The mai tai has inspired generations to dream of warm tropical breezes, breathtaking sunsets, and the distant strum of ukuleles. Underneath that dark rum float is a right of passage in Hawaii, just like surf lessons from the beach boys and seeing your first sunset from Waikiki Beach. According to The Cocktail Handbook by local bartenders, Jesse Greenleaf and Amie Fujiwara, "The mai tai is by far the most often ordered drink up and down the Waikiki strand. Nothing makes you feel more on vacation than watching the sun sink into the ocean as you sip on this classic blend of rum and tropical juices."
Since the early 1940’s the mai tai’s original recipe and creator have been a topic of debate, which could explain why this drink has spawned such a variety of interpretations and twists over the years. From timeless standards to cutting edge mixology, these are a just few of the many recipes found in Waikiki, each noteworthy for one reason or another for being more than a mai tai. Okole maluna! (Bottoms up!)
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ROYAL MAI TAI The famous Mai Tai Bar offers many twists on the classic standard, but only one sits atop the throne, the signature Royal Mai Tai. Fresh squeezed pineapple and orange juices, cherry-vanilla puree, Cointreau, and Amaretto di Disaronno combine with light and dark rums to create a sweet, stylish, libation well deserving of its royal title. Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort |
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DECONSTRUCTED MAI TAI Bar Chef, Christian Self, presents a molecular variation from the "original" 1944 version in his award winning Deconstructed Mai Tai. The cocktail is comprised of eight-year aged rum and homemade French almond syrup topped with a citrus and curacao foam, blending classic fl avors with modern sophistication. Lobby Bar at The Modern Honolulu |
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MUI THAI Known for reinventing classic Japanese cuisine with style and innovation, Sansei's Mui Thai is anything but ordinary. Using eight-year aged rum, orange curacao, fresh squeezed lime, homemade herbal lemongrass syrup, and fresh, candied-ginger foam, this refreshing and potent fusion will satisfy any curiosity. Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar See Menu |
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REEF LOUNGE MAI TAI Thirty-year veteran bartender Larry labels this an "Old Waikiki" recipe: orange curacao, orgeat almond syrup, lemon sweet and sour, pineapple juice, light rum, a heaping dark rum float, and a squeeze of lime. Visit Larry at the tucked-away Reef Lounge and find out why the mai tai, and Larry, have stood the test of time. Reef Lounge at the Hawaii Prince Hotel |
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MOANA MAI TAI "Can I get this in a pineapple?" Of course! This signature drink is a perfect excuse to pick up your
camera phone and send a picture to everyone on your contact list, letting them know that you are
offi cially on vacation. Expect envious responses as you sip the Moana Mai Tai out of your fresh
Hawaiian pineapple. Moana Terrace at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa |
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7TH INNING STRETCH Watching the game at Waikiki's top sports bar just got better with the 7th Inning Stretch. Made with seven ingredients, light rum, orgeat syrup, bourbon, fresh squeezed Govinda’s Hawaiian orange and guava juices, orange curacao, and a dark rum fl oat. Time to put on your rally-cap! Giovanni Pastrami See Menu |
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1944 MAI TAI Live contemporary Hawaiian music and a spacious outdoor lanai will get you in the mood for some good old South-Pacifi c fun. Light rum, dark rum, fresh lime juice, orgeat almond syrup, orance curacao and a passion fruit foam topping pay tribute to the traditional recipe that inspired the original tiki bars, with a kick all it's own. Tiki's Grill and Bar See Menu |
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WAIKIKI CHANG'S MAI TAI If you think tropical drinks are all juice and no bite, you'll meet your match with this combination. This tower of light rum, orange curacao, almond fl avored orgeat, orange and pineapple juices, and a dark rum fl oat is topped off with and a healthy splash of Bacardi 151. P.F. Chang's See Menu |
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FRESH SQUEEZED MAI TAI Find the freshest recipe in town overlooking the shore in the heart of Waikiki. Govinda's Hawaiian pineapple, guava, orange and passion fruit juices combine with orgeat syrup, orange curacao, light rum, and a Diamond Head Dark Rum fl oat, creating a most refreshing drink. Hula Grill See Menu |
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HAU TREE MAI TAI Nestled on the shores of Diamond Head is the Hau Tree Lanai, a quick escape from downtown Waikiki. Enjoy the view of Sans Souci Beach and spectacular sunsets with a golden rum mai tai in one hand and that someone special in the other. Hau Tree Lanai |
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MAI TAI TINI “Inspired by the resurgent martini culture, the Mai Tai Tini is a new twist on an old classic. As tasty as these sugar-rimmed ‘tinis may be,… these cocktails have a way of removing all thoughts of work and duty and instead guiding you off on a tropical sojourn.” As taken from The Cocktail Handbook, p80. Photo by David Croxford. Duke's Restaurant & Barefoot Bar at Outrigger Waikiki |