Hawaiian Mai Tai Recipe (The Royal Hawaiian) (2024)

This Hawaiian Mai Tai Recipe is what you might have in mind when you think of that Tiki co*cktail you had the last time you visited Hawaii.

Created for the Royal Hawaiian Hotel menu in Waikiki and made with pineapple juice and orange juice, then topped with a classic dark rum float.

While this recipe is different from the Original Trader Vic version, this sweet, fruity tropical co*cktail overtook the world in popularity.

Victor J. Bergeron (Trader Vic) is credited with creating the original co*cktail. This co*cktail was so popular that it actually depleted the world’s rum supply. Hewas then hired to create a signature co*cktail for the Royal Hawaiian and the Moana Surfrider Hotels in Waikiki. It only made sense that he would settle on a Mai Tai Recipe.

However, the original version isn’t a sweet drink, and Bergeron found that tourists preferred a sweeter version made with pineapple juice. This version became what most people think of when they envision this tropical co*cktail.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe to save for later!

What you’ll need

Ingredients for this co*cktail vary vastly from bartender to bartender, but there are a few classic versions of this tropical drink: Trader Vic’s and Royal Hawaiian versions.

*This recipe is adapted from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Resort Recipe.

White Rum

The best rum to use in this recipe is a light rum such as Bacardi Silver or Cruzan Aged White Rum.

Black Rum

Dark or black rum is used as a float on top of this drink. The Royal Hawaiian’s recipe calls for Whalers rum. If you can’t find it, any good dark rum will work. Steer clear of spiced rum, though.

Orgeat

Orgeat (Or-zhat) is an almond syrup made with almond puree and orange blossom water. This nutty syrup is what gives the mai tai its signature flavor.

Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier is an orange liqueur. You can also use Orange Curaçao in this recipe.

Orange Juice & Pineapple Juice

Orange juice and pineapple juice are used in this version. Fresh squeezed is always recommended, but of course, use what you have on hand. I recommend Simply orange juice and Dole pineapple juice (the one in the can).

Cherry Vanilla Puree

The Royal Hawaiian uses a cherry vanilla puree made by blending maraschino cherries, vanilla, and cranberry juice. I’ve scaled the recipe down to make it easier to create this co*cktail at home.

Where’s The Best Mai Tai in Hawaii?

I grew up on Oahu and have since spent a lot of time on the Islands. If you happen to be planning a trip to the Islands, you might want to check out a few of the best places to get this island co*cktail in the Hawaiian Islands.

On O`ahu

• Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai bar features a number of variations, including the Original Trader Vic’s version. Their signature recipe is a
• Moana Surfride Hotel features — the Manoa version and the Surfrider version.
• Halekulani Dining House has a signature co*cktail recipe they’re happy to share for you at home.
• Monkey Pod Kitchen is located in Ko`Olina and is home to the Monkey Pod version, which features housemade macadamia nut orgeat and a lilikoi foam that gives this classic co*cktail a little extra flair.

On Maui

• Down The Hatch in Lahaina has great co*cktails and great food. Their menu features the POG Foam Mai Tai and the DTH house version. Both are sweet versions of this classic Hawaiian co*cktail.
• Monkey Pod Kitchen has two locations on Maui, one in Wailea in south Maui and one in Ka`anapali in west Maui. See the notes from the O`ahu list above.
• Merriman’s is always a sure bet for a fantastic dinner and co*cktails. They are located in Kapalua in North West Maui. Merriman’s version is similar to the Original Trader Vic’s recipe, not too sweet and perfectly blended.

On Kauai

• Eating House is a restaurant by Roy Yamaguchi on Kauai, located on the South side of Kauai in the Shops at Kukui’ula. They have a great co*cktail bar. Stop in for a their co*cktails and stay for dinner.
• Ama is a ramen shop in a little shopping center, on the North side of the Island, in Hanalei. They serve a light and refreshing Mai Tai made the OG way. If you’re looking for great views, great food, and great co*cktails, Ama is a great place to stop in.

More Hawaiian co*cktails

If you need more Hawaiian co*cktail recipes here are a few of our favorites.

The Blue Hawaii co*cktail, the Pineapple Martini, Pineapple Margarita, or the Original Mai Tai Recipe.

More Hawaiian Recipes

When you’re planning a backyard luau party, you’re going to need Hawaiian food to go with all of your Hawaiian co*cktails. Start with a few appetizers like the Kimchi Dip or the. Pineapple Cheese Ball recipe. Pineapple Salsa is delicious when served with grilled chicken.

Furikake Fried Chicken served with a side of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is always a hit. Spam Fried Rice is another perfect Hawaiian side dish recipe.