Mai Tai
Origin
Victor 'Trader Vic' Bergeron · Trader Vic's, Oakland · 1944
Disputed — Donn Beach (Don the Beachcomber) claimed prior invention in 1933, but Bergeron's 1944 recipe is the canonical version served today and was awarded legal rights to the name in 1970.
The king of tiki drinks — complex, nutty, and tropical.
Ingredients
- 1 oz White Rum
- 1 oz Dark Rum
- 1 oz fresh Lime juice
- ½ oz Triple Sec
- ½ oz Orgeat
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice.
- Garnish with a spent lime shell and mint sprig.
Tips
- Orgeat (almond syrup) is the secret ingredient — don't skip it.
- Float the dark rum on top for a layered presentation.
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