By leah jones
The Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail that is made in many different ways. A traditional take on the beverage is all about combining rum with citrus flavors.
The classic Mai Tai is a rum-based cocktail that typically includes light and dark rums, lime juice, orgeat syrup (sweet almond syrup) and orange curaçao (or triple sec).
It was created in 1944 by "Trader Vic" Bergeron. “Mai Tai” came from one of his friends exclaiming, "Maita'i roa ae!", meaning "out of this world" (in Tahitian) after trying it.
1 oz light rum, 1 oz dark rum, 1/2 oz orange curaçao (or triple sec), 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (about ½ a lime), 1/4 oz orgeat syrup, 1/4 oz simple syrup.
Crushed ice, Mint sprig (for garnish), Lime wheel or wedge (for garnish), (Optional: a dash of Angostura bitters).
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Pour the light rum, dark rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, orgeat syrup and simple syrup into the shaker.
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
Fill a glass (typically a double old-fashioned or rocks glass) with crushed ice.
Strain the cocktail over the crushed ice.
Add a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel for garnish.
Add a dash of Angostura bitters to enhance the aroma and flavor.
Enjoy a tropical escape with this classic Mai Tai recipe.