Mango Mai Tai Recipe

It is a common fact that Mai Tais are among the most popular cocktails, especially alcohol-based ones. It is a popular misconception that Mai Tai is a Hawaiian drink and people travel to this place, for authentic Mai Tai. But, the fact is that this drink is said to have originated in a Californian restaurant in 1944. The credit for creating this drink goes to the Californian restaurateur Victor J. Bergeron of the Trader Vic, who prepared it for his Tahitian friends. They were so excited to taste this drink that one of his friends exclaimed, "Maita'i roa ae!", which means too good. So, the drink was named Mai Tai. But, there are some others who claim to have invented this drink. They include Don the Beachcomber, the rival of Bergeron. The recipe made by this person differs from that of Trader Vic and the drink too tastes different. So, Bergeron's recipe is considered as the original one for preparing Mai Tai. Even though, Mai Tai is not a Hawaiian drink, it is a cocktail with a Polynesian spirit and style.

How to Make Mango Mai Tai

Today, Mai Tai is a commonly served drink in Polynesian themed bars and other such places. You may also prepare this cocktail at home, if you know the right recipes. There are many different variations of Mai Tai recipes. The original version of Trader Vic Mai Tai formula is said to be composed of fresh lime juice (one lemon), old Jamaican rum (2 ounces), orange curacao (half ounce), rock candy syrup (¼ ounce), orgeat syrup (½ ounce), etc. All these ingredients are added to a tall glass and are shook vigorously, before garnishing and serving. Mango Mai Tai is one of the popular versions of this cocktail.

Ingredients

• Mango flavored rum
• Pineapple juice
• Lime juice (sweetened)
• Grenadine
• Amaretto
• Orange curacao
• Pineapple slice

How to Prepare

Take a cocktail shaker and add 1½ ounce each of amaretto, orange curacao, grenadine and mango flavored rum. One of the important factors that you have to notice, is the age of the rum. As per authentic Mai Tai recipes, Jamaican rum that is eight to 15 years old is recommended. This is because the flavor of the rum should not be overpowered by other ingredients. To this mixture, add ¾ ounce of sweetened lime juice and six ounces of pineapple juice. Put a few ice cubes into the cocktail shaker, before shaking it. Once done, pour the cocktail to the glass and garnish it with the pineapple slice. You may also make your drink attractive by placing a cocktail umbrella, a stemmed cherry, or any such decoration of your choice.

Mango Mai Tai - Points to Note

You may want to prepare a mango Mai Tai without alcohol. In such a case, all you have to do is to replace mango flavored rum with an ounce of mango nectar mixed with a teaspoon of rum flavoring. You have to replace amaretto with almond flavoring or orgeat syrup and orange curacao can be substituted with orange juice. Some people use margarita mix in this drink. As per this method, you have to use equal amounts (1½ ounces) of pineapple juice, and mango rum, along with 1¼ ounce of margarita mix, ¼ ounce each of grenadine and orgeat syrup. You can be creative in presenting the cocktail in differently shaped glasses. Use different materials, like, colorful straws, flowers, fruits, etc., for decorating the glasses.

In short, preparing mango Mai Tai recipes is not a big task, if you know the right methods. All you need is the right ingredients and a basic idea about preparing the drink and serving it in the right way. So, try this recipe and enjoy the drink.