The Perfect Mai Tai Recipe: Using Orgeat Syrup for Mai Tai Cocktails
Aug 31, 2025
A great Mai Tai should taste like sunshine with a little attitude. The secret is orgeat. Our El Guapo Orgeat Syrup brings the almond, citrus blossom and smooth texture that make this tiki classic sing. If you love rum, this one deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Why Use El Guapo Orgeat in a Mai Tai
Orgeat is the backbone of a real Mai Tai. Almonds. Citrus blossom aromatics. Gentle sweetness. It ties the lime, rum and orange curaçao together. When you use El Guapo Orgeat, you get no artificial anything and serious flavor made in New Orleans. It lifts the drink from good to unforgettable.
How To Make the Best Mai Tai
Simple steps. Bold results.
Ingredients
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz aged rum
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 oz orange curaçao
- .5 oz El Guapo™ Orgeat Syrup
- Mint, lime wheels and edible flowers for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with crushed ice.
- Add both rums, lime juice, orange curaçao and orgeat.
- Shake until cold.
- Pour unstrained into a lowball or tiki glass.
- Garnish with mint and a lime wheel. Add flowers if you want extra flair.
The Essential Role of Orgeat in Tiki Cocktails
A Mai Tai is only as good as its orgeat. The syrup adds body, warmth and that signature nutty note. Cheap versions fall flat. El Guapo Orgeat gives you depth, balance and impeccable sourcing. It is everything but the booze and a key reason this drink tastes so polished.
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
Can I substitute orange curaçao?
Yes. Triple sec, Cointreau or Grand Marnier each work. They offer slightly different citrus notes.
Do I need two types of rum?
Using both adds complexity. Light rum keeps things bright. Aged rum adds oak, spice and molasses that make the drink feel complete.
Where did the Mai Tai come from?
This tiki icon was created in the 1940s. The name comes from a Tahitian phrase meaning “the very best.”
