There are quite a few recipes for the Mai Tai out there. Both “Trader Vic” and “Donn the Beachcomber” claimed to have invented it, but their recipes aren’t really all that similar. When you order a Mai Tai these days, you’ll most likely get a version with orange or pineapple juice.

The original Trader Vic’s Mai Tai used no fruit juice but lime, and the Donn the Beachcomber version used grapefruit juice. Therefore, neither original recipe was as sweet as what you usually get in restaurants today.

So Who Really Invented the Mai Tai?

The Mai Tai as we know it today is usually credited to Victor Bergeron, better known as “Trader Vic.” In 1944, Bergeron was running his famous Trader Vic’s restaurant in Oakland, California when he claimed to have invented the now-iconic cocktail.

The key elements that made Trader Vic’s Mai Tai so special were the aged Jamaican rum, the rich and nutty orgeat syrup, and the touch of orange liqueur. Bergeron carefully selected the rums he used, and you should feel free to experiment with different ones to see what it does to the flavor profile.

In the 1930s, Donn Beach (birth name Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt) opened the legendary Don the Beachcomber restaurant in Hollywood, California. This establishment is widely regarded as the birthplace of the tiki bar phenomenon and the source of many iconic tropical cocktails.

According to Donn Beach, he created the original Mai Tai recipe in 1933, over a decade before Trader Vic’s version hit the scene. But Beach’s recipe is very different.

Unlike Trader Vic’s take, Donn Beach’s Mai Tai featured a blend of Puerto Rican and Jamaican rums, along with his own unique “Donn’s Mix” rather than just lime juice. The rock candy syrup also added an extra touch of sweetness.

Variations on the Mai Tai

There are so many variations on this drink, with every bartender tweaking it over the years. Sometimes it’s red, sometimes it’s brownish-yellow, sometimes orange… but always delicious.

And you should play around with this recipe, too. Mix up the two of them. Throw in entirely new ingredients. Try pink grapefruit juice instead of white.

Food Pairings for the Mai Tai

A Mai Tai cocktail, with its fruity and tropical flavors, pairs well with many different foods.

Appetizers

Shrimp Cocktail: The sweetness of the shrimp complements the fruity notes.
Pork Sliders: Mini pork burgers with a sweet and tangy sauce work well with the cocktail’s flavors.
Tropical Salsa: A mango or pineapple salsa served with tortilla chips adds a refreshing touch.

Main Dishes

Grilled Mahi-Mahi: The lightness of the fish pairs beautifully with the fruity cocktail.
Teriyaki Chicken: The sweet soy glaze enhances the cocktail’s flavor profile.
Thai Curry: A mild coconut curry can balance the sweetness of the drink.

Desserts

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: The tropical fruit enhances the cocktail’s essence.
Coconut Macaroons: These sweet treats complement the drink’s flavors.
Mango Sorbet: A light dessert that echoes the fruity elements of the drink.

Related Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy this drink, check out the Zombie, which was also created by Donn the Beachcomber. It features pineapple and papaya juice, which makes it a little fruitier than the Mai Tai.

Trader Vic's Mai Tai Recipe

There are two original Mai Tai recipes - this is the Trader Vic's version. But ever since, bartenders have been tweaking this recipe, so feel free to experiment. Whatever you come up with, it will be a delicious fruity rum cocktail.

Ingredients

1 ounce white rum
1 ounce dark rum
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 ounce orgeat (almond) syrup
1/2 ounce orange curacao

Instructions

Combine the orgeat syrup, orange curacao, the two rums and the juice from your lime in a shaker.
Add a generous scoop of crushed ice.
Shake everything vigorously and then pour the mixture into a highball glass.
Spear the pineapple, cherry, lime wedge and mint sprig on a toothpick and garnish.

Yield: 1 drink

Donn the Beachcomber's Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe

Donn Beach was known for closely guarding his recipes and techniques, so
the exact proportions and ingredients in his Mai Tai have been the
subject of much debate and speculation over the years.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes