Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic15% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Spicy Food, Dessert
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierSweetenerMixerGarnish
- 1 ozLight RumBase
- 1/2 ozOrgeat SyrupSweetener
- 1/2 ozTriple SecModifier
- 1 1/2 ozSweet And SourMixer
- 1CherryGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeStrainGarnish
- Shake all ingredients with ice.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain into glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
- Garnish and serve with straw.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritWhite rum is light and clean; gold rum adds vanilla warmth; dark rum is rich and molasses-heavy. Swapping between them changes the body and sweetness — reduce syrup if going darker.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Mai Tai?
- The Mai Tai is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 15.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 215 calories.
- What does a Mai Tai taste like?
- Mai Tai has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Almond, Citrus, Orange. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Mai Tai?
- Mai Tai pairs well with Seafood, Spicy Food, Mexican Cuisine. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Mai Tai?
- The Mai Tai has an ABV of approximately 15.0%. That's approximately 0.96 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 215 calories, 26.5g sugar, 29.3g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Mai Tai typically served?
- Mai Tai is a popular choice for Dessert, Date Night, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Mai Tai?
- If you enjoy Mai Tai, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Mai Tai at home?
- Yes. The Mai Tai uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Collins Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Mai Tai with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.