Cocktail recipe

Mai Tai

A tropical rum punch with a hint of lime.

Cocktail List 5 minutes Mocktail
About measurement options
Metric (ml)
Volumes are shown in millilitres or litres.
US (fl oz, cups and spoons)
Uses US fluid ounces, cups and spoons. 1 US fl oz ≈ 29.57 ml.
Imperial (UK and Canada)
The UK and Canada share the imperial fluid ounce. 1 imperial fl oz ≈ 28.41 ml. Small volumes are shown in ml.
Bar (parts and dashes)
On CocktailFun, 1 part = 30 ml. Dashes stay as dashes. Very small volumes may be shown in ml.
Mai Tai

Description

The Mai Tai is one of the most legendary tropical cocktails ever created, a drink that captures the spirit of escapism, adventure, and island indulgence in every sip. Built around rum, fresh lime, and the distinctive nutty sweetness of orgeat, it offers a flavour that is both vibrant and surprisingly sophisticated. Despite its playful tiki-bar image, a true Mai Tai is beautifully balanced, with rich rum depth, zesty citrus brightness, and smooth almond notes working together to create a drink that feels exotic, refreshing, and full of character. Its origins trace back to the golden age of tiki culture, where it quickly became an icon of bold, sun-soaked cocktail craftsmanship.

What makes the Mai Tai so captivating is that it delivers far more than sweetness alone. Beneath its tropical charm lies a complex and layered cocktail with real depth, especially when made with quality rum. It is the kind of drink that instantly transports you, evoking palm trees, warm evenings, and a sense of laid-back luxury. Colourful, punchy, and endlessly memorable, the Mai Tai remains a standout favourite for anyone drawn to cocktails with flair, history, and unmistakable island appeal.

Ingredients

  • 30 ml White rum
  • 30 ml Dark rum
  • 15 ml Orange Curacao
  • 30 ml lime juice
  • 15 ml Orgeat Syrup
  • 1 lime wedge (for garnish)
  • 1 mint sprig (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Measure into a shaker: 30 ml White rum, 30 ml Dark rum, 15 ml Orange Curacao, 30 ml lime juice, 15 ml Orgeat Syrup.
  2. Add ice, seal the shaker and shake hard until the outside feels cold.
  3. Strain into rocks glasses filled with fresh crushed ice.
  4. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

Recommended glassware

Mai Tai Glass
Mai Tai Glass (Recommended)

A short tumbler often used for Mai Tais and tropical drinks served over crushed ice.

300–400 ml Short tumbler with enough room for crushed ice.

Best for: Mai Tai, Jungle Bird, tiki-style rum drinks.

Garnish: Ideal for mint, spent lime shells, pineapple leaves, and dramatic garnish sets.

Tiki Mug
Tiki Mug

A decorative vessel for tiki cocktails and theatrical rum serves.

Great for a more theatrical tiki presentation.

300–500 ml Decorative mug or vessel, often ceramic.

Best for: Mai Tai variations, Zombie, Navy Grog, Scorpion, tropical rum drinks.

Garnish: Pairs well with mint bouquets, flaming garnishes, pineapple fronds, and over-the-top presentation.

Quick facts

5 minutes Easy Approx. 20% ABV 2 alcohol units 215 kcal Crushed ice Mocktail
Love this recipe? Share it with a friend or save it for later.

More ways to explore

Browse related themes and categories for similar cocktails.