This Trader Joe’s Mai Tai Recipe is a refreshing and fruity recipe, which is made with spiced rum and pineapple juice. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 5 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Mai Tai Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 3 fluid ounces pineapple juice
- 2 fluid ounces orange juice
- 1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger spiced rum
- ½ (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger coconut-flavored rum
- 1 teaspoon grenadine syrup
How To Make Trader Joe’s Mai Tai Recipe
- Gather Ingredients: Start by getting all your ingredients and a cocktail shaker ready.
- Fill the Shaker with Ice: Fill the cocktail shaker completely with ice cubes.
- Combine and Shake: Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, spiced rum, coconut rum, and grenadine to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish if desired and enjoy immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the classic layered look: For a beautiful presentation, pour the rums, pineapple juice, and orange juice mixture into the glass first. Then, slowly drizzle the grenadine down the side of the glass; it will sink to the bottom, creating a layered effect.
- What’s the best garnish for a Mai Tai? A classic Mai Tai is often garnished with a slice of pineapple, a maraschino cherry, and a fresh mint sprig.
- Can I make a bigger batch? Absolutely. To make a pitcher, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Combine all liquids in a pitcher and stir. Wait to add ice until you’re ready to serve to avoid watering it down.
- For a frothier cocktail: Shaking the cocktail vigorously not only chills it but also aerates it, creating a slightly frothy and lighter texture. Don’t be shy with the shake!
What To Serve With This Mai Tai
This tropical cocktail pairs perfectly with light and savory appetizers that complement its fruity notes.
- Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce
- Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
- Fresh Spring Rolls
- Pineapple and Mango Salsa with Tortilla Chips
How To Store a Mai Tai
Refrigerate: This cocktail is best made fresh and served immediately. If you need to prep ahead, you can mix the juices and grenadine and store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the rum and ice just before serving. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as it will dilute the flavors and change the texture of the cocktail.
Mai Tai Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 280kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 28g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, to make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the spiced and coconut rums. You can add a splash of almond syrup (orgeat) to get a flavor closer to a traditional Mai Tai.
While a shaker is ideal for chilling and mixing, you can use a large jar with a tight-fitting lid, like a mason jar, as a substitute. If you don’t have either, you can stir the ingredients vigorously with ice in a large glass and then strain.
You can substitute with a dark rum or an amber rum. The spiced rum adds a layer of warmth and complexity, but a good quality dark rum will also be delicious.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Egg Wraps Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Dutch Griddle Cakes Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
Trader Joe’s Mai Tai Recipe
Course: DrinksCuisine: TropicalDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes280
kcalA refreshing and fruity tropical cocktail with bright notes of pineapple, orange, and warm spiced rum, perfect for a quick and easy happy hour at home.
Ingredients
1 cup ice cubes
3 fluid ounces pineapple juice
2 fluid ounces orange juice
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger spiced rum
½ (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger coconut-flavored rum
1 teaspoon grenadine syrup
Directions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add pineapple juice, orange juice, spiced rum, and coconut rum.
- Add the teaspoon of grenadine.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry, if desired.
Notes
- Use Fresh Juice: For the best flavor, use high-quality, not-from-concentrate pineapple and orange juices if possible.
- Don’t Skip the Shake: Shaking with ice is crucial as it not only chills but also properly dilutes the cocktail, balancing the flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Like most citrus-based cocktails, this drink is best enjoyed right after it’s made.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a little more grenadine. For a less sweet version, reduce the grenadine or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten it up.
