Mai-tai
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into glass filled with new ice
Alcohol
Mixers
Measurement Guide
All measurements are shown in shots by default for easy bartending at home. Use these conversions at your bar.
Fun Facts
Origin
The Mai Tai was allegedly invented in the 1940s by either Victor J. "Trader Vic" Bergeron in California or Donn Beach of Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood, depending on who you ask. Trader Vic’s story claims he created it to showcase the flavor of a 17-year-old Jamaican rum for some Tahitian friends, who exclaimed, "Maita'i roa ae!" (meaning "very good!" in Tahitian), hence the name
Popularity
The Mai Tai surged in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s alongside the tiki culture craze in the United States. It became synonymous with exotic tropical imagery and the leisurely, island-inspired lifestyle that many Americans aspired to during the post-war era
Culture & History
The Mai Tai is one of the most famous tiki cocktails, helping to cement tiki culture in American society. It's known for its elaborate garnishes and complex flavor profile, often served in ornately decorated tiki mugs or glasses. The drink's influence extends beyond bars and into cinema, music, and fashion, where tiki themes evoke a sense of escape and adventure. The Mai Tai's enduring popularity highlights its role not just as a beverage but as a cultural icon representing a nostalgic view of Polynesian paradises
