The Mai Tai, a quintessential Tiki cocktail, evokes images of sandy beaches and tropical sunsets. This iconic drink, typically a blend of rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice, has a rich history and numerous variations. While its exact origins are debated, the Mai Tai remains a beloved and enduring symbol of Tiki culture.
The Battle for the Mai Tai Throne: Trader Vic vs. Don the Beachcomber
The creation of the Mai Tai is a subject of ongoing debate, with two prominent figures laying claim to its invention: Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron and Ernest Raymond Beaumont-Gantt, also known as Donn Beach (Don the Beachcomber).
- Trader Vic’s Claim: Victor Bergeron claimed to have invented the Mai Tai in 1944 at his restaurant, Trader Vic’s, in Oakland, California. According to Bergeron, he created the cocktail for friends from Tahiti, who exclaimed “Maita’i roa ae!” meaning “out of this world, the best” in Tahitian, thus giving the drink its name. His original recipe featured aged Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, orange curaçao, and a dash of simple syrup. [1, 3, 8, 10]
- Donn Beach’s Claim: Donn Beach, who opened the first Tiki bar, Don the Beachcomber, in Hollywood in 1934, asserted that he created a similar drink in the 1930s. Beach’s version, the Q.B. Cooler, was more complex, using multiple rums, lime juice, falernum, and other ingredients. [2, 8, 10] While some believe the Q.B. Cooler tastes quite different, others find them similar. [8]
Despite Donn Beach’s earlier creation of similar rum-based cocktails, Trader Vic’s version gained wider recognition and became synonymous with the name “Mai Tai”. [10] As Vic himself stated, “Anybody who says I didn’t create this drink is a dirty stinker.” [1]
Inside Trader Vic’s Original Mai Tai Recipe
Trader Vic’s “Bartender’s Guide Book” offers insight into what he considered the traditional recipe. [3]
- 1 lime
- ½ ounce orange curaçao
- ¼ ounce rock candy syrup
- ¼ ounce orgeat syrup
- 2 ounces Trader Vic Mai Tai rum (or 1 ounce dark Jamaica rum and 1 ounce Martinique rum)
Bergeron emphasized the importance of high-quality ingredients, particularly the rum. [3] His original Mai Tai was based on 17-year-old Jamaican J. Wray & Nephew rum, which he described as “surprisingly golden in colour, medium-bodied, but with the rich, pungent flavour particular to the Jamaican blends”. [1] As this rum became scarce, he adjusted his recipe, eventually using a blend of Jamaican and Martinique rums. [3, 9]
From Oakland to the Islands: The Mai Tai’s Rise to Fame
The Mai Tai’s popularity soared after Trader Vic introduced it to Hawaii in 1953, when he created a cocktail menu for the Matson Company hotels, including the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Moana Hotel. [3, 8, 13] The drink quickly became a hit, hailed as the “top tourist tantalizer” by 1959. [8]
The Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai
To cater to local tastes, Trader Vic modified the original recipe, adding orange and pineapple juice. [3] This sweeter, fruitier version, known as the Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai, became extremely popular, arguably overshadowing the original. [3] It is this variation that many people now associate with the Mai Tai. [12]
What Does a Mai Tai Taste Like?
A well-made Mai Tai offers a balanced flavor profile. It is typically sweet and fruity, with citrus notes and a subtle almond flavor from the orgeat syrup. [19] The rum is the star, and the use of both light and dark rums adds complexity and depth. [19] A classic Mai Tai is not overly sweet; it is tart and strong, dominated by rum, with hints of orange and lime. [4, 25]
Decoding Mai Tai Ingredients
- Rum: The foundation of the Mai Tai is a blend of rums, typically a light or gold rum and a dark or aged rum. [4, 19] Some recipes call for a specific type of rum, such as Jamaican or Martinique rhum agricole. [3, 8]
- Orange Curaçao: This orange-flavored liqueur adds citrus notes and complexity. [1, 2] Triple sec or Cointreau can be used as substitutes. [4, 15]
- Orgeat Syrup: This almond-flavored syrup is a key ingredient that provides a nutty sweetness and a characteristic Mai Tai flavor. [1, 2] Amaretto or other almond liqueurs can be used as substitutes, though purists insist on orgeat. [4, 15]
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for balancing the sweetness and adding a tart, citrusy element. [1, 2]
- Simple Syrup: Some recipes include a small amount of simple syrup or rock candy syrup to adjust the sweetness. [8, 9]
How to Make a Mai Tai: Classic and Modern Approaches
The classic Mai Tai involves shaking the ingredients with ice and straining into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnishes typically include a lime shell, mint sprig, and sometimes a fruit stick or maraschino cherry. [1, 2]
Classic Mai Tai Recipe
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum [2]
- 3/4 ounce orange curaçao [2]
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice [2]
- 1/2 ounce orgeat [2]
- 1/2 ounce dark rum [2]
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients (except dark rum) with ice. [1]
- Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. [1]
- Float the dark rum on top. [4]
- Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig. [2]
A Simpler, Modern Mai Tai Recipe
- 1 ounce white rum [11]
- 1 ounce dark rum [11]
- 3/4 ounce orgeat [11]
- 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur) [11]
- 1 ounce lime juice [11]
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. [11]
- Shake until well-chilled. [11]
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. [11]
- Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig. [11]
Mai Tai Variations: Beyond the Original
The Mai Tai has inspired countless variations, with bartenders experimenting with different rums, fruit juices, and other ingredients. [1, 18, 22, 33]
- Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai: As described above, this variation includes pineapple and orange juice. [3]
- Island Mai Tai: This version typically includes pineapple juice and a dark rum float. [22]
- Bitter Mai Tai: Campari replaces the rum for a more bitter flavor profile. [1, 18, 31]
- Cranberry Mai Tai: Cranberry syrup is added for a tart and festive twist. [1, 18]
- Spiced Mai Tai: Spiced rum is used to add warm, aromatic notes. [28]
- Pineapple Mai Tai: Pineapple juice is added to amplify the tropical essence. [28]
The Mai Tai in Popular Culture
The Mai Tai’s association with Tiki culture and tropical getaways has made it a popular cocktail in films, television, and music. [2, 8, 10] Most notably, the Mai Tai was prominently featured in the 1961 Elvis Presley film Blue Hawaii. [2, 8, 16] The Oakland, California city council even named the Mai Tai the city’s official cocktail. [8]
The Enduring Appeal of the Mai Tai
Despite its murky origins and numerous variations, the Mai Tai remains a beloved cocktail. [10] Its complex yet refreshing flavor profile, combined with its association with tropical destinations, makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a taste of paradise. [19] Whether you prefer a classic rendition or a modern twist, the Mai Tai is a cocktail that continues to captivate and delight drinkers around the world. [1, 28, 31]
