Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai
The tourist-friendly evolution of Trader Vic's original Mai Tai, featuring the addition of pineapple and orange juices that transformed it into a globally recognized symbol of tropical leisure.
19%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai represents the evolution of Trader Vic's original 1944 Mai Tai into a more tourist-friendly drink. When Victor J. Bergeron was hired by Matson Steamship Lines in 1953 to create cocktail menus for their Hawaiian hotels (the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider), the Mai Tai was adapted with pineapple and orange juices to appeal to a broader audience. This sweeter, more approachable version became synonymous with Hawaiian vacations and was further popularized by Elvis Presley's 1961 film "Blue Hawaii." While purists may prefer Trader Vic's original, the Royal Hawaiian version became the globally recognized symbol of tropical leisure and tiki culture.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
1.5 oz
0.5 oz
0.5 oz
0.8 oz
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Combine pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, orgeat syrup, orange curaçao, and light rum in cocktail shaker
Fill shaker with crushed or cracked ice
Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well-chilled
Pour entire contents (unstrained) into double Old Fashioned or large bucket glass
Slowly float dark Jamaican rum over top by pouring over back of spoon
Garnish elaborately with pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, and lime wheel on cocktail pick
Add paper parasol and fresh mint sprig for authentic presentation
Glassware
Served in a double Old Fashioned or large bucket glass with crushed ice
Garnish
Fresh pineapple wedge on cocktail pick
High-quality maraschino cherry on cocktail pick
Fresh lime wheel on cocktail pick
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use only freshly squeezed juices - bottled juices will compromise the flavor
Float the dark rum carefully over a spoon for the layered effect
Orgeat syrup quality is crucial - consider making your own
Serve with a straw to allow gradual integration of the rum float
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai.
Classic Trader Vic (1944)
The original without fruit juices, focusing on aged Jamaican rum and orgeat.
Changes
Modern Craft Version
Uses premium aged rums and house-made orgeat for elevated flavor.
Changes
Don the Beachcomber's Mai Tai Swizzle
A competing claim with grapefruit juice and falernum instead of orgeat.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Trader Vic's Suffering Bastard
A rum-centric tiki cocktail that's more robust and complex than the original gin and brandy Cairo creation. Essentially a more potent variation of the Mai Tai, featuring a blend of aged rums with citrus, orgeat, and curaçao.
Trader Vic's Planter's Punch
Trader Vic's definitive version of Planter's Punch - a harmonious blend of bold Jamaican rum, bright citrus, and just enough sweetness to create a refreshingly complex tropical experience.
Rum Fruit Punch
The foundational template for mixed drinks, following the classic Caribbean formula of 'One of Sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong, Four of Weak' with rum as the backbone.