Mai Tai
The famous “Mai Tai” might invoke images of the tropical Hawaiian paradise … but it was actually invented in California. There are two competing stories about this cocktail. It starts with a man named Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt. In 1933 he opened what would become the very first “tiki bar” in Los Angeles, and named it “Don’s Beachcomber Cafe” (later known as “Don the Beachcomber”). It became an instant hit with the Hollywood scene. Rum was cheap, and Gantt was clever. One of his drinks was called the “Mai Tai Swizzle”, and he is therefore often credited with having invented the drink first.
I got the bartender here to work with me. We did pretty well with what he had: The original recipe "Mai Tai" from Vic Bergeron as described by Beachbum Berry
Meanwhile, up in Oakland California, Victor Bergeron had opened a little bar called “Hinky Dink’s” in 1934. It evolved along with the trends into a tiki bar and was renamed “Trader Vic’s”. The story, as told by Vic himself, is that in 1944 he mixed up a new recipe for friends from Tahiti. Upon tasting the drink, one of them exclaimed, “Mai Tai - Roa Ae!” which translates as “Out of this world!” or “The best!” and the drink got its name. Like most cocktail lore, the truth is likely a bit tinted by colorful liquor and competitive showmen, but most agree that Trader Vic’s original recipe was better anyway so he usually gets the credit. A great Mai Tai is rum heavy and not too sweet. It should include aged Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, curacao (orange liqueur) and almond syrup (orgeat). It’s really just a fancy daiquiri variation. Of course, I try to see the daiquiri in everything, so that might be a stretch. While on location in sunny Hawaii I coerced the friendly bartender to work with me on an original recipe version, which came out pretty well. Now I’m going to take off my tie (I couldn't resist) and enjoy these wonderful “Hawaiian” treats. Mahalo, and cheers!
Relaxing with a pair of Hawaiian originals - Aloha from Paradise
The Original Mai Tai by Vic Bergeron (as reported by Beachbum Berry)
1 oz Martinique rum
1 oz dark Jamaican rum
1/2 oz curacao
1/2 oz orgeat
1 oz lime
1/4 oz simple syrup
Shake well with ice and pour into a favorite glass. Drop the squeezed lime into the drink for garnish.
For more about the Mai Tai and this original recipe see: