Mai Tai | Poolside Cocktail Series
Oh my (tai)! I have always wanted to try a Mai Tai - they just look so pretty and decadent with all their pretty garnishes and vibrant orange colour. I finally decided to give it a try a few weeks ago and it was probably one of the most delicious drinks I have ever sipped on. It combines all the best tropical flavours (think pineapples and limes) with different notes of rum and cherries. You can never go wrong with cherries!
I love making cocktails at home because there are endless opportunities to play with flavours and enjoy a special treat in the comfort of your own home. Especially in the summer when the sun is shining and the pool (or front porch) is calling your name. I created this series to document some of my favourite summer cocktails that I have tried so you can try them right alongside me. Please try this one alongside me. It’s a simplified version of a classic Tiki drink. It is worth the effort. And it’s just so pretty. Do I even need to keep going to convince you?
Here’s what you’ll need:
1/4 cup of pineapple juice
1 ounce (shot) of white rum
1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice (1-2 limes)
1 tablespoon of Cointreau (or any orange liquor)
1 tablespoon of simple syrup (see how to make it using sugar and water below)
1 teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice
ice
a splash of dark rum
pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, and lime wedge for garnish (optional)
You will also need a cocktail shaker or some sort of sealable container (like a mason jar) that will allow you to shake to combine the ingredients.
To make the drink:
The first thing you will need to do is make some simple syrup, but don’t fret - this is really easy to do! Start by boiling some water in a kettle and as it is coming to a boil, add 1/2 cup of white sugar to a mason jar. Once the water is ready, add 1/2 cup of boiling water to the sugar and stir them together until the sugar is dissolved (the mixture should be clear). Set it aside and allow it to cool. You can store your leftover simple syrup in the fridge for a couple of weeks.
When you’re ready to make your drink, fill a highball glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine the pineapple juice, white rum, fresh lime juice, Cointreau, simple syrup, and maraschino cherry juice. Add ice to the shaker. Shake the mixture vigorously for 15-20 seconds to allow the ingredients to fully combine. Strain the mixture into your glass over the ice and top it off with a dash of dark rum. Garnish your glass with a pineapple wedge, some maraschino cherries, and a lime wedge or slice, if you prefer.
I recommend making this drink to share with a girlfriend or two rather than as a party drink, as it is a little more involved to make. But the efforts are so worth it because the refreshing tropical flavours will whisk you away to a beach, even if you’re nowhere near a coast. I ended up enjoying mine on our shady front porch and it was almost just as relaxing as the sand.
Just a note: I am not a professional bartender but just like to have fun with mixing cocktails at home. This recipe is a version using more accessible ingredients. If you want to make a truly authentic Mai Tai, check out this recipe. Happy sipping!
