Mango Mai Tai

This Mango Mai Tai is a tropical mango twist on the classic cocktail with two kinds of rum and homemade mango syrup! It's the perfect summer cocktail! You can serve it at pool parties, BBQs, or just any time you want to feel like you're on at a beach vacation! The recipe also includes a mocktail version so that the whole family can enjoy it!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredients
• Mocktail Version
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Serving Suggestions
• Storing
• FAQs
• Other Refreshing Mango Recipes
• 📖 Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Sweet and tropical - This mango mai tai is less strong and sweeter than other mai tai recipes because of the addition of mango syrup and pineapple juice. It has a delicious tropical flavor that will transport you to a beach vacation with every sip!

Homemade syrup - This cocktail uses homemade Mango Simple Syrup that's easy to make and it takes this cocktail from good to amazing! You can make the Orgeat syrup at home as well but I always use store-bought because it's harder to make than classic simple syrups.

Beautiful and easy to make - This cocktail is as delicious as it is beautiful! It looks like it's from a fancy bar but it's not hard to make at all! Whether you're making this drink for a fancy pool party or a family BBQ, I can guarantee you that everyone will love it!

Easy to make non-alcoholic - This mai tai is really easy to make into a mocktail! Just use a non-alcoholic spirit or add mango juice or some more pineapple juice and top up the drink with soda. You can also add grenadine at the end to create an upside-down layered effect similar to a tequila sunrise!

Ingredients

• White rum - The main part of the cocktail (that's shaken with a cocktail shaker) is made with white rum. This is so that the flavor of the drink stays light and tropical and the color is light so that the dark rum float on top has more contrast.
• Dark rum - You can always make this mai tai with just one kind of rum but to get that pretty dark rum float on top, you'll need some dark rum as well. Make sure it's not spiced syrup as the flavor wouldn't go with this cocktail.
• Orange liqueur - Curacao is often used in a mai tai but you can use any orange liqueur you have on hand. I don't have Curacao so I usually just use Triple Sec or Cointreau instead.
• Mango simple syrup - You can make your own homemade Mango Simple Syrup or you can use store-bought syrup from brands like Monin or Torani.
• Orgeat syrup -
• Lime juice - Freshly squeezed lime juice will always give you the best flavor!
• Pineapple juice - 100% pure pineapple juice with no added sugar is the best option here. Store-bought is totally fine since not everyone has their own juicer at home.
• Garnish - You can garnish this cocktail with fresh slices of mango, slices of lime, cocktail cherries, or pineapple leaves. You could also add edible flowers if you have them to make it extra fancy!

Mocktail Version

This cocktail is really easy to turn into a mocktail! The simplest method is using non-alcoholic spirits that mimic the flavor of white rum, dark rum, and orange liqueur. Alternatively, you can add mango juice and/or more pineapple juice instead and top up the drink with flavored soda (best is without any added sugar so the mocktail isn't too sweet like LaCroix). You can also add grenadine at the end and let it sink to the bottom to create a layered effect similar to the original cocktail.

Step-by-Step Instructions

If you're making your own homemade syrup, I recommend doing this ahead of time so that when it's time to make the actual cocktail, you can whip it up in just a few minutes! The syrup is really easy to make and it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you don't have time to make the syrup, no problem! You can use quality store-bought syrup like Monin, Torani, or others.

Mango Simple Syrup

1. Add cane sugar, water, and diced mango into a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Take the syrup off the heat and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.

5. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer and squeeze out as much juice out of the mango as possible.
6. Transfer to an airtight jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Mango Mai Tai

1. Add white rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, orgeat syrup, mango simple syrup, and pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker.

2. Add a handful of ice and shake vigorously for a few seconds until very cool and frothy.

3. Fill a double old-fashioned glass with ice and strain the cocktail over the ice.

4. Slowly pour the dark rum over the cocktail, it should float on top.
5. Garnish with fresh mango, lime, cocktail cherry, or pineapple leaves. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Summer parties - This cocktail is perfect for any summer party whether it's a fancy pool party or a small BBQ with your family or friends. Serve it on its own or with various appetizers. You can of course also enjoy it in the winter whenever you want to feel like you're on a summer vacation!
• Appetizers - You can keep the mango theme going even with the appetizers you serve with this drink! Try it with this Mango Pico de Gallo or this Black Bean Mango Salsa!
• Mains - This drink is also delicious with anything from the grill or light summer bowls and salads. Try it with this Mango Quinoa Salad with Chipotle Dressing!

Storing

The cocktail is best enjoyed right away but the mango syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. I actually recommend making it ahead of time, not when you're putting together the cocktails because it saves you a ton of time!

You can also freeze any leftover syrup either in an ice cube tray or a good quality freezer bag you know won't leak.

FAQs

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📖 Recipe