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Nothing Says Vacation Like this Mai Tai

I started making this Mai Tai for my husband because he likes to bring the vacation vibe into the house.  After tackling a home project or a long day of work, he has come to love this refreshing cocktail reward. We use it for happy hours with just the two of us, when we have guests in town, and we even take them over to the neighbors for dinner. You’ll love this vacation cocktail too, no matter what the occasion.

 

A mixed maitai with a garnish of an orange wheel slice and 2 cherries, with a pineapple and sliced orange in the background

 

What You Will Need for Fred’s Mai Tai

For starters, decide on your favorite dark rum (you’ll need 2.5 oz).  Fresh juices including pineapple and orange also play a main role. Grenadine is the liquor you’ll need. Finally, garnishes that finish off that vacation look, could include a pineapple wedge, orange wheel and or stemmed cocktail cherries.

The Nuanced How To Notes

You’ll need a cocktail shaker full of ice to start. Add the 2.5 oz of rum and the 2.5 pineapple juice, which are the basis of the Mai Tai.  Then add only a splash of orange juice and grenadine each.  This part is important, as if you use too much OJ, its flavor will overpower the drink and it will taste more like orange juice and less like a tropical blend. The same goes for the grenadine- make sure it is only a splash that slightly changes the color of the drink from orange to reddish orange. Being delicate initially with grenadine will ensure you are achieving that just right sweetness.

2 - 1 liter bottles of mixed maitai with a bottle of grenadine, 2 oranges and a bottle of cherries, and a pineapple in the background

When Do I Need this Mai Tai Recipe?

Whenever you are seeking that vacation vibe. Not sure what to bring to a poolside party and no time to cook a side to share? Offer to make and bring a carafe of Fred’s Mai Tais for a festive crowd pleaser. One liter glass containers pictured here hold 4 Mai Tais each.

We are in love with these cocktail glasses on Amazon, which would be perfect for serving this Fred’s Mai Tai!

 

 

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A mixed maitai with a garnish of an orange wheel slice and 2 cherries, with a pineapple and sliced orange in the background

Fred’s MaiTai


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  • Author: Gnarly Roots
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 oz dark rum

2 1/2 oz pineapple juice

Splash of orange juice (1/2 oz )

Splash of grenadine – pour slowly until you see the red color swirl into the shaker

Garnish options – pineapple, oranges, or maraschino / cocktail cherries, or ALL of above


Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.  Add all ingredients.
  2. Close the shaker and shake until the shaker is ice cold.
  3. Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish as desired.

CHEERS!

  • Prep Time: 2

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