The Mai Tai, a cornerstone of tiki culture, is a cocktail celebrated for its complex interplay of sweet, sour, and nutty flavors. While the classic recipe is cherished, bartenders and enthusiasts continually explore ways to refine and reimagine this iconic drink. One such successful adaptation is the Well Oiled Mai Tai, a variation that introduces a touch of spice and depth, making it a truly exceptional cocktail. This article delves into the recipe, history, and the nuances that make the Well Oiled Mai Tai a standout.
The Well Oiled Mai Tai Recipe
The Well Oiled Mai Tai is not just a simple rehash of the classic. It incorporates falernum, a sweet liqueur with hints of ginger, clove, and lime, which adds a unique layer of complexity. Here’s how to make this enticing cocktail:
Ingredients
- 2 oz Barbados Blended Aged Rum
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz Orgeat Syrup
- ¼ oz Falernum
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- Garnish: Mint sprig, Dehydrated Pineapple, Maraschino Cherry
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the aged rum, fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, falernum, and Angostura bitters.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake: Seal the shaker and shake well until the outside is frosty, about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain: Open pour with a gated finish into a double old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with a mint sprig, a dehydrated pineapple slice, and a maraschino cherry.
The Importance of Each Ingredient
The Well Oiled Mai Tai, like its classic counterpart, relies on a careful balance of high-quality ingredients to achieve its distinctive flavor.
Rum: The Soul of the Mai Tai
The choice of rum is paramount. A Barbados blended aged rum is the preferred base for this variation. This type of rum offers a smooth, rich profile with notes of caramel and spice. While the original Mai Tai used a specific 17-year-old Jamaican rum, which is no longer available, modern versions often blend rums to achieve the desired depth and complexity. Some excellent alternatives include Jamaican pot still rum for a funky note and a Martinique rhum agricole for grassy notes. Smith & Cross is a popular choice for its bold flavor, while Appleton Estate rums are also highly recommended.
Fresh Lime Juice: The Zest
Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for the Mai Tai. It provides the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients. Bottled lime juice often lacks the bright, vibrant character of fresh juice, significantly affecting the cocktail’s overall flavor.
Orgeat Syrup: The Nutty Sweetness
Orgeat syrup, an almond-based syrup with hints of orange flower water, is another key ingredient. It adds a distinct nutty sweetness and a silky texture to the cocktail. If orgeat is unavailable, almond syrup can be used as a substitute, although it may lack the complexity of real orgeat. Some bartenders prefer to make their own orgeat syrup for a more authentic flavor.
Falernum: The Unique Twist
Falernum is a liqueur with notes of almond, ginger, clove, and lime. The falernum enhances the complexity of the Mai Tai, adding both sweetness and spice, setting the well oiled variation apart from the original.
Angostura Bitters: The Balancing Agent
A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters tie all the flavors together, adding a layer of complexity and depth that would otherwise be missing.
A Garnish with Flair
The garnish is not just for show; it adds to the sensory experience of enjoying a Mai Tai. The mint sprig provides an aromatic element, while the dehydrated pineapple and maraschino cherry offer a burst of color and sweetness. Some bartenders even use a spent lime husk for an added touch of citrus aroma.
The History of the Mai Tai
The Mai Tai’s origins are often debated, but it is generally credited to Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron, who claimed to have created it in 1944 at his restaurant in Oakland, California. He wanted a simple drink that would highlight the quality of the rum. According to Bergeron, a visitor from Tahiti tasted the drink and exclaimed “Maita’i roa ae,” which means “out of this world” or “the best” in Tahitian, hence the name. However, Donn Beach also claimed to have created the Mai Tai earlier in 1933, though some sources suggest his version may have been based on an earlier drink called the Q.B. Cooler.
Regardless of its exact origins, the Mai Tai gained popularity in Hawaii in the 1950s, becoming a symbol of tiki culture. The original recipe called for 17-year-old Jamaican rum, which is no longer available, so modern versions have adapted to use a blend of rums.
Variations and Riffs
The Mai Tai is a highly adaptable cocktail, inspiring numerous variations. Some common twists include:
- Tropical Fruit Mai Tai: Incorporating fruit juices like pineapple, mango, or passion fruit for a sweeter, more tropical profile.
- Spiced Mai Tai: Adding ingredients like ginger syrup or spicy rum for a kick.
- Dark and Stormy Mai Tai: Combining dark rum with ginger beer for a deeper flavor.
- Bitter Mai Tai: Using a more bitter orange liqueur to create a drier cocktail.
- Mango Mai Tai: Adding a small amount of fresh mango puree to the classic recipe.
- Cranberry Mai Tai: Adds cranberry liqueur for a tart and fruity twist.
Bartenders often experiment with different rums, liqueurs, and syrups to create their own unique riffs on the classic. Some substitute orgeat with pistachio or macadamia nut syrups, while others replace the rum with banana or coffee liqueur.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When making a Well Oiled Mai Tai, the quality of the ingredients can make all the difference.
Rum
Opt for a high-quality aged rum from Barbados or a blend that includes Jamaican pot still and Martinique rhum agricole. Denizen Merchant’s Reserve is a popular blend designed specifically for Mai Tais. Consider exploring rums like Appleton 12, Barbancourt 15, El Dorado 15, and Havana Club Anejo Reserva.
Orange Liqueur
While the original recipe calls for orange curaçao, many modern recipes use Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier. Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao is a popular premium choice known for its balanced flavor, although some prefer the bitterness of Señor Curacao. De Kuyper Orange Curacao is another option that is considered more authentic. When choosing, prioritize a high-quality brand that complements the rum without overpowering it.
Orgeat
Authentic orgeat syrup made with real almonds and orange flower water is ideal. If homemade orgeat isn’t an option, look for a premium brand. As a last resort, almond syrup or Amaretto can be used. Amaretto has a different flavour profile that can over power the drink so it is not ideal, but it will provide a nutty note to the cocktail. Other options include Creme de Noyaux, Falernum, or almond extract mixed with simple syrup.
Lime Juice
Always use freshly squeezed lime juice. The difference in flavor between fresh and bottled juice is significant and directly impacts the overall taste.
Tips for the Perfect Well Oiled Mai Tai
- Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of each ingredient significantly affects the final taste. Don’t skimp on good rum, fresh lime juice, and high-quality liqueurs and syrups.
- Measure Accurately: For a balanced cocktail, precise measurements are important, especially when using a new recipe for the first time.
- Shake Well: Shake the ingredients thoroughly with ice to ensure the cocktail is properly chilled and diluted.
- Garnish Appropriately: A visually appealing garnish enhances the drinking experience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with mint, pineapple, cherries, or lime peels.
- Experiment with Rums: Explore different rum blends to find your favorite profile. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ratios to your liking.
- Taste as you go: Taste the drink as you prepare it to ensure the right balance. Adjust the sweetness or sourness to match your personal taste preference.
The Well Oiled Mai Tai is a sophisticated twist on a classic, offering a unique flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. By using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to detail, you can create a cocktail that is truly exceptional. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a home enthusiast, the Well Oiled Mai Tai is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the art of mixology.
