American · Drinks · SAMPLE RECIPE
Mai Tai · aged rum, lime & almond
Aged rum, fresh lime, orange curaçao, and almond orgeat make a fragrant, tart-sweet cocktail over crushed ice.
Save to your Saucey Space, or keep a bookmark on this device.
A NOTE FROM THE KITCHEN
Rum and lime are the focus.
Contains alcohol and almond orgeat. This IBA-style rum blend uses aged Jamaican rum and aged molasses-based Martinique rum, rather than grassy rhum agricole. There is no pineapple juice. Use purchased, ready-to-pour orgeat and simple syrup.
Ready to get started? The ingredients and steps are right below.
LET’S MAKE SOMETHING GOOD
Mai Tai · aged rum, lime & almond
Sample recipe awaiting kitchen testing. Timings are estimates. Contains alcohol.
The good part
Check off each step as you cook.
0 of 4 steps complete
BEHIND THE DISH · Oakland and American tropical-style bars
Mai Tai · aged rum, lime & almondBeyond the plate.
A rum-centered cocktail finds its balance in fresh lime, orange curaçao, and almond orgeat.
ORIGINS & EVOLUTION
An Oakland story, told by Trader Vic.
Trader Vic’s own account places the Mai Tai at Victor Bergeron’s Oakland restaurant in 1944. His described combination centers on aged Jamaican rum, lime, curaçao, orgeat, and a little syrup. Its later association with Hawaiian resort bars should not be confused with a Hawaiian origin.
CULTURAL CONTEXT
The rum remains central.
Different aged rums change the aroma and depth of a Mai Tai. Almond orgeat contributes sweetness and texture, while lime gives the drink its tart edge. Pineapple juice is not part of this rum-and-lime formulation.
AT THE TABLE
A modern two-rum preparation.
Our IBA-style blend pairs aged Jamaican rum with aged molasses-based Martinique rum. Purchased syrups keep the preparation manageable. Fresh crushed ice, a lime wheel, and a mint sprig finish the glass.
What else sounds good?
There’s a little more inspiration in the kitchen.
Back to the recipes