The Mai Tai Cocktail is pure tiki royalty—bold rum, bright citrus, and nutty-sweet orgeat syrup layered into a drink that feels like vacation with consequences. Born in California, raised in Polynesian-themed lounges, and now reborn in LA's rooftop bars and poolside retreats, this cocktail is an unapologetic crowd-pleaser.
Don't mistake the fruit for fluff—the Mai Tai packs a punch under all that garnish.
Ingredients For The Mai Tai Cocktail (One Serving)
- 1 oz Aged Jamaican Rum
- 1 oz Martinique Rhum Agricole or dark rum
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz Orange Curaçao
- ½ oz Orgeat Syrup
- Garnish: Mint sprig, lime shell, or dehydrated pineapple
- Glass: Rocks or double old fashioned
- Crushed ice
LA Local Tip: Party Shakers often blends rums from different origins (Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique) for layered flavor. We use small-batch orgeat (almond syrup) made in-house or sourced from LA's tiki pros like Orgeat Works or Small Hand Foods.
How to Make a Proper Mai Tai in LA
1. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice.
The colder and icier, the better—it dilutes slowly and adds texture. The essence of The Mai Tai Cocktail.
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
Rum, lime, orgeat, orange curaçao. - Shake hard for 10–12 seconds.
Then strain directly into the crushed ice-filled glass. - Top with a float of dark rum (optional for flair).
We swirl it through the drink tableside at high-end events. - Garnish like you're on the beach.
Mint sprig, lime shell, cocktail umbrella—go all in or keep it minimal, depending on your event's tone.
Why the Mai Tai Is Back in LA Cocktail Culture
Tiki is timeless, and LA knows it. The Mai Tai bridges old-school island aesthetics with modern mixology. It's perfect for:
- Beach weddings in Malibu
- Summer house parties in Sherman Oaks
- Poolside brunches in West LA
- Vintage luau-themed events from Highland Park to Huntington Beach
It's a showstopper in both taste and presentation—especially with our fresh-crushed ice and curated rum blends.
FAQs
Is it overly sweet?
Not when made correctly. Our version balances nutty, citrusy, and boozy elements with just enough sweetness to bring it together.
What's the best rum for a Mai Tai?
We recommend one funky aged rum (like Jamaican or Demerara) and one grassy or smooth dark rum. But we can also customize based on your guest profile.
Can it be made in large batches?
Yes. We pre-batch the base and shake each one fresh to preserve that bright, cold finish.
Book the Cocktail That Brings Island Energy – Mai Tai in LA
Whether you're channeling Trader Vic or reinventing tiki for a modern crowd, the Mai Tai delivers full flavor, color, and character. Party Shakers mixes it with intention and flair, every time. Check out other drinks as well.
✅ Served across Los Angeles County: Venice, Beverly Grove, Echo Park, Santa Monica
✅ Optional tiki bar setups, rum flights, or custom tropical garnishes
✅ Ideal for summer weddings, themed parties, and all-day events
✅ Delivered by Party Shakers mixologists who know tiki isn't just a style—it's a vibe
Book Party Shakers – Serve the Mai Tai and Let the Island Energy Flow Through Your LA Event