Aloha, ohana! There’s nothing like watching the sunset on Oahu, a mai tai in hand, feeling the trade winds and the Aloha spirit wash over you. That’s the magic I’m bottling with Curtis J.’s Mai Tai Moments—a classic Hawaiian cocktail with a little twist from my travels. Growing up, I’d see tourists and locals alike sipping these at beach bars, and now I’m bringing that laid-back vibe to your home.
This mai tai’s got the traditional rum punch with orange and pineapple, but I’ve added a splash of coconut for extra island flair, inspired by drinks I’ve tasted in the Caribbean. It’s perfect for a luau, a sunset watch, or just chilling with ohana. Let’s mix up some tropical paradise and sip the Aloha!
Why This Mai Tai Rocks
- Quick & Fun: 10 minutes to a cocktail that screams Hawaii.
- Island Classic: A luau staple with Curtis J.’s personal spin.
- Tropical Bliss: Bright, fruity, and refreshingly chilled.
Mai Tai Moments – Sip the Aloha Vibe
This mai tai is a taste of Oahu’s sunset magic—rum, orange liqueur, and tropical juices mixed with a coconut twist for extra island soul. It’s my take on the classic, blending Hawaiian tradition with a hint of my worldly wanderings. Served over ice with a pineapple slice and cherry, it’s the perfect sip for relaxing or celebrating Aloha-style!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz light rum
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup (almond syrup, for that nutty depth)
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz coconut rum (my fusion touch)
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple slice
- Maraschino cherry
- Optional: Mint sprig or orange peel
Instructions
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Fill the Glass: Grab a rocks glass or tiki mug and fill it with ice cubes—crushed ice works great for that tropical chill.
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Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the dark rum, light rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, orgeat syrup, pineapple juice, and coconut rum. Add a handful of ice, then shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until chilled and well-mixed.
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Pour & Garnish: Strain the mixture into your glass over the ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice, maraschino cherry, and a mint sprig or orange peel if you’re feeling fancy.
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Sip with Aloha: Grab a straw or sip straight—let the flavors transport you to a Hawaiian sunset. Cheers to island vibes!
Notes
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Rum Swap: Can’t find coconut rum? Use regular light rum and a splash of coconut milk for a creamy twist.
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Non-Alcoholic Option: Swap rums for pineapple juice and coconut water—still tropical, still delicious.
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Storage: Best fresh, but mix ahead and chill (sans ice) for parties—just shake with ice before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18g
This mai tai is like an Oahu sunset in a glass—bright, refreshing, and full of Aloha. My trick? Don’t skimp on the orgeat—it’s the secret to that nutty sweetness. That coconut rum? A little love from my Caribbean travels, making it extra special. Serve it up at a luau, poolside, or just because—it’s the perfect way to toast the islands.
Got a cocktail twist or garnish idea? Share it with me on Instagram with #CurtisJCooks—I’d love to see your island sips! Mahalo for mixing with me, and keep the Aloha flowing!
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