Authentic Mai Tai

How to Make Authentic Mai Tai

1. 1

   Step 1: Prep glass and garnishes

   Chill two rocks glasses briefly or fill and discard with ice to cool. Lightly clap the mint sprigs between your palms to release oils and set aside with lime wheels for garnish. Keep everything within reach so assembly is quick.

   For this step

   • 2 sprigsFresh mint sprigs (garnish)
   • 2 wheelsLime wheels (garnish)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Combine cocktail ingredients

   Measure the blended aged rum, fresh lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Confirm quantities for two servings and make sure all syrups are well mixed before chilling.

   For this step

   • 4 fl ozBlended aged rum (base rum)
   • 1 1/2 fl ozFresh lime juice
   • 1 fl ozOrange curaçao (or triple sec)
   • 1 fl ozOrgeat syrup
   • 1/2 fl ozSimple syrup (1:1)
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Shake with ice

   Add a good scoop of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker is cold and well diluted. The vigorous shake helps integrate the orgeat and citrus and gives the drink the proper texture.

   For this step

   • 2 cupsCrushed ice
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Build in glass and float rum

   Fill each chilled rocks glass with crushed ice and strain the shaken mixture evenly over the ice. Carefully float the overproof Jamaican rum on top by pouring slowly over the back of a spoon to create a layered float.

   For this step

   • 1 fl ozOverproof Jamaican rum (for float)
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Garnish and serve

   Tuck a slapped mint sprig and a lime wheel into each glass so the mint rests above the drink to release aroma as you sip. Serve immediately with a short straw and advise guests to stir gently if they want to blend the float.
   

1. Chill two rocks glasses briefly or fill and discard with ice to cool. Lightly clap the mint sprigs between your palms to release oils and set aside with lime wheels for garnish. Keep everything within reach so assembly is quick.
2. Measure the blended aged rum, fresh lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Confirm quantities for two servings and make sure all syrups are well mixed before chilling.
3. Add a good scoop of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker is cold and well diluted. The vigorous shake helps integrate the orgeat and citrus and gives the drink the proper texture.
4. Fill each chilled rocks glass with crushed ice and strain the shaken mixture evenly over the ice. Carefully float the overproof Jamaican rum on top by pouring slowly over the back of a spoon to create a layered float.
5. Tuck a slapped mint sprig and a lime wheel into each glass so the mint rests above the drink to release aroma as you sip. Serve immediately with a short straw and advise guests to stir gently if they want to blend the float.