Ingredient Proportions

The flavor and balance of a Mai Tai depend heavily on getting the proportions right. Below are two accurate sets of measurements one for a traditional version and one for a fruit-forward tropical style.

Classic Mai Tai (Modern Variation)

• 25 ml aged Jamaican rum (e.g., Appleton Estate) or 50 ml if not using rhum agricole
• 25 ml Martinique rhum agricole (e.g., Clément VSOP, optional)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) orange curaçao
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) orgeat syrup
• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
• Optional: 2 tsp (10 ml) simple syrup (for extra sweetness, not in original recipe)
• Optional: 25 ml dark rum (e.g., Gosling’s Black Seal, for floating, not in original recipe)
• Crushed ice (for serving)
• Ice cubes (for shaking)
• Optional garnish: mint sprig, pineapple wedge, lime wheel, cocktail cherry

Tropical Mai Tai

• Ice cubes (to fill shaker)
• 3 fl oz (90 ml) pineapple juice
• 2 fl oz (60 ml) orange juice
• 1.5 oz (45 ml) light rum (e.g., Bacardi Silver)
• 0.75 oz (22.5 ml) dark rum (e.g., Myers’s)
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) orgeat syrup
• 1 tsp (5 ml) grenadine syrup
• Note: Spiced or coconut rum (1.5 oz and 0.75 oz, respectively) can be used for a sweeter, less traditional flavor.
• Served over fresh ice; optional garnish: lime slice, cherry

How to Make a Mai Tai: Step-by-Step Method

There are two main approaches to making a Mai Tai: the traditional version from the 1940s and a modern, tropical variation. Below is a step-by-step guide for each method.

Classic Mai Tai (Modern Variation) Method 

This version stays close to the original Trader Vic recipe. It uses a combination of golden and dark rum, fresh lime juice, almond-flavored orgeat syrup, and orange curaçao. A signature element is the dark rum float, which creates a layered appearance and adds depth to the drink.

1. Add ingredients to shaker: Pour 50 ml aged Jamaican rum (e.g., Appleton Estate) or 25 ml Jamaican rum and 25 ml Martinique rhum agricole (e.g., Clément VSOP), 1 tbsp orange curaçao, 0.5 oz orgeat syrup, 1 oz lime juice, and optional 2 tsp simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes.
2. Shake: Shake for 10-15 seconds until chilled.
3. Serve: Pour unstrained (with ice) into a tumbler filled with crushed ice, or strain into fresh crushed ice for a cleaner look.
4. Float dark rum: If using, slowly pour 25 ml dark rum over the back of a spoon to create a separate layer.
5. Garnish: Optionally add a mint sprig, pineapple wedge, lime wheel, or cocktail cherry.

Tropical Mai Tai Method

This version emphasizes a fruitier, sweeter profile and is often served in casual or party settings. It features pineapple and orange juices, light and dark rums, orgeat, lime juice, and grenadine for a sweet, tropical character.

1. Fill shaker with ice: Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker.
2. Add liquids: Pour in 3 oz pineapple juice, 2 oz orange juice, 1.5 oz light rum, 0.75 oz dark rum, 0.5 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz orgeat syrup, and 1 tsp grenadine.
3. Shake: Shake for 15 seconds.
4. Serve: Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish (optional): Add a lime slice, cherry, or pineapple wedge if desired.

Each method creates a distinct cocktail experience. Choose the one that suits your taste, whether you prefer a classic, spirit-forward mix or a vibrant, tropical-style drink.

Conclusion

Whether you’re mixing drinks for a party or just want to unwind with something tropical, the Mai Tai is a go-to cocktail that’s easy to love. You can keep it classic with lime juice, orgeat, and layered rum, or go the fruity route with pineapple and orange juices. 

Either way, it’s a refreshing, rum-forward drink that brings a bit of island vibe to any setting. Try both versions to find your favorite. The Mai Tai shines with quality ingredients and good company. Cheers!