Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail

It’s not a dream trip unless you are sipping on a Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail. Fruity and refreshing, with just the right rum kick, this drink transports you to a relaxing beach scene. Making it at home is a favorite of mine because it is quick and simple, and immediately creates that island vibe at any gathering.

What is the Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail All About?

The Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail is a tropical rum-based drink with citrus, almond, and pineapple flavors. Luna Klein describes it as having fruity sweetness with a great punch of rum, a delicate balance. Differentiating it from the classic Mai Tai, the pineapple juice in the Hawaiian version makes the drink lighter and fruitier, which is perfect for summer indulgence.

Ingredients

• Base
  • 2 oz light rum
  • 1 oz dark rum
• Fruity Mix
  • 1 oz orange curaçao
  • 2 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Sweet Touch
  • 1/2 oz orgeat syrup (almond syrup)
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Garnish
  • Fresh pineapple slice
  • Mint sprig
  • Maraschino cherry

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
2. Pour in the light rum, meanwhile also adding in orange curaçao, pineapple juice, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup
3. Give it a good shake until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass partly filled with ice cubes.
5. Gently float the dark rum by spooning it over the back of a bar spoon.
6. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple, a sprig of mint, and a cherry. Serve with a straw.

Storage Tips

• Best enjoyed fresh.
• If batching, mix everything together except the dark rum and refrigerate, without ice, for 24 hours. Pour on ice and add dark rum when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in tiki glasses or tall glasses for the island feel.
• Enjoy your Mai Tai with Hawaiian BBQ, grilled shrimp, or a healthy tropical fruit platter.
• Make sure to have paper umbrellas to brighten up the party.

Pro Tips

• For a stronger kick, use overproof rum instead of dark rum.
• Want it less sweet? Skip the simple syrup.
• Try mango juice instead of pineapple juice for extra fun.

FAQs

Is this Cocktail very strong?

No, not the Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail is one strong drink. It primarily has a great rum, but it is made very smooth and easy to drink with fruit juices that mask the alcohol taste.

Would it not be alcoholic anymore?

Yes! Substitute the rum with as much pineapple juice and a splash of soda water, and it’s all good with that mocktail version of it.

What am I supposed to do if I haven’t got an orgeat syrup?

You can quickly substitute with an almond extract, and a mere little simple syrup, preferably equal amounts to each.

Is it gluten-free?

It should be gluten-free so long as your syrups and rum are gluten-free.

Try It!

The Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail is really the quintessential tropical drink- sweet, citrusy and perfectly refreshing. It is simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for parties. Make sure you try it out and I assure you, you would be feeling like you are sipping paradise in a glass!