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Assorted Mai Tai variations with different garnishes and colors

Name: Classic Mai Tai Cocktail

Summary: A refreshing and perfectly balanced tropical cocktail made with rum, lime juice, orange Curaçao, and orgeat syrup—ideal for summer sipping or tiki nights.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • For 1 serving
  • 2 oz aged or dark rum
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice about 1 small lime
  • 1/2 oz orange Curaçao
  • 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
  • Optional 1/4 oz simple syrup (if extra sweetness is desired)
  • Crushed ice
  • Garnishes:
  • 1 mint sprig
  • 1 lime shell or lime wheel
  • Optional maraschino cherry or pineapple wedge
  • Optional 1/2 oz dark rum float (for Royal Mai Tai)

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Bar spoon (optional)
  • Double old-fashioned glass or tiki mug
  • Citrus juicer
  • Ice crusher or Lewis bag

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Prepare ingredients: Juice your lime and measure all ingredients.
  3. Shake: Add all liquid ingredients (except the optional rum float) into a shaker with crushed ice. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
  4. Pour: Pour the contents, unstrained, into a glass filled with crushed ice.
  5. Garnish: Add mint, lime shell, and optional cherry or pineapple.
  6. Optional Float: For extra depth, float 1/2 oz of dark rum on top.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Notes:
Always use fresh lime juice—not bottled—for the best flavor.
Orgeat syrup is essential; avoid substituting it with almond extract.
Try different rum combinations to explore varied flavor profiles (e.g., Jamaican + agricole).
Crushed ice dilutes more evenly and adds texture—avoid using ice cubes.