I don’t usually focus on a singular cocktail on it’s specific “day”. But I just couldn’t help myself with National Mai Tai Day. My friend Mandie has made it her goal in life to find the best Mai Tai and so it always reminds me of her. (Though THIS website might put her search to shame.) Plus it has seemed to become synonymous with Hawaii where I live. Though it’s origins do not include the Aloha State. All of these reasons are somewhat overshadowed by the big reason. It’s the 80th Anniversary of the Mai Tai this year. WOOHOO!
The Mai Tai and it’s storied history. Blending elements of Polynesian culture and American mixology is a fun cocktail that is celebrated on August 30th each year.
The History Of the Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is widely believed to have been created in the 1940s. There are two main stories about its invention and who invented it.
Victor J. “Trader Vic” Bergeron
A first hand account from Victor J. “Trader Vic” Bergeron stated that he created the Mai Tai in 1944 at his restaurant, Trader Vic’s. In that restaurant located in Oakland, California he decided to try out a new cocktail and this is what he came up with. He made two, handed the cocktails to friends visiting from Tahiti. They tried it and one of the friends remarked, “Mai Tai – Roa Ae”. This means “out of this world – the best”. Which is where the name came from.
Donn Beach (Don the Beachcomber)
Another version of the story attributes the creation of the Mai Tai to Donn Beach, also known as Don the Beachcomber, who was a key figure in the Tiki bar movement. According to this version, Beach created the drink in the 1930s, but the name and ingredients evolved over time. His original Mai Tai was different from the one commonly known today.
Despite their rivalry, both Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic’s were a huge part in bringing tiki culture into the mainstream. The constant debate over the origins of the Mai Tai only raised the public’s fascination with tiki cocktails and bars.
The Mai Tai’s blend of flavors and its link to Tiki culture have made it a timeless cocktail with a rich and diverse history. Given the widespread appeal of tiki bars and tropical-themed cocktails around the world, it’s safe to say that thousands of Mai Tais are likely made daily in bars, restaurants, and homes.
Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
Mai Tai Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1½ oz White Rum
- ½ oz Dark Rum
- ½ oz Orange Curaçao or triple sec
- ½ oz Orgeat Syrup almond syrup
- ¼ oz Simple Syrup optional for sweetness
- Lime Wedge for garnish
- Pineapple wedge and Cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice and add the white rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, simple syrup (if using), and fresh lime juice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled
- Fill a rocks glass or tiki mug with crushed ice or ice cubes.
- Strain the mixture over the ice in your glass.
- Carefully float the dark rum on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon so it rests on the surface of the drink.
- Garnish as desired.
Notes
Ways To Celebrate National Mai Tai Day
There are quite a few bars out there with specials for National Mai Tai Cocktail Day. Find one in your town and take a sip of this 80 year old cocktail. Just in case you didn’t know that there’s a website for everything, check out this one that shows you where to find a tiki bar no matter where you are! If you can’t find a tiki bar near you, use the recipe above and make a few for yourself and your friends. Enjoy!
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