Description
Celebrate the holiday season with this Festive Christmas Mai Tai, a vibrant and aromatic twist on the classic tiki cocktail. Blending dark and white rum with orange curaçao, almond syrup, fresh lime juice, and a hint of warm cinnamon, this tropical drink is garnished with fresh mint, cranberries, pineapple, and orange wedges for a colorful, refreshing festive treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz white rum
- 3/4 oz orange curaçao
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
Syrups & Spices
- 1/4 oz almond syrup (orgeat)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Others
- Crushed ice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Pineapple slice for garnish
- Orange wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Choose a large tiki mug or a hurricane glass to give your cocktail a festive and tropical flair. Fill the glass generously with crushed ice to chill it and keep your drink refreshingly cold.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, pour in the dark rum, white rum, orange curaçao, almond syrup (orgeat), fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and ground cinnamon. These ingredients create the signature rich and complex flavor of the Mai Tai.
- Shake the Mixture: Add ice to fill the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This action chills and blends the ingredients evenly, balancing the warmth of the spices with the brightness of the citrus.
- Strain into Glass: Strain the shaken cocktail into your prepared glass filled with crushed ice. Pour gently to maintain the integrity of the ice bed and ensure a well-balanced chill throughout the drink.
- Create a Layered Effect: To elevate the presentation, gently float additional dark rum on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon. This creates a layered look and an extra touch of rum aroma as you sip.
- Garnish: Decorate your festive Mai Tai with a sprig of fresh mint, a handful of fresh cranberries, a slice of pineapple, and an orange wedge. These garnishes add eye-catching color and aromatic appeal perfect for the holiday season.
- Serve and Enjoy: Insert a straw and serve the cocktail immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and inviting aroma at their best.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute rums with a mix of pineapple and almond-flavored syrups.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
- The ground cinnamon adds a subtle festive spice, so adjust to taste if preferred less spicy.
- Crushed ice is key to keeping this cocktail refreshingly cool without diluting too quickly.
- Ensure the garnish is fresh and vibrant to enhance both aroma and visual appeal.
