
Ordinary Drink
Mai Tai
Der Mai Tai ist ein klassischer tropischer Cocktail, der seinen Ursprung in der Tiki-Kultur hat. Er besteht aus einer Mischung von Rum, Limettensaft, Orgeat-Sirup und Orange Curaçao, was ihm einen erfrischenden und fruchtigen Geschmack verleiht. Oft garniert mit frischen Minzblättern und einer Scheibe Ananas, ist der Mai Tai ein beliebter Genuss für Cocktail-Liebhaber.
- fruchtig
- süß
- nussig
- würzig
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Collins glass
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- ABV
- 18%
- Yields
- 1 serving
Der Mai Tai ist ein ordinary drink mit Rum im Mittelpunkt, fertig in 5 Minuten. Das Ergebnis: ein fruchtig and süß Genuss, der jede Minute wert ist. Regelmäßig unter den Top-Suchanfragen für "Sommer".
Key Takeaways
What you’ll learn
- The authentic Mai Tai uses aged Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup — not fruit juices or pre-mixes.
- Trader Vic (Victor Bergeron) created the original recipe in 1944 in Oakland, not Don the Beachcomber.
- Quality aged Jamaican rum with its distinctive funky "hogo" ester character is essential for the authentic Mai Tai flavour profile.
- Orgeat (almond syrup) is the secret ingredient that distinguishes a true Mai Tai and cannot be substituted with amaretto.
Advertisement
Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Collins glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 1 ozLight rum
- 1/2 ozOrgeat syrup
- 1/2 ozTriple sec
- 1 1/2 ozSweet and sour
- 1Cherry
Method
Preparation
- 01
Shake alle Zutaten mit Eis. In ein Glas abseihen. Garnieren und mit einem Strohhalm servieren.
Origin
History & Origins
The Mai Tai stands as the crown jewel of tiki cocktails, and its origin involves one of the cocktail world's most entertaining rivalries. Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron claimed he created the Mai Tai in 1944 at his Oakland restaurant, serving it to Tahitian friends who exclaimed "Maita'i roa ae!" — Tahitian for "Out of this world — the best!" The drink was an immediate sensation.
Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, better known as Don the Beachcomber, insisted he had created a similar drink years earlier. As the godfather of tiki culture who opened the first tiki bar in 1933, Don had credibility for such a claim. Most cocktail historians credit Trader Vic with the Mai Tai as we know it today: Don's recipes were notoriously complex and secretive, while Vic's formula was elegantly simple, allowing quality rum to shine. Trader Vic's original 1944 recipe called specifically for 17-year-old J. Wray & Nephew Jamaican rum — vintage bottles now fetch thousands of dollars.
Most cocktail historians credit Trader Vic with the Mai Tai as we know it today: Don's recipes were notoriously complex and secretive, while Vic's formula was elegantly simple, allowing quality rum to shine.
The Mai Tai's widespread adoption through the postwar tiki boom of the 1950s and 1960s led to countless bastardisations loaded with pineapple juice, grenadine, and cheap rum that bore almost no resemblance to the sophisticated original. The craft cocktail revival has restored the authentic version to prominence, and today any serious tiki bar or cocktail programme serves the original: aged Jamaican rum, fresh lime, orange curaçao, orgeat, and a touch of simple syrup. The IBA lists it as an official cocktail in the Contemporary Classics category.
Advertisement
Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Verwenden Sie hochwertigen gereiften Rum
From Kai
Frischer Limettensaft ist kritisch
Orgeat-Sirup nicht überspringen
Das Gleichgewicht zwischen süß und sauer ist essentiell
Über zerstoßenem Eis servieren
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
Variations
Klassischer Mai Tai
Originalrezept mit zwei Rumsorten und Orgeat-Sirup
Dunkler Mai Tai
Verwendet dunklere, gereiftere Rums für tiefere Komplexität
Mai Tai von Trader Vic's
Originalrezept des Hauses mit spezifischen Rumverhältnissen
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The Mai Tai has a flavor profile that is fruchtig, süß, nussig, würzig. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Mai Tai is ideal for Sommerpartys, Strandurlaube, exotische Cocktailevents. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Mai Tai. If you cannot source Light rum, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Mai Tai variations include Klassischer Mai Tai, Dunkler Mai Tai, Mai Tai von Trader Vic's. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Mai Tai is traditionally served in a Collins glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Collins glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Mai Tai is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
Advertisement











