The Mai Tai

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other than the Daiquiri, no other cocktail, classic or Tiki, has (d)evolved as much as the Mai Tai. The original cocktail involved just a few ingredients, selected to complement the complex, full-bodied Jamaican rum that served as the base. The cocktail was invented at Trader Vic’s in Oakland in 1944. Victor Bergeron was bartending for two friends from Tahiti, Ham and Carrie Guild. She exclaimed “Maita’I Roe A’e,” Tahitian for “Out of this world–The Best!”. Unfortunately, the rum Vic used has not been available for more than 50 years, so we use two different Jamaican rums to recreate this classic: Appleton Reserve Blend and Smith & Cross. The result is a complex but approachable cocktail that exemplifies the essence of Tiki.