Definition & Meaning of "Mai Tai"

What is "mai tai"?

Mai Tai is a classic Polynesian cocktail that is made with rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup, which is a sweet almond-flavored syrup. The drink is typically shaken with ice and then strained into a tall glass filled with crushed ice, and it is often garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of pineapple. Mai Tai is known for its tropical and fruity taste, with the rum providing a rich and complex flavor and the orgeat syrup adding a sweet and nutty finish. The orange curaçao and lime juice add a citrusy and tangy flavor to the cocktail, creating a well-balanced and refreshing drink. Mai Tai can be customized with various types of rum, such as dark or spiced rum, and it can also be served with different types of fruit juices, such as pineapple or mango.