Mai Tai

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 45 ml Blended Lightly Aged Rum
- 22,5 ml Orange Curaçao
- 22,5 ml Fresh Lime Juice
- 15 ml Orgeat
- 15 ml Dark Rum

GARNISH:
- Sprig of Mint
- Dehydrated Lime Wheel

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Combine all of the ingredients except dark rum in a cocktail shaker.
• Add small amount of crushed ice and shake briefly, but energetically.
• Strain over fresh crushed ice into a cocktail glass.
• Float dark rum on top.
• Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel and a sprig of mint.

Cocktail author: Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron.

Mai Tai is probably one of the best-known creations of Trader Vic that survived till this day. Although, it experienced a bumpy ride starting with the amazing original cocktail made with delicious rum, that has completely dried up and disappeared. Then, going into the era of sweet and sour mixes, bottled ingredients, that could not do the justice to this drink. Finally, the cocktail renaissance and the renewed interest in tiki movement, revived this incredible tropical classic.

Base of the cocktail is formed by blended lightly aged (or white) rum, laying a foundation with notes of ripe banana, vanilla, brown sugar and tropical fruitiness. Orange curacao, brings orange freshness infused with oaky base of cognac. Lime juice, gives the cocktail a lively tart kick, really bringing it to life. While sweet almond taste of orgeat, balances the tartness and stays with you for a very long time. Rich molasses forward float of dark rum, plays a little bit with you, giving you the impression of a hard boozy drink only to later reveal the fruity tropical core beneath.

While this particular Mai Tai recipe might not be built according to the exact Trader Vic’s specs, it is a delicious creation that will take you on a journey. It is slightly drier than some other variations, but that is what I like about it. It is a great introduction to the world of tiki.

Source material:
https://www.liquor.com/recipes/traditional-mai-tai/