Last Updated on May 14, 2024 by Carne Diem
Jump to RecipeThis tropical Mai Tai with Cointreau, orgeat, and a blend of rums is finished with coconut rum making for one of our favorite Tiki drinks. The Mai Tai with coconut rum is the perfect cocktail for the pool or beach combining tropical flavors with this delicious twist on the original mai tai recipe.
Typically, I am a purist when it comes to a Mai Tai, but after enjoying a Mai Tai recipe with coconut rum during several trips to the Caribbean I may have a new favorite. The coconut flavor really works well with the Tiki rum drink. Thankfully, this easy Mai Tai recipe can be made at home so you can bring this piece of tropical paradise home with you.
Table of contents
Background on a Classic Mai Tai Cocktail
This classic Tiki cocktail was created at Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California in 1944. The name Mai Tai, is derived from the saying "mai tai-roa aé" which translates to "Out of this World" in Tahitian.
For more great cocktail to make at home be sure to check out more of our favorites:
- Kansas City Horsefeather Cocktail
- Mango Habanero Margaritas
- Mezcal Paloma
- Campari Old Fashioned
- Smoked Manhattan
- Blackberry Red Sangria
- Blueberry Moscow Mule
Making the Coconut Mai Tai
Ingredients for a Coconut Mai Tai
To make the coconut rum Mai Tai you will need a few different rums, coconut rum, orange juice, orgeat syrup, grenadine, and fresh lime juice.
Rum--Mai Tai drinks are a rum based cocktail and we like to use a blend of different rums in the cocktail, including the coconut rum. Our version of a Coconut Mai Tai is a little less coconut forward than the version I had in Florida (the purist in me taking over a bit).
If you would like more coconut flavor, replace part of the rum with coconut flavored rum. If you do not like coconut and want a more traditional Mai Tai, replace the coconut rum with a dark or gold rum. Basically, you want to use 3 parts of rum, so play with the ratios based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. The coconut flavor in this version is pretty subtle. We typically use a mix of white Bacardi rum with a dark Jamaican rum, but feel free to use your favorites.
Orgeat Syrup- Orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup consisting of sugar, almond, and orange or rose water. It is a classic ingredient in a traditional Mai Tai and many other Tiki cocktails. If you cannot find orgeat syrup you can substitute Amaretto.
Cointreau-Cointreau is a French, orange flavored triple sec. It adds a bit of class to your Mai Tai. If you are unable to make your Mai Tai with Cointreau you can substitute regular triple sec. Orange curacao, Grand Marnier or your favorite orange liqueur are also good substitutes.
Orange Juice and Lime Juice-The addition of orange juice and lime juice add a bit of acidity and fruit flavors to this classic cocktail. Whenever possible use fresh orange juice and lime juice for the perfect Mai Tai.
Grenadine-Grenadine is a cherry flavored syrup and in addition to adding flavor to the cocktail, it helps add a pop of color to the Tiki drink, giving it is classic sunset appearance.
Mixing the Mai Tai with Coconut Rum
In a cocktail shaker, with some ice, add your rum: 2 ounces Coconut Rum, 2 ounces White Rum and 2 ounces Gold or Dark Rum. Next, add 2 ounces of Cointreau, 2 ounces of fresh squeezed orange juice, 2 ounces of fresh squeezed lime juice and 1 ounce of orgeat syrup. Shake these well to combine.
Garnishing the Coconut Mai Tai
In a hurricane glass, pour some grenadine syrup in it and then add your strained Mai Tai mix from the shaker to fill the glass. Pour over ice if desired. Garnish the tropical cocktail with orange slices and maraschino cherries and pretend you are somewhere tropical and warm!
What to serve with a Mai Tai
Enjoy your Coconut Mai Tai with your favorite tropical or island inspired food like grilled fish, jerk chicken, macadamia crusted mahi mahi, or stuffed coconuts. The cocktail also pair perfectly with our Caribbean Fire Shrimp, Smoked Pernil, or along side our juicy Caribbean Roast Pork Sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
A classic Mai Tai is made with rum, orgeat syrup, orange liquor, and lime juice.
While the ABV of a Mai Tai can vary depending on the ratios and strength of rums used, a Mai Tai is typically a fairly strong drink, often with an ABV of over 20% (40 proof).
Yes, most Mai Tai recipes contain orgeat syrup or similar ingredients made with almonds, so the drink should be avoided in those with a tree nut allergy.
📖 Recipe
Coconut Mai Tai
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 ounce White Rum
- 2 ounce Gold or Dark Rum
- 2 ounce Coconut Rum
- 3 ounce Cointreau
- 2 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 ounce Fresh Orange Juice
- 1 ounce Orgeat Syrup
- 1 splash Grenadine
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients, except the Grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Place a splash of grenadine in a hurricane glass, then strain in the chilled Mai Tai.
- Add ice if desired.
Nutrition
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