Our drinks expert, Hannah Guinness, shares her at-home bar tips to help you take your mai tai to the next level.
What is a mai tai?
One of the world’s most famous tiki cocktails, the mai tai is thought to have emerged in the 1940s, and was created as a way to showcase premium rum. It’s a brilliantly balanced and fresh – if potent – cocktail, showcasing a blend of different rums.
Mai tai ingredients
As rum is the star here make sure you use the best white and dark rums you can find. We’ve tried and tested the best premium rums – check out the results. Use freshly squeezed juices to ensure the vibrancy of the cocktail.
Bar hacks and garnishes
To save on time, make a big batch of sugar syrup using our recipe. For an extra tropical twist, try swapping the white rum for a golden pineapple rum – we love Two Drifters Spiced Overproof Pineapple Rum. As the cocktail is served with plenty of ice use a generous tumbler in this recipe.
Take your skills to the next level with this handy cocktail kit from the olive shop. Completed with easy-to-use cobbler shaker, double jigger, fine mesh strainer and bar spoon, it has everything you need to make next-level drinks at home. Buy here.
Make it a non-alcoholic mai tai
For a convincing alternative to rum, try mixing 3-4 tbsp of apple juice with a dash of almond extract.
Mai tai recipe
