Mai Tai cocktail

Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe with Ingredients and Instructions

The Mai Tai is the king of tiki—an iconic rum cocktail that rewards quality ingredients. This Mai Tai recipe blends dark rum, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and creamy almond orgeat, then crowns the drink with a float of overproof rum. The result is rich, tropical, and wonderfully nutty—not a sugar bomb—served over crushed ice for maximum aroma and chill. A definitive island classic for serious rum lovers.

Glass:

Rocks Glass

Strength

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Instructions

  1. 1

    Add dark rum, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and almond orgeat to a shaker. Add crushed ice.

  2. 2

    Shake (or whip-shake) briefly until frosty, then dump into a rocks glass.

  3. 3

    Top with more crushed ice and float the overproof rum on top.

  4. 4

    Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge.

Details

Glass: Rocks Glass
Makes: 1 serving
Strength:

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Ingredient Status

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Editorial Notes

More context for the Mai Tai

The Mai Tai combines Dark Rum, Triple Sec, and Lime Juice. These quick notes add context on structure, flavor, and where the drink fits best.

Updated Dec 22, 2025 • 5 ingredients • 4 steps

Build at a glance

This version uses 5 ingredients across 4 steps. For a home bar, that makes it manageable rather than fussy.

What to expect

Expect sweet, sour, and spirit forward notes. Served in a Rocks Glass, the drink lands spirit-forward and more evening-leaning and keeps its structure clear.

Best moment

This style fits after-dinner pours and slower evening rounds. If you already enjoy Rum cocktails, it is an easy recipe to keep in rotation.

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