Get ready to escape to a tropical paradise with these refreshing Mai Tai recipes! The classic cocktail, made famous by Trader Vic’s, is a staple of any tiki-themed party or gathering. But why stick to just one recipe when you can have 18?! From the classic combo of rum, lime juice, and orgeat syrup, to innovative twists featuring coconut, pineapple, and even jalapeño, we’ve got the ultimate collection of tropical Mai Tai recipes for you to try.
In this article, we’ll take a journey around the world (or at least, our kitchen!) as we explore the many variations on the classic Mai Tai recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking for a fun and fruity drink to serve at your next gathering, these tropical Mai Tai recipes are sure to hit the spot.
Classic Mai Tai with Orgeat Syrup
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this iconic cocktail, featuring the rich flavors of orgeat syrup and rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz light rum
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of grenadine syrup
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add dark rum, light rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a hollowed-out pineapple or Mai Tai glass filled with ice.
5. Add a splash of grenadine syrup and garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Cooking Time: None!
Coconut Pineapple Mai Tai
Coconut Pineapple Mai Tai Recipe
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of coconut and a hint of tropical flavors, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a getaway.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz light rum
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz pineapple juice
– Splash of club soda
– Pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, light rum, coconut cream, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with pineapple juice and a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and toasted coconut flakes.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your Coconut Pineapple Mai Tai!
Spiced Rum Mai Tai
Elevate your tropical getaway with this Spiced Rum Mai Tai recipe, infusing the classic cocktail with warm spices and rich rum flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz light rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar)
– 1/4 oz orgeat syrup (almond-flavored)
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, light rum, lime juice, simple syrup, orgeat syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a Mai Tai glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None needed! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Passion Fruit Mai Tai
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on the classic Mai Tai cocktail. This sweet and tangy concoction combines the flavors of passion fruit, orange liqueur, and dark rum for a truly exotic experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz passion fruit puree
– 1/2 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Mint leaves and passion fruit seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, passion fruit puree, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with mint leaves and passion fruit seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Blue Hawaiian Mai Tai
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on the classic Mai Tai cocktail. This Blue Hawaiian Mai Tai combines sweet and tangy flavors with a vibrant blue hue.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz light rum
– 1 oz dark rum
– 1 oz blue curaçao liqueur
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1 oz orange curaçao liqueur
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Pineapple wedges and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add light rum, dark rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, orange curaçao, and lime juice.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy!
Guava Mai Tai with Lime
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing take on the classic Mai Tai, featuring sweet and tangy guava puree and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Dark Rum
– 1 oz Light Rum
– 1 oz Guava Puree
– 1/2 oz Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of Club Soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rum, guava puree, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail, after all!)
Dark and Stormy Mai Tai
Perfect for a tropical getaway or a cozy night in, this Dark and Stormy Mai Tai combines the classic rum-based cocktail with the bold flavors of ginger beer and lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum (such as Myers’s)
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None needed! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Tropical Mango Mai Tai
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on the classic Mai Tai cocktail. This sweet and tangy drink combines the flavors of mango, pineapple, and coconut for a truly unforgettable experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz light rum
– 1 oz mango puree
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz coconut cream
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Lime wedges and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, light rum, mango puree, pineapple juice, coconut cream, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Vanilla Bean Mai Tai
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Mai Tai, featuring sweet and creamy vanilla bean notes.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz white rum
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz orgeat syrup (almond-flavored)
– 1/4 oz vanilla extract
– 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add dark rum, white rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and vanilla extract to the shaker.
3. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for approximately 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a Mai Tai glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Jalapeño Pineapple Mai Tai
Elevate your tropical cocktail game with this spicy twist on the classic Mai Tai. This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of pineapple, the spiciness of jalapeño, and the richness of rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Dark Rum
– 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Orange Curaçao
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (infused with 1-2 slices of jalapeño pepper)
– 4 oz Pineapple Juice
– Splash of Club Soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel and pineapple wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add dark rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and simple syrup (with jalapeño).
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with pineapple juice and a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and pineapple wedge.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Lychee Rose Mai Tai
This tropical take on the Mai Tai combines the sweetness of lychees with the subtle flavor of rose, creating a unique and refreshing cocktail perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Dark rum
– 1 oz Light rum
– 1 oz Fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz Lychee liqueur
– 1/2 oz Rose syrup (or to taste)
– 1/4 oz Orgeat (almond-flavored syrup)
– Splash of club soda
– Lime wheel and lychee fruit for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine dark rum, light rum, lime juice, lychee liqueur, rose syrup, and orgeat.
2. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass filled with ice.
3. Top with a splash of club soda.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and a lychee fruit.
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your Lychee Rose Mai Tai!
Blood Orange Mai Tai
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Mai Tai. The addition of blood orange juice and zest adds a tangy, citrusy flavor that complements the rich rum and spices perfectly.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz light rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz orgeat syrup (almond-flavored)
– 1/2 oz blood orange juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of grenadine
– Blood orange slice and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, light rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, blood orange juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a Mai Tai glass filled with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with a blood orange slice and mint sprig.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a dish that requires cooking.
Enjoy your Blood Orange Mai Tai!
Banana Foster Mai Tai
Elevate your cocktail game with this Banana Foster-inspired Mai Tai! This sweet and tangy twist combines the classic flavors of rum, lime, and mint with the decadent addition of caramelized bananas.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 1/2 oz light rum
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 oz orgeat syrup (almond-flavored)
– 1/4 oz triple sec
– 1/2 cup crushed ice
– Fresh mint leaves and banana slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the bananas by cooking them in a skillet with 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
2. In a shaker filled with crushed ice, combine dark rum, light rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and triple sec.
3. Add the caramelized banana to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a Mai Tai glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a banana slice.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Enjoy your Banana Foster Mai Tai!
Ginger Lemongrass Mai Tai
This refreshing twist on the classic Mai Tai cocktail combines the spicy warmth of ginger with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemongrass. Perfect for a warm evening or a tropical getaway.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz ginger liqueur
– 1/2 oz lemongrass syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Splash of club soda
– Lime wheel and sprig of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rum, lime juice, ginger liqueur, lemongrass syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Pomegranate Hibiscus Mai Tai
Experience the exotic flavors of Hawaii with this refreshing twist on the classic Mai Tai cocktail, featuring pomegranate and hibiscus. This fruity and herbaceous drink is perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a tropical getaway.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz pomegranate syrup
– 1/2 oz hibiscus syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz orgeat (almond-flavored liqueur)
– Splash of club soda
– Fresh mint leaves and pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rum, lime juice, pomegranate syrup, hibiscus syrup, and orgeat.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a Mai Tai glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and pomegranate seeds.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Smoky Mezcal Mai Tai
Elevate your Mai Tai game with the bold flavors of smoky mezcal and tropical fruit. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and smoky notes for a unique and refreshing cocktail experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz dark rum
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz orgeat syrup (almond-flavored)
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 3-4 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of mint, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add mezcal, rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 3-4 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation time: approximately 5 minutes)
Peach Basil Mai Tai
A refreshing twist on the classic Tiki cocktail, this Peach Basil Mai Tai combines sweet and savory flavors for a unique drinking experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz peach puree
– 1/4 oz basil syrup (see note)
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel and sprig of fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add dark rum, lime juice, simple syrup, peach puree, and basil syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of fresh basil.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Lavender Honey Mai Tai
This Lavender Honey Mai Tai combines the floral notes of lavender with the warm, golden tones of honey, creating a unique and refreshing twist on the classic tropical cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz light rum
– 1 oz dark rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz lavender syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz orgeat liqueur
– Splash of club soda
– Edible flower petals for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add light rum, dark rum, lime juice, lavender syrup, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with orgeat liqueur and a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with edible flower petals, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Looking to add a tropical twist to your cocktail game? Look no further! We’ve got 18 refreshing Mai Tai recipes that will transport you to a beachside paradise. From classic combinations like coconut and pineapple to unique twists featuring spices, fruits, and herbs, there’s something for everyone. Try the Spiced Rum Mai Tai with cinnamon and nutmeg, or the Passion Fruit Mai Tai with a hint of citrus. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet and fruity or bold and adventurous, these tropical Mai Tai recipes are sure to quench your thirst.