Mai Tai (1944)
The original 1944 Mai Tai, created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron, is a masterclass in cocktail balance and flavor complexity. It showcases the character of fine aged rum, enhanced by the sweet nuttiness of orgeat and the bright citrus notes of fresh lime and orange curaçao. Unlike many modern interpretations, the classic recipe contains no pineapple or orange juice, resulting in a potent, rum-forward, and deeply satisfying drink. It is an essential Tiki classic that transports the drinker to a tropical paradise with every sip.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Mai Tai is a cornerstone of the Tiki cocktail category, celebrated for its complex flavor profile derived from exotic ingredients. It is considered a classic cocktail and a benchmark for any serious Tiki bar. Its enduring popularity places it firmly in the pantheon of the world's most famous mixed drinks.
Serving
This potent cocktail is served very cold over crushed ice in a chilled double old fashioned glass. The large surface area of the crushed ice ensures it stays refreshingly chilled to the last sip.
Serving size
Approximately 180 ml (6 oz) before ice
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Double Old Fashioned
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
Legend has it that in 1944, Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron created the Mai Tai at his restaurant in Oakland, California. He wanted to create a new drink to showcase a 17-year-old J. Wray & Nephew Jamaican rum. After serving it to his visiting Tahitian friends, Ham and Carrie Guild, Carrie exclaimed, "Maita'i roa a'e!", which translates to "Out of this world! The best!" The name stuck, and a legendary cocktail was born.
Origin
The Mai Tai was invented in 1944 by Victor J. Bergeron at his Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California, USA.
Mai Tai (1944)
The drink's name comes from the Tahitian phrase "Maita'i roa a'e," meaning "out of this world - the best!" It is often referred to as "Trader Vic's Mai Tai" to distinguish it from the many later variations that bear the same name but differ significantly in their ingredients, particularly those that include pineapple and orange juice.
Original name
Mai Tai
Alternative name
Trader Vic's Mai Tai
Characteristics overview
The Mai Tai presents a complex aroma of citrus, almond, and rum, leading to a perfectly balanced sweet and sour taste. Its texture is smooth and refreshing, finishing with a long, warming aftertaste that highlights the quality of the rums used.
Flavor
Rum-forward, citrusy, nutty, complex, slightly sweet, refreshing
Aroma
Lime, orange, almond, aged rum, mint
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Long, warming, complex, rum funk
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Amber, golden-brown, translucent
Texture
Smooth, crisp, slightly viscous
Seasonality
Summery, refreshing, all-season classic
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is intense and complex, led by a strong sour and fruity profile, balanced by moderate sweetness. The alcohol strength is prominent but well-integrated, with no creaminess or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The classic Mai Tai requires a specific blend of two types of aged rum, fresh lime juice, high-quality orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup. These carefully chosen ingredients create a complex and balanced flavor profile that defines the drink.
- Aged Jamaican Rum30 ml (1 oz)A quality pot-still aged Jamaican rum like Appleton Estate 12 Year or Smith & Cross is essential for the classic "funk".
- Aged Rhum Agricole30 ml (1 oz)Provides a grassy, vegetal counterpoint. A quality rhum agricole vieux like Rhum Clément V.S.O.P. is recommended.
- Fresh Lime Juice30 ml (1 oz)Must be freshly squeezed for brightness.
- Orange Curaçao15 ml (0.5 oz)Use a high-quality curaçao like Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, not blue curaçao or triple sec.
- Orgeat Syrup15 ml (0.5 oz)A key ingredient for its almond flavor and creamy texture. Quality matters; brands like Small Hand Foods or BG Reynolds are excellent.
- Rich Simple Syrup (2:1)7.5 ml (0.25 oz)Trader Vic's original recipe called for Rock Candy Syrup. A 2:1 demerara or cane sugar syrup is a perfect substitute.
Ice type
- Cubed (for shaking), Crushed (for serving)
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaker set with a strainer to build and chill the drink. A jigger is essential for accurate measurements to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Strainer
- Citrus juicer
Instructions
The Mai Tai is built by shaking all ingredients with a mix of cubed and crushed ice and then dumping the entire contents into a chilled glass. It is then topped with more crushed ice and finished with its iconic lime and mint garnish.
1. Chill your double old fashioned glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add all ingredients—both rums, lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat, and simple syrup—into a cocktail shaker.
3. Add about 12 ounces of crushed ice and 4-6 small cubes of regular ice to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Dump the contents of the shaker, including all the ice, directly into your chilled glass (this is called a "dirty dump" or "flash blend").
6. Top with more crushed ice to create a dome over the glass.
7. Garnish with the spent lime shell and a large sprig of fresh mint placed right next to the straw.
Garnishing
The traditional garnish is an island scene created by a spent lime half and a large sprig of fresh mint. The aroma of the mint is crucial as you bring the glass to your nose for a sip.
- Spent Lime Shell: Place one half of the squeezed lime, shell-side up, on top of the crushed ice.
- Fresh Mint Sprig: Place a generous sprig of fresh mint next to the lime shell, representing a palm tree on an island.
Dietary Information
This cocktail contains nuts due to the orgeat (almond) syrup, making it unsuitable for those with nut allergies. Some orgeat syrups may contain ingredients that are not strictly vegan, so verification is needed for a vegan diet.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail is relatively high in calories and sugar due to the combination of two ounces of rum and two different syrups. It is a treat to be enjoyed in moderation.
Calories
Averagely 280-320 kcal (1170-1340 kJ)
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-22 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Mai Tai is the perfect drink for warm weather, tropical-themed parties, and any occasion that calls for an exotic and refreshing escape. Its vibrant flavors make it a favorite for happy hours, summer barbecues, and poolside relaxation.
- Summer Parties
- Tiki Themed Events
- Happy Hour
- Vacations
- Poolside Lounging
Pairing suggestions
The Mai Tai's complex, sweet-and-sour profile pairs wonderfully with the sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors of Polynesian and Asian-inspired appetizers. It can cut through rich, fried foods like coconut shrimp and spring rolls, while also complementing the smokiness of grilled meats and fruits. It is the perfect companion for a classic Tiki appetizer platter.
- Pu Pu Platter (spring rolls, crab rangoon, chicken wings)
- Spicy Asian cuisine like Thai or Szechuan
- Grilled Pineapple or Pork
- Coconut Shrimp
Mai Tai (1944): The Undisputed King of Tiki Cocktails
The 1944 Mai Tai is a sophisticated and potent Tiki classic that stands the test of time. It's a carefully constructed cocktail where every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the funky Jamaican rum and grassy rhum agricole to the nutty orgeat and bright lime. Forsaking the fruit juices of its modern imitators, the original recipe offers a pure, rum-forward experience that is both refreshing and deeply complex. Mastering this drink is a rite of passage for any cocktail enthusiast and a guaranteed way to impress guests with a taste of true Tiki history.
Similar Cocktails
Scorpion Bowl
A large-format Tiki punch that often shares flavors like rum, citrus, and orgeat but is designed for sharing and typically includes brandy and more fruit juices.
Fog Cutter
Another complex Tiki drink featuring rum, gin, and brandy, with orgeat and citrus. It has a similar spirit-forward Tiki profile but with a different base.
You May Also Like
Elderflower Spritzer
A light, bubbly, and floral aperitif that perfectly balances the sweetness of elderflower liqueur with crisp sparkling wine and a splash of soda.
Toblerone Cocktail
A rich and creamy dessert cocktail that perfectly captures the honey, almond, and chocolate nougat flavors of a Toblerone bar.
Perfect Martini
A balanced and sophisticated take on the classic Martini, featuring equal parts sweet and dry vermouth for a complex, semi-sweet flavor profile.
Old Pal
A sophisticated, bittersweet rye whiskey cocktail, often described as a drier, spicier version of the Boulevardier.
Have You Tried These Yet?
St. John Cocktail
A sophisticated and silky gin sour, perfectly balancing the nutty sweetness of Crème de Noyeaux with tart lemon and a rich, foamy texture.
Whiskey Ditch
A straightforward and refreshing highball made by mixing whiskey with still water over ice.
Closing Argument
A smoky, herbaceous, and complex riff on the classic Last Word, using mezcal instead of gin.
Blackthorn (Sloe Gin)
A rich and complex stirred cocktail featuring the fruity, plummy notes of sloe gin balanced by herbal vermouth and bitters.