Mai Tai Guide – Rum, Lime, Almond and Crushed Ice

A Mai Tai is not a random tropical juice cocktail. The classic style is built around rum, fresh lime, orange curaçao and orgeat/almond, keeping the rum clearly present.

Mai Tai recipe

• 60 ml aged rum or a rum blend
• 25 ml fresh lime juice
• 15 ml orange curaçao
• 15 ml orgeat
• 5–10 ml sugar syrup if needed for balance

Shake with ice and pour over crushed ice in a lowball or Tiki glass. Fresh mint and a spent lime half make a classic-looking garnish.

Orgeat and almond flavour

Orgeat has almond character and often additional aromatics. 1883 Almond Syrup and Monin Almond Syrup provide almond flavour, but are not necessarily identical to traditional orgeat. Adjust sweetness accordingly.

Rum blend

Combining different rum styles can give more depth than one very neutral rum. The goal is not to hide the spirit behind juice.

Crushed ice

Mai Tai is commonly served over crushed ice. Read our crushed ice guide and browse ice crushers.

Glassware and Tiki

A lowball is classic, while a Kū-Ka-Ili-Moku Tiki Mug creates a more dramatic presentation. See the full Tiki range.

Garnish

Fresh mint is both visual and aromatic. Avoid decorations that have nothing to do with the recipe. Read our cocktail garnish guide.

FAQ

Does pineapple juice belong in a Mai Tai?

Not in the classic Trader Vic-inspired style. Tropical juice versions are modern variations.

Can you use falernum?

Yes as a variation, but it changes the spice profile. Monin Falernum also works in many other Tiki drinks.