Mai Tai – super refreshing, deliciously tropical, fun boozy and fruity drink that could light up any parties. A classic rum-based tiki-themed cocktail that screams nothing but happiness and celebration!
I’ve been meaning to share this with you guys ever since last summer, but I guess this is meant for tonight’s New Year’s Eve celebration. (Warning: This part of the post might be a little too personal. So please bear with me.)
Now that a decade has passed, I would like to see those years as a bittersweet one. I’ve fought a couple of hardships, celebrated some wins, lose a few dearests to me and welcomed some new ones. I had my own fair share of lessons learned along the way – both gained the easy and hard way.
It was a heck of a roller coaster ride.
But I guess the highlight of it so far, is how this little space of mine on the internet – Immaculate Bites blog– has made me who I’ve become to be.
Just a few years ago (about 3 years ago or so), I was able to quit my job and do this blogging full time.
I’ve come to know (both online and offline) wonderful and inspiring people.
I’ve traveled a couple of places that had been on my bucket list for years.
I was able to spend more quality time with my family and loved ones.
I’ve been so dedicated to growing this blog – not just from a business perspective, but also growing it as a community.
I guess it’s safe to say that I’ve been a better version of myself.
So in celebration of tonight’s New Year (and new decade), let me share with you a vibrant drink as a toast to dear life. I wish nothing but all the happiness life could give you.
Happy New Year, everyone! ❤️
What is a Mai Tai Drink
Mai Tai is a classic rum cocktail. Although it is commonly associated with Hawaii with its tiki-themed style, mai tai drink actually first began in Oakland, California at Trader’s Vic restaurant in 1944. It is said that this cocktail was made by Victor Bergenon, one of the founders of the tiki cocktail culture. And this drink sure does live up to its name; mai tai which is a Tahitian word for “good” or “excellence”.
What Does Mai Tai Taste Like?
This Mai Tai cocktail is purely refreshing in every sip. It has the flavor notes of tart, citrusy, sweet and oh-so-refreshing. Did I mention I had two(2) glasses of this before I started the photoshoot? Yeah. I’m not much of a drinker just so you know, but I say I went overboard with this. Then that means it is THAT GOOD!
Mai Tai Ingredients
The original recipe of Mai Tai uses orgeat syrup. It’s a blend of almonds, sugar, and rose or orange water. You can easily spot this sweet and delicious flavor from other tiki drinks. But instead, I decided to go with the fruitier kind of mai tai to balance out the alcohol and use Grand Marnier (a French brand of orange-flavored liqueur) and Triple sec (another orange-flavored liqueur).
Here’s the complete list of what you need for this rum drink:
- dark rum
- light rum
- orange juice
- pineapple juice
- Grand Marnier (or any brand of orange-flavored liqueur)
- triple sec
- lime juice
- splash of grenadine (for that added sweet and tart flavor and a pop of red hue)
How to Make a Mai Tai
You don’t really have to sweat out when making this fun and fruity mai tai drink. All you have to do is combine everything in a cocktail shaker, and pour it into a glass. Top it with a splash of grenadine (optional) and you’re ready to party!
More Rum Cocktails
Looking for fantastic appetizers to pair with this? Check out my epic list of New Year’s Eve Party Appetizers HERE! Happy New Year, everyone and hello 2 0 2 0!!
Mai Tai
Ingredients
- 1 oz (30ml) dark rum
- 1 oz (30ml) light rum
- ½ cup (125ml) orange juice
- ½ cup (125ml) pineapple juice
- ½ oz (30ml) Grand Marnier
- 1 oz (30ml) triple sec
- ½ oz (15ml) lime juice
- splash of grenadine
Instructions
- Combine dark rum, light rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, Grand Marnier, triple sec, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Pour into cocktail glasses and top with a splash of grenadine. Maraschino cherries make a great topper as well!
Tips & Notes:
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Tristan says
I’m sorry, not judging the quality of the result, but you cannot call this a Mai Tai just because you used Rum and Triple Sec, this is in any case not what a Mai Tai would taste like because 75% of the recipe is wrong. The Trader Vic’s original recipe is 2oz Rum, 0,75oz Triple Sec, 0,5oz Orgeat and 0,75oz lime juice.
ImmaculateBites says
This is my version of it.. .not as strong as the original but it works just fine. Adjust to desired taste. Thanks for your feedback.