A classic Mai Tai is bright, citrusy, and beautifully balanced - and it's surprisingly easy to make at home. This authentic version stays true to the original 1944 recipe, featuring rum, fresh lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat for its signature flavor.

If you've ever ordered a Mai Tai at a restaurant, there's a good chance it arrived bright red, overly sweet, and tasting mostly like pineapple juice. But the original Mai Tai is actually a beautifully simple cocktail - bold, citrusy, and perfectly balanced.

The authentic version was created in 1944 by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron, and it's made with just four ingredients: rum, fresh lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat (an almond syrup that gives the drink its signature flavor). Unlike many restaurant versions, a traditional Mai Tai doesn't include pineapple juice, orange juice, or grenadine.

It's a cocktail that's surprisingly easy to make at home, and when you use good rum and fresh lime juice, the result is bright, refreshing, and incredibly good.

Kristen Stevens

The Original Mai Tai (1944 - Trader Vic Version)

This authentic Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail made with rum, fresh lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat. It's citrusy, lightly nutty, and perfectly balanced - and easy to make in just a few minutes. Unlike many restaurant versions, a traditional Mai Tai doesn't include pineapple juice or grenadine.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings: 1 cocktail

Course: Cocktail

Ingredients

2 ounces aged rum
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce orange curaçao see notes
½ ounce orgeat
Mint leaves and lime wedges to garnish

Method

Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
Add the rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat to the shaker and shake until cold.
2 ounces aged rum, ¾ ounce fresh lime juice, ½ ounce orange curaçao, ½ ounce orgeat
Strain into the rocks glass and garnish with mint and lime.
Mint leaves and lime wedges