Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe in a Minute

The origin of the Mai Tai is a subject of much debate, with two legendary bartenders, Victor J. "Trader Vic" Bergeron and Donn Beach (also known as Don the Beachcomber), both claiming to have invented it. Trader Vic's version of the story dates back to 1944 in Oakland, California. According to Vic, he created the Mai Tai for some friends visiting from Tahiti. Upon tasting the cocktail, one of his friends exclaimed, "Maita'i roa ae!" which translates to "Out of this world! The best!" in Tahitian, thus giving the drink its name. Donn Beach, on the other hand, claimed that he had created a similar drink in the 1930s at his bar in Hollywood. Despite the controversy, it is Trader Vic's recipe that is most commonly associated with the Mai Tai today. This recipe features a blend of aged rum, fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange curaçao, shaken and served over crushed ice, typically garnished with a lime shell and a sprig of fresh mint. The Mai Tai gained immense popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, during the golden age of tiki culture in America. Tiki bars and restaurants, with their exotic décor and tropical themes, became the go-to destinations for those seeking a taste of paradise. The Mai Tai was often the star attraction on their cocktail menus, enjoyed by patrons looking to escape the everyday and embrace a carefree, island-inspired lifestyle.