MAI TAI
Ingredients:
60ml of quality aged rum, an amber elixir
15ml of Orange Curacao, the citrus whisper
15ml of Orgeat syrup, the almond's sweet nectar
30ml of fresh lime juice, nature's lively tang
Lime shell and mint for garnish, a garden flourish
Procedure:
Choose a highball glass of distinction and prepare to conjure up an exotic spell.
Fill the chosen vessel with crushed ice, as clear and crisp as a mountain stream.
Pour in the aged rum, a treasure trove of tantalising complexity.
Follow with the Orange Curacao, a subtle echo of sun-ripened citrus groves.
Add the Orgeat syrup, a syrupy sonnet of sweet almonds.
Finally, the fresh lime juice, an essential tinge of tropical tartness.
Shake the ingredients with the fervour of an island dance, blending them into a captivating cocktail symphony.
Pour the enchanting mixture back into the glass, garnishing with the hollowed-out lime shell and a sprig of fresh mint, to create a luscious little island within your tropical elixir.
The History
With our Mai Tai mixed to perfection, let's journey to its birthplace - the sunny shores of California, circa 1944. It was in Oakland that Victor J. Bergeron, better known as Trader Vic, created this masterpiece. According to the lore, he crafted this exotic concoction for some friends visiting from Tahiti. Upon the first sip, one of them exclaimed, "Mai Tai-Roa Aé!" - which in Tahitian means "Out of this world - the best!" Thus, the Mai Tai got its name.
The Fascinating Facts
Now, some curious tidbits about this charismatic cocktail:
The original recipe by Trader Vic did not include any tropical fruit juices, contrary to many interpretations served today. The Mai Tai was never meant to be a fruit punch, but rather a way to showcase the fine flavours of a good, aged rum.
The Mai Tai gained worldwide fame when it became the signature cocktail of the Matson Line cruise ships in the 1950s, which brought the Hollywood elite to Hawaii and made the Mai Tai synonymous with the allure of the tropical paradise.
The Mai Tai's popularity led to a shortage of the original 17-year old J. Wray & Nephew Rum from Jamaica that Trader Vic used in the original Mai Tai recipe.
In the heart of Melbourne, at 1806, we honour the classic Mai Tai. With each cocktail crafted, we offer a ticket to a tropical escape, where the quality of the rum shines, accented by the almond, citrus, and mint.
Each sip of a Mai Tai at 1806 is not merely a moment of refreshment; it is an island holiday, a nod to the craft of cocktail making, and a salute to the creative genius of Trader Vic.
The Charms of the Mai Tai
One might ponder, what keeps the Mai Tai so enchanting, so enduring? Well, it's the cocktail's unique ability to transport you, with each sip, to a sun-drenched beach on a tropical island. Its beauty lies in its simplicity – the way it balances the richness of aged rum with the sweet, nutty whisper of Orgeat and the zing of fresh lime juice. It's a tropical symphony, if you will, with each ingredient playing a vital role, resulting in a harmonious cocktail masterpiece.
Trader Vic and His Creation
Trader Vic was not just a creator of the Mai Tai, but a pioneer of Polynesian-style restaurants, known for their exotic cuisines and even more exotic cocktails. His contribution to cocktail culture extends beyond the Mai Tai, yet it is the Mai Tai that is his most famous creation, a testament to his skill and imagination.
The Mai Tai Goes Global
The Mai Tai's journey did not stop in California. Its tropical allure spread across the globe, becoming a symbol of Hawaiian hospitality, a staple of Caribbean beach bars, and a beloved offering at tiki bars worldwide. And at 1806 in Melbourne, we embrace the Mai Tai with equal adoration, delivering a taste of the tropics amidst our historical surrounds.
Crafting a Mai Tai at 1806
At 1806, crafting a Mai Tai is akin to composing a sonnet, each element carefully considered, each step carried out with precision. The rum, carefully selected for its depth and character, lays the foundation. The fresh lime juice, hand-squeezed, delivers a burst of freshness, while the Orange Curacao adds a sweet, citrus note. The Orgeat syrup lends a subtle hint of sweet almond, a whisper of the exotic. Shaken to perfection and garnished with a spent lime shell and sprig of mint, our Mai Tai is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
And so, under the dim, warm lights of 1806, against the soulful strains of period music, our skilled bartenders masterfully craft Mai Tais. Each cocktail is a salute to Trader Vic, a toast to his creativity, and a tribute to the enduring appeal of the Mai Tai. Come, take a sip, let the Mai Tai transport you to a tropical paradise, far removed from the Melbourne chill.