how to make the perfect mai tai cocktail
A taste of the tropics in a glass – with island flair and a splash of history
When you think of Hawaii, palm trees swaying and waves crashing, chances are there’s a Mai Tai in the picture too. It’s the quintessential tropical cocktail — bright, citrusy, and rum-forward — and it’s been a beachside favorite since the mid-20th century.
Whether you’re reminiscing about your last island vacation or planning your next luau at home, this classic Mai Tai recipe will bring aloha to your glass. I have also included the Mai Tai recipe from the House Without a Key bar and restaurant in Wakiki – which was the best Mai Tai I have had!
A Quick History of the Mai Tai
Contrary to popular belief, the Mai Tai wasn’t born in Hawaii — it originated in California in the 1940s, most likely at the famed Trader Vic’s. The name comes from the Tahitian phrase “Maita’i roa ae!”, meaning “Out of this world! The best!” — supposedly exclaimed by a Tahitian guest upon first sip.
Hawaiian resorts later embraced the drink, giving it their own spin with fruit juices, pineapple garnishes, and island flair. Today, it’s synonymous with tropical escapes — and every bar in Waikiki has its own signature version.
What’s in a Mai Tai?
A classic Mai Tai is built around rum, citrus, and almond-flavored orgeat syrup. While there are many variations, a true Mai Tai keeps it simple and balanced — not overly sweet, and not overloaded with fruit juice.
Traditional Mai Tai Ingredients:
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum (for the float)
- ¾ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ oz orange curaçao (or triple sec)
- ½ oz orgeat syrup (almond-flavored)
- ¼ oz simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Crushed or cubed ice
- Garnish: lime wedge, fresh mint, pineapple wedge, or maraschino cherry
How to Make a Mai Tai – Step by Step
Following is a classic Mai Tai recipe, and also The House Without a Key Mai Tai recipe – which was an amazing Mai Tai that I have been trying to recreate.
Classic Mai Tai Recipe
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with:
- 1 oz light rum
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz orange curaçao
- ½ oz orgeat syrup
- (Optional) ¼ oz simple syrup if you like it slightly sweeter
2. Add ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Float 1 oz of dark rum on top by pouring it gently over the back of a spoon. This gives you that layered look and rich finish.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint, lime wedge, and if you like — a pineapple spear or cherry for a tropical touch.
HOUSE WITHOUT A KEY (HALEKULAMI) MAI TAI RECIPE
This was THE BEST alcoholic drink I’ve ever had in my life, and it keeps me up at night knowing I’ll never be able to recreate it myself. Here’s the recipe, though.
House without a Key Mai Tai, Halekulani Hotel in Waikikii
Ingredients
1/3 Ounce Orgeat Syrup (if you can’t get this you can substitute Amaretto)
1/3 Ounce Orange Curacao
1/3 Ounce Rock Candy Syrup
1 1/4 Ounce Fresh Lime Juice
3/4 Ounce Bacardi Gold Rum
3/4 Ounce Bacardi Select
1/2 Ounce Lemon Hart 151 Rum (float)
METHOD:
Pour orgeat syrup, orange Curacao, rock candy syrup, lime juice, Bacardi Gold, and Bacardi Select into glass. Pack with crushed ice.
Float 1/2-ounce Lemon Hart 151 Rum. Garnish with lime wheel, sugar cane stick, mint leaf, and Vanda orchid.
Variations to Try
Want to mix it up? Here are a few delicious twists:
- Hawaiian-Style Mai Tai: Add a splash of pineapple juice and orange juice for a fruitier, beachy vibe. Often garnished with umbrellas and orchids!
- Coconut Mai Tai: Replace or add in a bit of coconut rum or cream of coconut for a creamy, dessert-style cocktail.
- Spiced Mai Tai: Use spiced rum instead of light rum for a warming kick.
Pair It With…
Mai Tais go beautifully with:
- Grilled seafood
- Teriyaki skewers
- Tropical fruit platters
- Hawaiian-style appetizers like poke or lumpia
Final Sips
Whether you’re sipping one at a beach bar in Waikiki or mixing one up on your patio at home, the Mai Tai is a true island classic — bright, bold, and just the right amount of boozy. The key is balance: citrusy, nutty, and rummy in equal measure.
Tried this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @abiteabroad and show off your tropical cocktail setup! I’d love to see your island creations.