The Original Mai Tai (1944 – Trader Vic Version)

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

Notes

Orange curaçao: The best substitute for this is an orange-flavored liqueur such as triple sec.