The Mai Tai is one of the most regal refreshments in the exotic-drink universe.      

Originally made with 17-year-old Jamaican rum, imported French Orgeat, Dutch Curaçao and fresh-squeezed lime juice, the Mai Tai quickly became a phenomenon… which is little wonder given its global associations with tropical climes.

Ingredients

2 oz Jamaican rum

Juice of 1 medium lime, about 1 ounce (save the shell for garnish)

1/2 oz curaçao

1/4 oz orgeat

1/4 oz rock-candy syrup (simple syrup with a drop or two of vanilla extract)

Mint for garnish

Method

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker

Shake well and strain into a short glass filled with ice

Garnish with lime and a sprig of fresh mint