Citrus-Infused Tiki Mai Tai Cocktail

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Mai Tai cocktail combining aged rum, fresh lime, and orange liqueur with a hint of almond and tropical flair. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together aged dark rum, fresh lime juice, orange curaçao for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a shaker with 1 cup crushed ice. Add 2 oz aged dark rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz orange curaçao, 1/2 oz orgeat syrup, and 1/4 oz simple syrup.
  2. Step 2: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy.
  3. Step 3: Strain into a tiki mug or rocks glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
  4. Step 4: Slowly pour 1/2 oz dark rum over the back of a spoon to float on top, adding aroma and depth.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 fresh mint sprig and 1 lime wheel for a classic tropical presentation.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy the layered citrus and almond flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Infused Tiki Mai Tai Cocktail take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Tiki Mai Tai Cocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover citrus-infused tiki mai tai cocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Tiki Mai Tai Cocktail?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Infused Tiki Mai Tai Cocktail for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Infused Tiki Mai Tai Cocktail?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.