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Classic Mai Tai cocktail with rum layers, fresh mint, orange wheel garnish, and paper umbrella in glass with crushed ice

Classic Mai Tai

Authentic tropical Mai Tai cocktail with light and dark rum, orange liqueur, orgeat syrup, fresh lime, and a splash of simple syrup, served over crushed ice and garnished with mint, orange, and umbrella. A refreshing, balanced drink perfect for any island-inspired moment.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 cocktails
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Polynesian
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For Cocktail Base
  • 4 oz light rum Preferably Jamaican - Aunty uses Appleton Estate
  • 2 oz dark rum For floating on top - the fancy layer!
  • 1.5 oz orange liqueur Cointreau or triple sec - orange flavor is key
  • 1 oz orgeat syrup Almond sweetness - can't skip this!
  • 2 oz fresh lime juice Always fresh squeezed never bottled
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup Optional for sweeter taste
  • 2 cups crushed ice More crushed is better
For Garnish
  • 2 sprigs fresh mint Slap it first to release oils
  • 2 wheels orange Or wedges
  • 2 paper cocktail umbrellas Anna's favorite part!
  • 2 maraschino cherries Optional but festive
  • 2 wedges pineapple Optional tropical touch

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail shaker Or mason jar with tight lid
  • 1 Jigger or measuring cup For accurate pours
  • 1 Bar spoon For floating dark rum
  • 2 Double old-fashioned glasses Or rocks glasses
  • 1 Strainer If shaker doesn't have built-in
  • 1 Muddler or rolling pin For crushing ice if needed

Method
 

  1. Serve with straw and enjoy within 5 minutes before ice melts.
  2. Combine in Shaker – Add light rum, orange liqueur, orgeat syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup to cocktail shaker.
  3. Add Ice to Shaker – Fill shaker with regular ice cubes.
  4. Shake Vigorously – Shake hard for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled and condensation forms outside.
  5. Strain Over Ice – Strain mixture into prepared ice-filled glasses.
  6. Float Dark Rum – Slowly pour 1 oz dark rum over back of bar spoon onto each drink creating gradient layer.
  7. Garnish Generously – Add mint sprig, orange wheel, paper umbrella, and cherry to each glass.
  8. Serve Immediately – Serve with straw and enjoy within 5 minutes before ice melts.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.