|
|
The mai tai has inspired generations to dream of warm tropical breezes, breathtaking sunsets, and the distant strum of ukuleles. Underneath that dark rum float is a right of passage in Hawaii, just like surf lessons from the beach boys and seeing your first sunset from Waikiki Beach. According to The Cocktail Handbook by local bartenders, Jesse Greenleaf and Amie Fujiwara, "The mai tai is by far the most often ordered drink up and down the Waikiki strand. Nothing makes you feel more on vacation than watching the sun sink into the ocean as you sip on this classic blend of rum and tropical juices."
Since the early 1940’s the mai tai’s original recipe and creator have been a topic of debate, which could explain why this drink has spawned such a variety of interpretations and twists over the years. From timeless standards to cutting edge mixology, these are a just few of the many recipes found in Waikiki, each noteworthy for one reason or another for being more than a mai tai. Okole maluna! (Bottoms up!)
 |
ROYAL MAI TAI
The famous Mai Tai Bar offers many twists on the classic standard, but only one sits atop the
throne, the signature Royal Mai Tai. Fresh squeezed pineapple and orange juices, cherry-vanilla
puree, Cointreau, and Amaretto di Disaronno combine with light and dark rums to create a sweet,
stylish, libation well deserving of its royal title.
Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
|
| |
|
 |
DECONSTRUCTED MAI TAI
Bar Chef, Christian Self, presents a molecular variation from the "original" 1944 version in his
award winning Deconstructed Mai Tai. The cocktail is comprised of eight-year aged rum and
homemade French almond syrup topped with a citrus and curacao foam, blending classic
fl avors with modern sophistication.
Lobby Bar at The Modern Honolulu
|
| |
|
 |
MUI THAI
Known for reinventing classic Japanese cuisine with style and innovation, Sansei's Mui Thai
is anything but ordinary. Using eight-year aged rum, orange curacao, fresh squeezed lime,
homemade herbal lemongrass syrup, and fresh, candied-ginger foam, this refreshing and
potent fusion will satisfy any curiosity.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar | Visit Restaurant
|
| |
|
 |
REEF LOUNGE MAI TAI
Thirty-year veteran bartender Larry labels this an "Old Waikiki" recipe: orange curacao, orgeat
almond syrup, lemon sweet and sour, pineapple juice, light rum, a heaping dark rum float, and
a squeeze of lime. Visit Larry at the tucked-away Reef Lounge and find out why the mai tai, and
Larry, have stood the test of time.
Reef Lounge at the Hawaii Prince Hotel
|
| |
|
 |
MOANA MAI TAI
"Can I get this in a pineapple?" Of course! This signature drink is a perfect excuse to pick up your
camera phone and send a picture to everyone on your contact list, letting them know that you are
offi cially on vacation. Expect envious responses as you sip the Moana Mai Tai out of your fresh
Hawaiian pineapple.
Moana Terrace at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
|
| |
|
 |
7TH INNING STRETCH
Watching the game at Waikiki's
top sports bar just got better with
the 7th Inning Stretch. Made with
seven ingredients, light rum, orgeat
syrup, bourbon, fresh squeezed
Govinda’s Hawaiian orange and
guava juices, orange curacao, and
a dark rum fl oat. Time to put on
your rally-cap!
Giovanni Pastrami | Visit Restaurant
|
| |
|
 |
1944 MAI TAI
Live contemporary Hawaiian music
and a spacious outdoor lanai will
get you in the mood for some good
old South-Pacifi c fun. Light rum,
dark rum, fresh lime juice, orgeat
almond syrup, orance curacao and
a passion fruit foam topping pay
tribute to the traditional recipe that
inspired the original tiki bars, with a
kick all it's own.
Tiki's Grill and Bar | Visit Restaurant
|
| |
|
 |
WAIKIKI CHANG'S
MAI TAI
If you think tropical drinks are all
juice and no bite, you'll meet your
match with this combination. This
tower of light rum, orange curacao,
almond fl avored orgeat, orange
and pineapple juices, and a dark
rum fl oat is topped off with and a
healthy splash of Bacardi 151.
P.F. Chang's | Visit Restaurant
|
| |
|
 |
FRESH SQUEEZED MAI TAI
Find the freshest recipe in town
overlooking the shore in the heart
of Waikiki. Govinda's Hawaiian
pineapple, guava, orange and
passion fruit juices combine with
orgeat syrup, orange curacao,
light rum, and a Diamond Head
Dark Rum fl oat, creating a most
refreshing drink.
Hula Grill | Visit Restaurant
|
| |
|
 |
HAU TREE MAI TAI
Nestled on the shores of Diamond
Head is the Hau Tree Lanai, a quick
escape from downtown Waikiki.
Enjoy the view of Sans Souci
Beach and spectacular sunsets
with a golden rum mai tai in one
hand and that someone special in
the other.
Hau Tree Lanai | Visit Restaurant
|
| |
|
 |
MAI TAI TINI
“Inspired by the resurgent martini
culture, the Mai Tai Tini is a new
twist on an old classic. As tasty
as these sugar-rimmed ‘tinis may
be,… these cocktails have a way
of removing all thoughts of work
and duty and instead guiding you
off on a tropical sojourn.” As taken
from The Cocktail Handbook, p80.
Photo by David Croxford.
Duke's Restaurant & Barefoot Bar
at Outrigger Waikiki
|
|
