The Mai Tai is a tropical classic—bright, citrusy, and just boozy enough to feel like a vacation in a glass. This version blends rum, lime, orgeat, and orange liqueur for that signature island flavor, whether you’re mixing for the campsite or your living room.
Pre-make a batch, chill it down, and enjoy a cocktail that tastes like somewhere sunny—no tiki bar required.
Mai Tai Recipe
Ingredients List [Per 1 Cocktail]
- 1 ounce light rum
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- 1/2 ounce orgeat syrup
- Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish (optional)
Total Wine should have you covered for all your ingredient needs!
Preparation Instructions at Home
- Scale for the total number of cocktails you would like. Combine the light rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup in a large pitcher. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- For the best aesthetic effect, you can keep the dark rum separate. Pour the main mixture into a sealed mason jar or a large plastic bottle, and the dark rum into a small separate jar.
- Store the jar(s) in your cooler to keep the cocktail fresh.
If you don’t have containers and serving ware around your house you’d like to use, REI is a great place to find them.
Serving Instructions at the Campsite
- When ready to serve, fill a plastic cup with ice.
- Pour the pre-made Mai Tai mixture over the ice, filling the cup almost to the top.
- If you kept the dark rum separate, float the dark rum on top of the drink for the full visual effect.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig for a tropical touch.
FAQ-Mai Tai
Orgeat is an almond-flavored syrup that gives the Mai Tai its signature nutty sweetness. You can find it at most liquor stores, Total Wine, or online. Torani and Liber & Co both make popular versions.
In a pinch, you can substitute amaretto (almond liqueur) or a mix of simple syrup with a few drops of almond extract. The flavor won’t be identical, but it’ll still be delicious.
You can pre-mix the base (light rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and orgeat) up to 2 days ahead. Keep the dark rum separate and float it on top when serving for the best presentation and flavor layering.
Light rum blends into the cocktail base for a clean, smooth flavor. Dark rum is floated on top at serving time; it adds a richer, molasses-like depth and gives the drink its signature layered look.
Mai Tai Recipe Conclusion
The Mai Tai is a flavorful and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for any campfire setting. By pre-mixing this drink, you can enjoy its tropical flavors without any hassle.
Sipping a cocktail in nature is one of my favorite pleasures, so I wanted to share it with you. There’s something incredibly soothing about enjoying a well-crafted drink while surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.
Cheers to making our outdoor adventures even more memorable and enjoyable together!
Your Turn
Share your Mai Tai moments with us on social media and tag us to showcase your delicious campfire cocktail creations!
@thedisperseddietitian #thedisperseddietitian
Complete Your Camp Happy Hour
Pair this Mai Tai with my Buttery Lobster Rolls for a camp meal that feels extra fun without being fussy. The rich, buttery rolls are a great match for the bright citrus, rum, and tropical flavors in this make-ahead cocktail.
More Camp Cocktail Inspiration
Looking for more drinks you can make before your trip? Browse all 11 Best Campfire Cocktails You Can Pre-Make for simple recipes you can batch at home and enjoy around the campfire.
Check out our whole blog for cooking ideas, wine pairing, and camping spots to complete your elevated outdoor trip!
Mai Tai Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce light rum
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur such as Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce orgeat syrup
- Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish optional
Instructions
Preparation Instructions at Home
- Scale for the total number of cocktails you would like. Combine the light rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup in a large pitcher. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- For the best aesthetic effect, you can keep the dark rum separate. Pour the main mixture into a sealed mason jar or a large plastic bottle, and the dark rum into a small separate jar.
- Store the jar(s) in your cooler to keep the cocktail fresh.
Serving Instructions at the Campsite
- When ready to serve, fill a plastic cup with ice.
- Pour the pre-made Mai Tai mixture over the ice, filling the cup almost to the top.
- If you kept the dark rum separate, float the dark rum on top of the drink for the full aesthetic effect.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig for a tropical touch.