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–+ servings
Mai Tai cocktail in highball glass.

Classic Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe

Kevin Mayfield
This rum-forward classic Tiki cocktail has been a favorite since it was introduced by Trader Vic's because it tastes fantastic and packs a punch!
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Course Classic Cocktails
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Cocktail
Calories 233 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 ½ ounces light rum
  • ½ to 1 ounce orange curaçao
  • ½ to 1 ounce orgeat syrup
  • ½ ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
  • ¾ ounce dark rum

Instructions
 

  • Place a scoop of fresh ice in a cocktail shaker
  • Pour the light rum, orange curaçao and lime juice into the cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds
  • Fill a highball glass with crushed ice
  • Strain the ingredients from the shaker into the glass
  • Gently pour the dark rum onto the drink so it 'sits' on top
  • Rub a couple of sprigs of mint leaves around the rim of the glass to express the oils, then stick them directly into the cocktail
  • Garnish the rim of the glass with a lime wheel

Notes

You can stir this drink to mix the rums or just enjoy the strong dark rum on the first couple of sips
Aside from going a little heavy on the sweet ingredients, I actually cut back a little on the lime juice because it can be very sour

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 31mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg
Keyword 1950’s cocktail, Blue Hawaii movie, Hawaiian cocktail, madmen cocktail, mid century cocktail, movie cocktail, rat pack cocktail, rum cocktail, Tiki cocktail, tropical cocktail
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