Dive into a tropical paradise with our roundup of 18 Tropical Mai Tai Recipes that promise to refresh and delight! Whether you’re hosting a summer bash or just dreaming of beachside bliss, these vibrant concoctions are your ticket to vacation vibes at home. Perfect for home cooks looking to shake things up, each recipe brings a unique twist to the classic. Let’s mix up some magic—your taste buds will thank you!
Classic Mai Tai
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this Classic Mai Tai, a refreshing cocktail that balances sweet, sour, and strong flavors perfectly.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1/2 oz orange curaçao
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice and add 2 oz light rum, 1 oz dark rum, 1/2 oz orange curaçao, 1/2 oz orgeat syrup, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Gently float 1 oz dark rum on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig.
The Classic Mai Tai stands out with its layered rum flavors and the aromatic touch of mint, making it a visually stunning and flavorful cocktail.
Tip: For an extra tropical twist, serve with a slice of pineapple as garnish.
Pineapple Mai Tai
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this Pineapple Mai Tai, a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping by the pool or at your next summer gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup white rum
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp orange curaçao
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp orgeat syrup
- 1 cup crushed ice
- Pineapple slice and mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup white rum, 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp orange curaçao, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp orgeat syrup.
- Fill the shaker with 1 cup crushed ice, cover, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a mint sprig for that extra tropical flair.
The Pineapple Mai Tai stands out with its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, enhanced by the rich depth of dark rum and the nutty sweetness of orgeat syrup.
Tip: For an even more vibrant presentation, serve your Mai Tai in a hollowed-out pineapple half.
Coconut Mai Tai
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this Coconut Mai Tai, a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping by the pool or at your next summer gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz coconut rum
- 1 oz orange curaçao
- 1 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz dark rum
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel and mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add the light rum, coconut rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold, about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Slowly pour the dark rum over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the drink.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig for that extra tropical flair.
The Coconut Mai Tai stands out with its creamy coconut undertones balanced by the bright acidity of lime, making every sip a mini vacation.
Tip: For an even more tropical vibe, serve your Coconut Mai Tai in a hollowed-out coconut shell.
Spiced Mai Tai
Elevate your cocktail game with this Spiced Mai Tai, a tropical twist on the classic that’s perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
Ingredients
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz spiced rum
- 1 oz orange curaçao
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add 2 oz dark rum, 1 oz spiced rum, 1 oz orange curaçao, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz orgeat syrup, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold, about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig.
The Spiced Mai Tai stands out with its bold blend of rums and the aromatic touch of orgeat, creating a drink that’s as flavorful as it is refreshing.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly torch the mint sprig before garnishing to release its essential oils.
Blue Hawaiian Mai Tai
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this refreshing Blue Hawaiian Mai Tai, a vibrant twist on the classic cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light rum
- 1/4 cup blue curaçao
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup orgeat syrup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Add 1/2 cup light rum, 1/4 cup blue curaçao, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup orgeat syrup, and 1/4 cup pineapple juice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry on a skewer.
The Blue Hawaiian Mai Tai stands out with its mesmerizing blue hue and the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and tropical flavors, making it an instant conversation starter at any gathering.
Tip: For an extra frosty touch, freeze your glass for an hour before serving.
Passion Fruit Mai Tai
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this Passion Fruit Mai Tai, a vibrant twist on the classic cocktail that’s bursting with exotic flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz passion fruit puree
- 1/2 oz orange curaçao
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice and add the light rum, dark rum, passion fruit puree, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig for that extra tropical flair.
The Passion Fruit Mai Tai stands out with its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and tropical notes, making it an unforgettable drink for any occasion.
Tip: For an even more authentic touch, serve your Mai Tai in a tiki mug and add a colorful paper umbrella.
Mango Mai Tai
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this refreshing Mango Mai Tai, a fruity twist on the classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mango, peeled and diced
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz orange curaçao
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint sprig and mango slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the fresh mango, light rum, dark rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup with a handful of ice cubes. Blend until smooth.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the blended mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a slice of mango on the rim of the glass.
The Mango Mai Tai stands out with its vibrant mango flavor that beautifully complements the depth of the rums, creating a cocktail that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Tip: For an extra tropical touch, rim the glass with a mixture of sugar and chili powder before adding the drink.
Vanilla Mai Tai
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this Vanilla Mai Tai, a twist on the classic cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz orange curaçao
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz vanilla syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add 2 oz light rum, 1 oz dark rum, 1 oz orange curaçao, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz orgeat syrup, and 1/2 oz vanilla syrup.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold, about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig.
The vanilla syrup adds a smooth, sweet depth to the traditional Mai Tai, making it a standout at any gathering.
Tip: For an extra tropical touch, serve your Vanilla Mai Tai in a tiki mug with a colorful straw.
Cherry Blossom Mai Tai
Welcome the spring season with a Cherry Blossom Mai Tai, a floral twist on the classic cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz cherry blossom syrup
- 1/2 oz orange curaçao
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/4 oz orgeat syrup
- Cherry blossom petals and a lime wheel, for garnish
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the light rum, cherry blossom syrup, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat syrup with a handful of crushed ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and strain the cocktail over the ice.
- Garnish with cherry blossom petals and a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.
The Cherry Blossom Mai Tai stands out with its delicate floral notes and vibrant presentation, making it a perfect centerpiece for your spring gatherings.
Tip: For an extra touch of spring, lightly spray the cocktail with edible cherry blossom perfume before serving.
Ginger Mai Tai
Elevate your cocktail game with this Ginger Mai Tai, a refreshing twist on the classic that brings a spicy kick to your sipping experience.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz ginger syrup
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- 1/4 oz orgeat syrup
- Ginger slice and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the light rum, dark rum, fresh lime juice, ginger syrup, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a slice of ginger and a sprig of mint on the rim of the glass.
The Ginger Mai Tai stands out with its bold ginger flavor that perfectly complements the tropical rum base, making it an unforgettable drink for your next gathering.
Tip: For an extra ginger punch, muddle a small piece of fresh ginger in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
Peach Mai Tai
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this Peach Mai Tai, a fruity twist on the classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 1 oz orange curaçao
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 cup fresh peach slices
- Ice cubes
- Mint sprig and peach slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh peach slices with the lime juice until the peaches are crushed and juicy.
- Add the light rum, peach schnapps, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes, cover, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a peach slice on the rim of the glass.
The Peach Mai Tai stands out with its vibrant peach flavor and smooth, slightly nutty undertones from the orgeat syrup, making it a refreshing pick for your next backyard gathering.
Tip: For an extra chill, freeze peach slices and use them as ice cubes to keep your drink cool without diluting the flavors.
Raspberry Mai Tai
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this Raspberry Mai Tai, a fruity twist on the classic cocktail that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1/2 oz orange curaçao
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint and raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, muddle the 1/2 cup fresh raspberries until fully crushed.
- Add 2 oz light rum, 1 oz dark rum, 1/2 oz orange curaçao, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz orgeat syrup, and 1/2 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes, cover, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with fresh mint and a few raspberries on a skewer.
The Raspberry Mai Tai stands out with its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and tropical flavors, making it an unforgettable drink for your next gathering.
Tip: For an extra frosty touch, freeze some raspberries to use as ice cubes in your drink!
Lychee Mai Tai
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this Lychee Mai Tai, a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz lychee liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz orange curaçao
- 1/4 cup canned lychees, plus 2 for garnish
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the light rum, lychee liqueur, fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange curaçao.
- Add the 1/4 cup of canned lychees to the shaker and muddle gently to release their juice.
- Fill the shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with 2 lychees on a skewer for an elegant touch.
The Lychee Mai Tai stands out with its delicate floral notes from the lychee, perfectly balancing the rum’s warmth and the citrus’s zing.
Tip: For an extra tropical vibe, serve your Lychee Mai Tai in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shell.
Orange Blossom Mai Tai
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this Orange Blossom Mai Tai, a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz almond syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/4 oz orange blossom water
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice and mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz light rum, 1 oz orange liqueur, 1/2 oz almond syrup, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz fresh orange juice, and 1/4 oz orange blossom water.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a mint sprig for a fresh, aromatic finish.
The Orange Blossom Mai Tai stands out with its floral notes from the orange blossom water, adding an exotic layer to the traditional citrus and rum flavors.
Tip: For an extra chill, freeze your glass for an hour before making the cocktail to keep it refreshingly cold longer.
Strawberry Mai Tai
Dive into the tropical vibes with this Strawberry Mai Tai, a fruity twist on the classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint and strawberry slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine 1 cup fresh strawberries, 2 oz light rum, 1 oz dark rum, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz orange liqueur, 1/2 oz orgeat syrup, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Blend until smooth.
- Fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes and pour the blended mixture over the ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with fresh mint and strawberry slices for a pop of color and freshness.
The Strawberry Mai Tai stands out with its vibrant berry flavor mingling with the deep notes of dark rum, creating a cocktail that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Tip: For an extra frosty treat, freeze some strawberry slices to use as ice cubes in your drink!
Banana Mai Tai
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this Banana Mai Tai, a fruity twist on the classic cocktail that’s as fun to make as it is to drink.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, peeled
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp grenadine
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 cup crushed ice
- Maraschino cherry and orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the banana, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine, light rum, and dark rum. Blend until smooth.
- Add the crushed ice to the blender and pulse until the mixture is slushy.
- Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.
The Banana Mai Tai stands out with its creamy texture and the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an instant hit at any gathering.
Tip: For an extra tropical touch, rim the glass with sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon before pouring in the cocktail.
Guava Mai Tai
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this Guava Mai Tai, a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz orange curaçao
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz guava nectar
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add the 2 oz light rum, 1 oz orange curaçao, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz guava nectar, and 1/2 oz orgeat syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig for a fresh, tropical look.
The Guava Mai Tai stands out with its sweet and tangy guava flavor, perfectly balanced by the nutty undertones of orgeat syrup, making it a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts looking for something uniquely delicious.
Tip: For an extra tropical touch, rim your glass with a mixture of sugar and Tajín before pouring the cocktail.
Pomegranate Mai Tai
Elevate your cocktail game with this Pomegranate Mai Tai, a vibrant twist on the classic that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz orange curaçao
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- Ice
- Pomegranate seeds and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add the light rum, dark rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, pomegranate juice, and orgeat syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime wheel on the rim.
The Pomegranate Mai Tai stands out with its perfect balance of tart and sweet, thanks to the pomegranate juice, making it a festive choice for any gathering.
Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a reusable straw and a sprig of mint.
Conclusion
There you have it—18 tropical Mai Tai recipes to whisk you away to paradise! Whether you’re hosting a summer bash or just dreaming of warmer days, these refreshing cocktails are sure to delight. We’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite—drop us a comment below and don’t forget to share the aloha spirit by pinning this article on Pinterest. Cheers to your next island-inspired sip!