My absolute favorite tropical co*cktail is the Hawaiian Mai Tai. I’ve tried them all through Hawaii and I’ve got a co*cktail recipe that will knock your socks off! Scroll for the best Hawaiian Mai Tai recipe you’ll ever find!
This Hawaiian Mai Tai recipe roundup was originally posted March 11, 2020 and was updated November 7, 2021 and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
This Hawaiian Mai Tai is one of the most refreshing and delicious co*cktails you’ll ever make! With some citrus notes thanks to some lime juice and orange zest, a good splash of rum and topped with a lilikoi foam that’s showstopping, this is going to become your go-to drink of choice!
When people think about Hawaii one of the first things that come to their minds is Aloha. The second? Mai Tai! And with a reason!
Hawaiian Mai Tais are one of the most refreshing, delicious co*cktails ever! Even if you are not a big drinker, you’ll love a good Mai Tai!
Mai Tais are my tropical drink of choice when I’m in Hawaii. I’m always a big fan of the ones at Duke’s. I think part of the appeal is getting to sit by the ocean listening to Hawaiian music as I sip my co*cktail.
But, I swear my life changed when I tasted the Mai Tai at Merriman’s on Kauai last year. OMG it was outstanding! What really sets it apart is the lilikoi foam that they put on top.
They have Merriman restaurants on several islands and they also have the same Mai Tai recipe at Monkeypod Kitchen.
There’s even a Monkeypod location right next to Disney’s Aulani Resort on Oahu, which is the best place to go for a Hawaiian mai tai co*cktail near the resort!
Since we can’t be in Hawaii right now, I figured creating a copy-cat Monkeypod Mai Tai recipe
Hawaiian Mai Tai FAQs
What does “Mai Tai” mean in Hawaiian?
I hate to break it to you, but it’s not actually a Hawaiian word. In fact, it’s from the Tahitian word “maita’i” which means “good” or “excellent.” Fun fact: that same term is “maika’i” in Hawaiian.
So, is a Mai Tai a Hawaiian co*cktail?
While its origins are from Tahiti, Hawaii has really turned it into the famous drink it is today. Duke’s Mai Tai is pretty famous in Waikiki and on the Big Island, you’ll want to taste it at Don the Beachcomber.
What kind of glass is a Mai Tai served in?
Typically, a Hawaii mai tai is served in a highball glass at Tiki Bars and restaurants. However, we’ve also seen it in all kinds of glasses.
Make a Great Mai Tai at Home
If you’ve never made a Mai Tai at home, you probably think it’s a complicated recipe. But the truth is, this Polynesian co*cktail is really easy to master.
There are a couple of little secrets to keep in mind when shaking a Mai Tai at home that makes it taste straight from the island:
- Add some orange zest! Some Mai Tai recipes don’t call for it, but it makes all the difference in making your co*cktail taste fresh! It also adds a lot of citrus aroma that’s amazing!
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice. I know, it’s probably easier to purchase lime juice from the supermarket. But since we are using so little ingredients, you really want them to shine!
- Add a lot of ice. Then add some more ice. A good Mai Tai has a couple of different liqueurs mixed in so it can be quite a strong drink. The ice, however, makes it refreshing while also toning down the strong alcohol taste.
How to Make a Lilikoi Foam for Your Hawaiian Mai Tai
The lilikoi foam is what makes this drink show-stopping! It’s traditionally served this way at the Monkeypod Kitchen restaurant, a delicious must-visit Hawaiian restaurant that locals and tourists love!
And it’s exactly what you’ll get when you order the famous Merriman’s mai tai.
To make it, you are going to need some lilikoi puree or passion fruit puree (both are the same thing) you can get it at Asian markets.
You are also going to need some egg whites and simple syrup or honey. Beat until fluffy and foamy and top your Mai Tai with it.
Trust me when I say this passion fruit foam is the total star of the Mai Tai recipe I’m sharing!
Hawaiian Mai Tai Recipe
Mai Tai Ingredients:
- 1 Oz Light Rum
- 1 Oz Dark rum
- ½ Oz Orgeat syrup
- ½ Oz Orange Curaçao
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ Tsp orange zest
Lilikoi Foam Ingredients:
- 1 Oz honey or simple syrup
- 1 Oz passion-fruit purée
- 2 Tbsp egg whites
Directions:
Lilikoi Foam Recipe: Beat the egg whites until slightly foamy. Add the puree and the simple syrup and keep beating the passion fruit foam until fluffy. Set aside.
Prepare the Mai Tai: Add lime juice, orange zest, orgeat, orange curaçao, and light rum into a shaker. Shake with 1 cup cubed ice for 30 seconds and pour into a highball glass.
Pour into a glass and top with the lilikoi foam. Garnish with pineapple slices.
Monkeypod Mai Tai Recipe Wrap Up
Now you know how to make the famous Monkeypod and Merriman’s mai tai recipe. And you know what’s in a mai tai from Hawaii.
Love this best mai tai recipe? Read about my top 40 Tropical co*cktails you can make at home including this Boozy Pineapple Lemonade and Hawaiian Lava Flow!
Yield: 1 Serving
The Best Hawaiian Mai Tai Recipe
This Hawaiian Mai Tai is one of the most refreshing and delicious co*cktails you’ll ever make! With some citrus notes thanks to some lime juice and orange zest, a good splash of rum and topped with a lilikoi foam that’s showstopping, this is going to become your go-to drink of choice!
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Ingredients
- MAI TAI
- 1 Oz Light Rum
- 1 Oz Dark rum
- ½ Oz Orgeat syrup
- ½ Oz Orange Curaçao
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ Tsp orange zest
- LILIKOI FOAM
- 1 Oz honey or simple syrup
- 1 Oz passion-fruit purée
- 2 Tbsp egg whites
Instructions
- Prepare the foam: Beat the egg whites until slightly foamy. Add the puree and the simple syrup and keep beating until fluffy. Set aside.
- Prepare the mai tai: Add lime juice, orange zest, orgeat, orange curaçao and light rum into a shaker. Shake with 1 cup cubed ice for 30 seconds and pour into highball glass.
- Pour into a glass and top with the liliko’i foam. Garnish with pineapple slices.
