Mai Tai Classic co*cktail (2024)

With just 5 ingredients, this classic Mai Tai co*cktail is a strong, complex rum co*cktail with hints of citrus and almond. It’s a refreshing and not too sweet drink that’s sophisticated enough for co*cktail hour but easy enough for pool days too!

More fun co*cktails for summer and relaxing by the pool include our Blue Hawaiian and Sex on the Beach drinks!

Classic Mai Tai Recipe

When you think of a Mai Tai, chances are a fruity, sweet drink made with pineapple juice pops into your mind, because that’s what you’ll often receive when you order one at many restaurants.

However, the classic Mai Tai co*cktail is neither sweet nor overly fruity – and contains no juice, except for some freshly squeezed lime juice! With orange liqueur and freshly squeezed lime juice, it’s still a very tropical drink. The two types of rum and orange liqueur just ensure it packs a punch.

If you’re looking for a summer co*cktail that’s refreshing and tropical without tasting like fruit punch, this classic Mai Tai drink is for you.

Mai Tai Ingredients

What’s in a Mai Tai? There are just 5 ingredients plus optional garnishes in this easy rum co*cktail recipe.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

• White rum – Any mid-shelf brand will work.
• Lime juice – Freshly squeezed.
• Orange curacao – You can substitute other types of orange liqueur as well.
• Orgeat syrup – Orgeat is made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water and is a typical Mai Tai ingredient.
• Dark rum – Like the white rum, you want to aim for a decent brand.
• Garnishes – You can garnish your fruity co*cktail with a maraschino cherry, lime slices or wedges, pineapple, and mint.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Mai Tai uses just the ingredients above, there are now many variations on the original recipe if you want to switch it up.

• Try a different orange liqueur. You can use Grand Mariner or triple sec in place of the orange curacao.
• Orgeat substitutions. Some will say it’s not a Mai Tai co*cktail at all if you don’t add orgeat – but I realize it’s not something everyone keeps in their cupboard. In a pinch, amaretto almond liqueur can be used instead and if you don’t have that, just add a flavored simple syrup.
• Add some juice. Many Mai Tai’s today are served more as a Mai Tai punch, with some pineapple or orange juice (or both) to round out the drink, make it go further, and add some extra fruitiness.
• Use aged rum instead of white rum. While dark rum should always be added, you can use aged rum (also called golden rum, amber rum, or anejo rum) for a richer, more complex flavor.

How to Make a Mai Tai

One reason to love this Mai Tai co*cktail? It comes together in seconds.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

• Shake. Pour the white rum, juice, orange curacao, and orgeat syrup into a co*cktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Pour over ice in a glass.
• Add the dark rum. Slowly pour in the dark rum. It should float on the top so do not mix it in before serving.
• Garnish. Add a maraschino cherry, some lime, pineapple, and mint to the drink before serving.

Can I Easily Make These For a Crowd?

A Mai Tai co*cktail is a great drink for a crowd. It is very easy to multiply this recipe by the number of servings needed. Just add the chilled white rum, lime juice, orange curacao, and orgeat syrup to a large pitcher or punch bowl in the quantity you want. Then, pour the “punch” over ice in glasses, carefully top with the dark rum, then add garnishes. A fun Mai Tai bar would be so amazing for summer parties.

Serving Suggestions

Mai Tais are typically served over ice in a lowball co*cktail glass. Once you pour in the dark rum, resist the urge to stir the drink! You want to serve it with the layered effect. Garnish as little or as much as desired. You can go all out as I like to do with the cherry, pineapple, mint, and lime or just use whatever you have on hand.

More Classic co*cktail Recipes:

• Dirty Shirley
• Mudslide
• Whiskey Sour
• Paloma
• Bee’s Knees co*cktail
• Old Fashioned

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onTikTok,Facebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!