Description
Celebrate the holiday season with this Festive Christmas Mai Tai, a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic tropical cocktail. Combining dark and white rum with orange curaçao, almond syrup, and a hint of cinnamon, this refreshing drink is garnished with fresh mint, cranberries, pineapple, and orange for a beautiful and aromatic presentation perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids and Syrups
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz white rum
- 3/4 oz orange curaçao
- 1/4 oz almond syrup (orgeat)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
Spices and Garnishes
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Crushed ice (for serving and shaking)
- 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 hurricane glass and fill it with crushed ice to keep your Mai Tai chilled throughout serving.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add dark rum, white rum, orange curaçao, almond syrup, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and ground cinnamon for a rich, festive blend.
- Add Ice and Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients properly.
- Strain into Glass: Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass filled with crushed ice, pouring gently to maintain the crushed ice layer.
- Create a Layered Effect: Float a small amount of dark rum on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon for a visually appealing layered look.
- Garnish: Adorn the drink with fresh mint sprigs, cranberries, a pineapple slice, and an orange wedge to enhance festivity and aroma.
- Serve: Insert a straw and serve immediately to enjoy the cocktail at its freshest and most vibrant.
Notes
- Using fresh lime juice is crucial for the bright, tangy flavor characteristic of a great Mai Tai.
- For an extra festive touch, consider adding a cinnamon stick as a garnish.
- The float of dark rum adds both depth of flavor and a beautiful layered visual effect.
- If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the simple syrup slightly.
- Always shake vigorously with ice to ensure proper chilling and dilution.
