When the weather gets hot, reach for a Mai Tai. The author shares 4 of the best Mai Tai recipes she discovered on a recent trip to Hawaii.
I love mixed drinks that use fresh local ingredients. Fixings like pureed passionfruit, pineapple spears, and lime wedges create cocktail art. The more color the better. On my travels, I pick up themed glassware and mugs to replicate the experience at home. On my recent trip to Waikiki, I did a Mai Tai tour and sampled Mai Tai recipes at three drinking establishments on the main drag.
Original Mai Tai Recipe
In 1944, Victor J. Bergeron, or ‘Trader Vic,’ prepared a new drink for friends from Tahiti. One of his friends commented that the drink was “Mai Tai – Roa Ae” or ‘out of this world’ in Tahitian. And the Mai Tai recipe came into being.
Trader Vic’s Combo. Photo courtesy of Trader Vic’s
In 1953, Trader Vic was asked to formalize drinks for the Royal Hawaiian, Moana, and Surfrider Hotels bars. The first Mai Tais were lime-based.
Mama Needs a Mai Tai Glass. Photo courtesy of Trader Vic’s
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz of 17-year-old J. Wray Nephew Jamaican Rum
- ½ oz Holland De Kuyper Orange Curaçao
- ½ oz French Garnier Orgeat
- ¼ oz Rock Candy Syrup
- Juice from one whole Lime
PREPARATION OF COCKTAIL
- Shake ingredients.
- Garnish with ½ lime shell and a sprig of fresh mint.
Pro Tip: Check out the Luana Waikiki Hotel and Suites for lei-making classes and complimentary wine and cheese.
More Mai Tai Recipes
First Stop: Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Just a short walk along Kalakaua Avenue, the famous The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, is known as the ‘Pink Palace of the Pacific.’ It opened in 1927 and covers 15 acres of beautiful beachfront. This Hotel was the residence and recreational spot for Hawaiian kings and chiefs. The original Mai Tai Bar is legendary. It opened in 1953 using Trader Vic’s recipe, including pineapple juice.
Royal Hawaiian Hotel 1944 Mai Tai. Photo courtesy of Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Royal Hawaiian Original Mai Tai Recipe
Bartender Kui Right said, “We didn’t invent the Mai Tai, but we like to say that we perfected it.” When asked what is special about the Royal Hawaiian Mai Tais, Right said, “The difference between theirs and ours is the freshly squeezed juices.” This Mai Tai had a sweet pineapple and tart taste.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 oz Old Lahaina Light Rum
- 1 oz Old Lahaina Dark Rum
- 1/2 oz Orange Curaçao
- 1/2 oz Orgeat
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz Orange Juice
PREPARATION OF THE COCKTAIL
- Build in a shaker with ice.
- Roll the shaker.
- Pour into a large “bucket” glass.
- Float with Whaler’s Dark Rum.
- Garnish with a parasol with cherry, pineapple, and a lime wedge.
- Close your eyes, take a sip, and enjoy!
The Mai Tai Bar offers four other Mai Tai recipes, including the White Wash (topped with a signature coco-loco foam), 96 Degrees in the Shade (with fresh pineapple fruit purée), and the Ali’i Mai Tai (with muddled pineapple).
You may also want to come for breakfast and try the pink pancakes.
Royal Hawaiian Hotel Signature Pink Pancakes. Photo courtesy of Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Second Stop: Tiki’s Grill and Bar
Further along Kalakaua Avenue, I stopped at Tiki’s Grill and Bar in the Twin Fin Hotel. Tiki’s Grill and Bar offers lanai seating, ocean and beach views, and stunning sunset vistas. The Bar is locally owned and operated by three former classmates from the University of Hawaii. The Bar manager, Erik, is of native Hawaiian descent. Many drinks, including the 1944 Mai Tai, come with a glass, Tiki mug, or real coconut cup you can take home.
Tiki’s Grill and Bar 1944 Mai Tai. Photo courtesy of Tiki’s Grill and Bar
Tiki’s Grill and Bar 1944 Mai Tai Recipe
Michael Miller, Director of Operations, states, “The 1944 Mai Tai is a special tribute to the original recipe but with a unique Tiki twist.” The drink combines Bacardi Black and Cruzan Light Rums, and a secret 1944 Special Syrup is added to passion fruit puree. This drink carries a distinct alcohol-forward character. I found it quite refreshing.
Tiki’s Grill and Bar does not disclose the specific quantities of each ingredient.
INGREDIENTS
- A generous amount of Bacardi Black Rum
- A generous amount of Cruzan Light Rum
- A hint of Orange Curaçao
- A small amount of Lime Juice
- A small amount of Orgeat Syrup
PREPARATION OF THE COCKTAIL
- Add the ingredients into a shaker tin.
- Shake vigorously with ice.
- Pour the mixture into a 1944 glass.
- Top it off with passion fruit foam, incorporating a secret 1944 Special Syrup blended with passion fruit puree.
Third Stop: Arnold’s Tiki Bar
You might miss this hole-in-the-wall bar if you don’t look closely. I followed Kalakaua Avenue to the middle of Saratoga Road to find Arnold’s Tiki Bar down an alley. Arnold’s is a no-frills dive bar with tiki carvings and surfboards, a lifesize, topless hula girl, and a bar made of bamboo. Service staff from the local hotels love to hang out and talk to tourists.
Mai Tai from Arnold’s Tiki Bar in Waikiki. Photo courtesy Kevin Crossman
Pro Tip: Be sure to stop at two Mai Tais.
Arnold’s Tiki Bar Mai Tai
The Bar has a good variety of cheaper drinks. The Mai Tais were so good I had two. My Mai Tai had hints of cherry flavor.
INGREDIENTS
- A shot of light rum
- A splash of Du Bouchett Amaretto Liqueur
- A splash of Du Bouchett Orange Curaçao
- Fill the glass with Pineapple Juice
PREPARATION OF THE COCKTAIL
- Get a 12 oz glass.
- Add ingredients.
- Shake.
- Top with Dark Rum
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- Cool Summer Sips: Summer Cocktail Recipes
If You Go to Waikiki
Take your own Mai Tai tour next time you visit Waikiki, and pick your favorite bar, or try the Mai Tai recipes at home. They’re perfect for summer patios or indoor celebrations all year round.
You can find more cocktail recipes, cocktail destinations, and expert tips on how to tour Hawaii at Wander with Wonder.
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