Ben's Mai Tai: The Authentic Mai Tai Recipe & History

The Mai Tai is a legendary cocktail and a cornerstone of tiki culture. Famously created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron in 1944, the name "Mai Tai" is Tahitian for "the best—out of this world." This perfectly describes its complex and refreshing flavor, which combines aged rum, fresh lime, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup for an unparalleled tropical experience.

This recipe, created by Ben Treppa, is a masterful take on the classic. It elevates the drink with a focus on premium ingredients and balanced proportions, resulting in a sophisticated and less-sweet cocktail. This approach allows the nuanced flavors of the aged rum to shine, making it an excellent choice for both the curious beginner and the seasoned cocktail enthusiast.

How to Make Ben's Mai Tai: A Step-by-Step Recipe

This recipe is meticulously crafted to yield one perfect cocktail.

Ben's Mai Tai Ingredients:

• 2 oz El Dorado 8 or 15 year rum
• 0.5 oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
• 0.5 oz El Guapo™ Orgeat Syrup
• 0.25 oz El Guapo™ Demerara Syrup (or make your own!)
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• Crushed ice & cubed ice
• Lime wheel & fresh mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with fresh crushed ice.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the rum, curaçao, El Guapo™ Orgeat, El Guapo™ Demerara Syrup, and fresh lime juice into the shaker.
3. Shake to Chill: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This action both chills and properly dilutes the cocktail.
4. Strain and Serve: Place fresh cubed ice into a rocks glass. Strain the chilled cocktail from the shaker into the glass.
5. Garnish: Garnish your Mai Tai with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel.
6. Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the refined taste.

DIY 2:1 Demerara Syrup Recipe

A rich Demerara syrup adds a deep, caramel-like note to your Mai Tai, making it a worthwhile addition to your home bar. Here’s how to make it yourself.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 2 cups Demerara sugar

Instructions:

• Heat Water: In a small saucepan, bring the filtered water to a low boil.
• Dissolve Sugar: Reduce heat and gradually add the Demerara sugar, stirring continuously until it is completely dissolved.
• Cool: Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool fully before transferring to a storage container.
• Store: Pour the cooled syrup into a clean, sealable bottle or jar. Store it in the refrigerator.
• Shelf Life: This homemade syrup will last for up to two weeks when properly sealed and refrigerated.

Why This Mai Tai Stands Out

This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients. It’s a carefully balanced evolution of the original Mai Tai recipe. By using an aged rum and a perfectly proportioned blend of syrups, it moves away from the overly sweet versions commonly found today. The result is a sophisticated cocktail where each ingredient’s quality shines through, delivering a superior and authentic Mai Tai experience.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo's homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mai Tai

Q: What kind of rum is best for a Mai Tai? 

A: A traditional Mai Tai often uses a blend of rums, including aged Jamaican or Martinique rums. For this recipe, an aged single-origin rum like El Dorado 8 or 15 year is recommended for its rich and complex profile.

Q: What is Orgeat syrup? 

A: Orgeat syrup is a non-alcoholic sweetener made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange blossom water. It provides a distinctive nutty and floral note that is an essential part of an authentic Mai Tai.

Q: What is the origin of the Mai Tai cocktail? 

A: The Mai Tai was invented by Victor J. "Trader Vic" Bergeron in Oakland, California, in 1944. It quickly became a globally recognized symbol of Polynesian-inspired culture and tiki bars.

Q: Is a Mai Tai a strong cocktail? 

A: Yes, due to its high rum content, a Mai Tai is generally considered a strong cocktail. It is typically served over crushed ice, which provides a slow dilution to balance the drink's potency.

Q: What is the difference between simple syrup and Demerara syrup? 

A: Simple syrup is made with white granulated sugar, while Demerara syrup is made with Demerara sugar. The key difference is the flavor: Demerara syrup has a richer, more caramel-like taste that adds a deeper complexity to cocktails like the Mai Tai.