Recently updated on August 20th, 2025 at 03:42 pm
Rumour has it that the Mai Tai cocktail became so popular that it depleted the world’s rum supply in the 1940s and 1950s.
Its history is a little murky, but apparently the drink was actually invented in California by Victor J. Bergeron back in 1944. It was almost a decade later that the iconic cocktail of the tiki movement actually made it to Hawaii when Bergeron was hired to oversee the cocktail menus at two hotels on the islands. It was here in Hawaii that pineapple and orange juice was added to the Mai Tai to further sweeten the drink for tourists in Waikiki.
To get our hands on one of the best modern-day Mai Tai cocktail recipes, we asked Erik from the Aston Hotel in Waikiki to show us how to make a Surf Mai Tai, one of the hotel’s signature drinks. So give it a go or request it next time you’re at Tiki’s Bar in Hawaii.
Watch the video and read on to discover how to shake up Erik’s Surf Mai Tai (or better yet, join our Hawaiian Explorer, Best of Hawaii or Hawaiian Discovery tours and have the Tiki team do the hard work!).
GET INSPIRED BY: Hawaiian Explorer
Unlock the best…. Mai Tai cocktail recipe
Ingredients:
60ml (2oz) Pineapple juice
60ml (2oz) Passionfruit juice
15ml (½ oz) Orange juice
15ml (½ oz) Simple syrup
15ml (½ oz) Orgeat syrup
30ml (1 oz) White rum
30ml (1 oz) Dark rum
Ice
Cocktail shaker
Tall glass
Garnish: lime and pineapple slices
Cocktail umbrella or toothpick
Method
First, take the glass half of your cocktail shaker and add fruit juice. This Mai Tai cocktail recipe takes equal amounts of pineapple and passionfruit juice, plus a dash of orange juice.
Next Erik adds two sweeteners. The first is simple syrup, a classic mix of half sugar, half water commonly found at bars. The second is orgeat syrup, a special almond syrup.
Before shaking he adds a light, white rum and lots of ice. Close up the shaker and shake, shake, shake.
Pour the frothy contents into your final glass. Finish by floating the dark rum and top the drink with a cute tiki umbrella or toothpick with pineapple and lime.
And that is how to make a Mai Tai cocktail, the Hawaiian way.
GET INSPIRED BY: Hawaiian Discovery
RELATED BLOG: The best Hawaiian dishes and culinary experiences to try in Pacific Island paradise
How to float the rum in a Mai Tai cocktail
To nail down the rum float in a Mai Tai, choose an aged or overproof dark rum as these typically work best.
You should already have the base of the cocktail in the glass, with some finding it easier to slowly pour the rum over the back of a spoon which is placed just above the surface of the drink, curved side up.
Practice makes perfect with floating the rum, but once achieved you’ll notice a nice layered look.
What ingredients can you substitute with alternatives in a Mai Tai?
If you don’t have all of the ingredients listed, you could still make a version of the classic Tiki cocktail by substituting with some alternatives.
For example, the orgeat syrup (which is made from almonds, sugar, and rose water) can be replaced with something that offers almond nutty notes and sweetness. This could be Amaretto or an almond syrup, although the latter won’t have the floral notes.
If the sourness of the lime isn’t to your liking, consider swapping this out for a lemon although this will change the citrus profile.
What dishes pair well with a Mai Tai?
A Mai Tai goes down well with Hawaiian cuisine like Kalua Pork, as you should pair it with a dish that has contrasting flavors.
A dish that is fresh, salty or has smoky notes will work well, with some opting to pair it with seafood-based dishes. Coconut shrimp and grilled fish tacos are perfect options, while bolder flavors like jerk chicken or spicy crab cakes are another solid option.
FAQ: How to make a Mai Tai cocktail and its origins
Where was the Mai Tai invented?
The Mai Tai is thought to have been invented in California by Victor J. Bergeron, dating back to 1944.
Almost a decade later, the Tiki cocktail made its way to Hawaii when Bergeron was hired to oversee the cocktail menus at two hotels on the islands.
It was in Hawaii though where the pineapple and orange juice was added to the Mai Tai to sweeten the drink.
Who invented the Mai Tai?
Victor Jules Bergeron, also known as Trader Vic, invented the Mai Tai. Although it was originally created in California, it made its way to Hawaii and it has now become a staple on the islands.
The name is believed to be related to the Tahitian word ‘maita’i’ which translates to ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.
What does Mai Tai taste like?
A Mai Tai has a unique and complex flavor as the rums give subtle hints of nuts, while the fruity elements make the drink refreshing and sweeter.
It’s often described as being a fairly tart cocktail, with a balanced citrusy taste.
Have you unlocked the best of Hawaii with Trafalgar? Let us know if you’ve been or are planning a trip in the comments below…