By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on June 14, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Do you want to learn how to make the perfect Mai Tai? You may be surprised how easy it can be!
Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai recipe is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by many over the years.
This classic tiki drink originated in 1982 when restaurant owner Bob Chinn mixed some of his favorite spirits together and dubbed it the “Mai Tai”.
Since then, there have been countless variations on the classic recipe, but here we will share with you Bob Chinn’s famous Mai Tai recipe along with some helpful tips for making sure your Mai Tai comes out perfectly every time.
What is bob chinn’s mai tai?
Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai is a twist on the classic Polynesian rum cocktail. It was invented by Bob Chinn, the owner of “Bob Chinn’s Crab House” Restaurant.
The Mai Tai is made with dark, golden, and light rums, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup. This timeless favorite has become popular around the world and is often referred to as “the island drink.”
What does it taste like?
Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai has a sweet and tangy flavor with hints of tropical fruit. The rums add complexity to the citrus notes, while the orgeat syrup adds a gentle sweetness that rounds out the drink nicely.
The orange curaçao gives it an orange hue and adds a hint of bitterness to the overall flavor profile.
How did I first get introduced to bob chinn’s mai tai?
I first got introduced to Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai on a trip to Chicago, Illinois when I was a college student. I was in the area for a summer program and my professor recommended that I spend an evening at the iconic restaurant where Bob Chinn made known his delicious version of the classic Mai Tai.
When I arrived, I found a warm atmosphere complete with island-style music and décor. After my first sip, I knew why this iconic cocktail had become so famous – it was one of the most flavorful drinks I had ever tasted!
The balance between sweet and tart set against a dark rum base left me wanting more. Since then, Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai has become one of my go-to drinks whenever I’m looking to relax, or just want something really good to drink!
How to make bob chinn’s mai tai?
Making Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai is surprisingly simple and requires just a few ingredients. Here’s how you can make your own:
You May Also Like These Drink Recipes:
- Recipe of Chili’s Tito’s Punch
- Haitian Hot Chocolate Copycat Recipe
- Apple Cyser Mead Copycat Recipe
- Azalea cocktail lemonade
Ingredients
For Drink
- Myers Dark Rum: this is a dark, flavor-packed rum
- Bacardi Light Rum: this light rum adds sweetness and body to the drink
- Amaretto Liqueur: this almond liqueur adds complexity to the Mai Tai
- Mai Tai Mix: this mix of juices makes up the majority of the drink
- Orange Juice: brings out the citrus notes in the other ingredients
- Pineapple Juice: adds sweetness and tropical notes to the drink
- Rose’s Grenadine: adds a bit of tartness and brings out the colors in the drink
- Ice: keeps your Mai Tai cool
For Garnish
- Dole Pineapple Slice: adds a juicy sweet element to the garnish
- Orange Slice: brings out the citrus flavor of the other ingredients
- Maraschino cherry: a sweet and tart cherry that adds an extra touch of flavor
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, or crushed ice if preferred.
Step 2
Add the Myers Dark Rum, Bacardi Light Rum, Amaretto Liqueur, Mai Tai Mix, Orange Juice and Pineapple Juice to the shaker.
Step 3
Shake well for 1 minute until all ingredients are combined and chilled.
Step 4
Strain the liquid into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice cubes or crushed ice if desired.
Step 5
Drizzle a teaspoon of grenadine over top of the drink and stir gently with a straw so that it sinks to the bottom of the glass forming a red layer against the orange layer of juice above it.
Step 6
Garnish with a pineapple slice, an orange slice, and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.
Tips
-If desired, you can add a splash of club soda or sparkling water for extra effervescence.
-You can also substitute other fruit juices such as mango or guava for pineapple juice in this recipe.
Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai Recipe
Equipment
- strainer
- Measuring Teaspoon
- Serving Glass
- Cocktail Shaker
- jigger
Ingredients
For Drink:
- 4 oz Dark Rum – Deep and full-bodied Dark Rum adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness and a subtle oakiness, providing a robust and complex base for the cocktail, creating a luxurious depth of flavor.
- 1 oz Amaretto Liqueur – Sweet and almond-flavored Amaretto liqueur imparts a nutty sweetness, adding depth and complexity to the cocktail with its velvety texture and warm, comforting notes.
- 1 oz Light Rum – Light and crisp Light Rum brings a clean and smooth character to the mix, allowing the other flavors to shine while contributing a refreshing quality to the cocktail.
- 2 oz Orange Juice – Fresh and citrusy orange juice provides a bright and zesty sweetness, adding a refreshing burst of flavor to the cocktail while complementing the other fruity elements with its natural tang.
- 2 oz Mai Tai Mix – A balanced blend of citrusy and fruity flavors the Mai Tai mix combines the freshness of lime with the sweetness of orange, enhancing the cocktail with a tropical zest and a vibrant, tangy kick.
- 2 tsp Grenadine – Sweet and vibrant Grenadine adds a touch of floral sweetness and a brilliant red hue to the cocktail, enhancing both the visual appeal and the overall flavor profile with its fruity undertones.
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice – Sweet and tropical pineapple juice infuses the cocktail with a luscious, exotic sweetness, creating a velvety and smooth texture while contributing a delightful hint of the tropics.
- Ice – Essential for chilling the cocktail ice cubes keep the drink pleasantly cold, ensuring a refreshing sip with each pour.
For Garnish:
- 2 Pineapple Slices – Fresh and juicy Pineapple slices serve as a visually appealing garnish, adding a tropical touch to the presentation while offering a sweet and tangy treat after enjoying the cocktail.
- 2 Maraschino Cherries – Sweet and syrupy maraschino cherries add a pop of color and a delightful burst of sweetness to the garnish, completing the cocktail with a touch of indulgence and a hint of nostalgia.
- 2 Orange Slices – Bright and vibrant orange slices provide a burst of citrus aroma, enhancing the drink’s visual appeal and offering a fresh, zesty bite when nibbled upon.
Instructions
- Using a cocktail shaker, fill it with ice cubes. If you have the option of crushed ice – go for it!
- Mix together the Myers Dark Rum, Bacardi Light Rum, Amaretto Liqueur, Mai Tai Mix, Orange Juice and Pineapple Juice in your shaker and shake vigorously for 1 minute until all ingredients are completely integrated and chilled.
- Carefully strain the mixture into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice cubes or crushed ice to give it an extra chill.
- Drizzle a teaspoon of grenadine over top of the drink and stir gently with a straw so that it cascades down to the bottom of the glass, creating an aesthetically pleasing red layer against the orange layer of juice above it.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice, an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for added color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information
What to serve with bob chinn’s mai tai?
Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai is a sweet, fruity drink that can be served as either a refreshing before-dinner cocktail or an after-meal dessert. To serve with Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai, consider a variety of light appetizers such as stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktails, or even an antipasto platter.
Other tasty accompaniments include zesty cheeses like Gorgonzola or a crumbly blue cheese that will contrast nicely with the tropical flavor of the Mai Tai. Serve these options with some crusty baguettes and it makes for an enjoyable restaurant experience.
How to store leftover bob chinn’s mai tai recipe?
If you have any leftover Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai mix, it can be easily stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. All you need to do is pour the remaining liquid into an airtight container or jar and secure it with a tight lid.
To avoid contamination, make sure that all utensils and containers used are clean and dry before use.
Can pregnant women eat this?
When drinking an alcoholic beverage like the Mai Tai, pregnant women should limit their consumption to just one standard drink and ensure that all of the mixed ingredients used to make it are pasteurized.
FAQs
What type of rum is best for making a Mai Tai?
Dark rum, such as Myers’s or Bacardi Light Rum, is the most popular type of rum used when making a Mai Tai. However, any type of light or dark rum can be used depending on your preference.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes! You can also prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just pour over fresh ice and garnish with a pineapple slice, an orange slice, and a maraschino cherry.
What other drinks can I make with Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai mix?
One of the simplest variations is to add some pineapple juice or mango juice to the basic recipe for a tropical twist. You can also use the mix to make a variety of blended drinks such as daiquiris, margaritas, pina coladas, or even smoothies. The possibilities are endless!
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to learn how to make Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai! This classic cocktail has become a favorite among drink enthusiasts, and with its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family when you serve it.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and show them how easy it is to make a great-tasting Mai Tai.
You May Also Like These Drink Recipes:
- Recipe of Chicken Scarpariello Barefoot Contessa
- Jaclyn Hill Ranch Copycat Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Scalloped Corn Copycat Recipe
Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
