Forum
Well Oiled Mai Tai
A quality falernum adds complex clove-led flavours to a classic Trader Vic Mai Tai
John Hinojos
19th August 2025 at 01:14
Used a Barbados amber rum as Barbados does not allow sugar adulteration. Since we still have fresh strawberries, used some as a garnish. Wonderfully refreshing.
4th August 2025 at 04:16
Always a good go to. Loving this `breed'.
19th May 2025 at 01:21
1/4 oz of orange curacao is a nice addition
24th April 2025 at 00:20
Made again, this time with a full measure of Appleton Estate 12 and my homemade pistachio orgeat. I think I like this version better. This orgeat is a bit nuttier, and the aged rum adds a nice depth that was lacking in my first attempt.
22nd February 2025 at 02:07
A very nice drink indeed. I used an even split of Smith & Cross and Appleton Estate, Liber & Co orgeat, and Tipplemans falernum syrup. Rich, spicy, and complex, but with the underlying almond smoothness from the orgeat.
10th February 2025 at 18:21
Tried with home made falernum (from agricole rum), home made Orgeat, and Smith and Cross jamaican rum. Very, very complex and spicy, very enjoyable. Would like to try it with a more neutral rum, it's the second time I use Smith and Cross and the second time I find that it gives a very strong profile to the drink.
27th July 2024 at 00:33
This is delicious! Rich and full-bodied while simultaneously refreshing with the lime, and then clove/spice thrown into the mix for complexity! I used Bacardi 8, Velvet Falernum, and Liber & Co. Orgeat.
25th July 2024 at 00:50
Spice of falernum improves (IMO) the Mai Tai - very nice!
17th June 2024 at 04:20
Editing note: the link in the review takes one to your recipe, not to Trader Vic's.
17th June 2024 at 08:48
Thanks, Simon. Now fixed.
25th May 2024 at 21:53
Used plantation xaymaca and homemade orgeat, outstanding drink that is a great way to showcase the bright character of Jamaican rum.
18th December 2023 at 02:24
added 20ml passion fruit puree/syrup. yum. even better.
27th September 2023 at 20:43
A great Mai Tai. Love the spices of the Falernum in it. Very well balanced and just a great Drink everybody who loves a good Mai Tai should try.
21st August 2023 at 22:15
I feel like this should have been the original Mai Tai. It's more pared down and approachable than the Trader Vic's version, and perhaps even a bit better balanced.
10th February 2023 at 03:50
I like this is a lot, especially when you start experimenting with different rums. But for my own spin on things I add the Angostura as a float at the end, on top of the drink after it's shaken. You get more of that spice of the Ango up front and as it dissipates with each sip you still get that lingering albeit not so strong aromas of it on top of the great drink
21st March 2022 at 01:25
As a person who has tiki cocktail books from Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vics. This is wonderful. Works well with my collection of vintage tiki mugs.
30th August 2021 at 16:33
As a daiquiri and mai tai fan I think this is now my favourite, went down very well with our guests this weekend
3rd July 2021 at 22:14
Favourite summer cocktail. It's a delight.
25th October 2020 at 19:18
I make this quite often but I thought I'd put a few dashes of cherry bitters and around 7ml heering cherry liqueur in with all the original incredients. Wow!