Banana Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
Banana Mai Tai Nutrition Facts
Calories:220
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:20g
Alcohol content:18%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Banana Mai Tai is a tropical twist on the classic Mai Tai, a cocktail that originated in the 1940s. Trader Vic's founder, Victor Bergeron, is often credited with creating the Mai Tai in Oakland, California. This version adds a banana flavor to the mix, appealing to those who enjoy fruity and exotic cocktails.
- Origins: The Mai Tai was created as a showcase of good-quality rum.
- Evolution: Over time, various adaptations have emerged, including this banana-infused variant.
- Popularity: It's a hit at beachside bars and tropical-themed parties.
How Banana Mai Tai Tastes?
The Banana Mai Tai is a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a robust rum undertone. The banana liqueur adds a creamy, fruity note, while the lime juice provides a refreshing citrus kick. The orgeat syrup and orange curaçao round out the sweetness, making it a rich and complex cocktail.
Interesting facts about Banana Mai Tai
- The Mai Tai is often associated with tiki culture and Polynesian-themed restaurants.
- The name 'Mai Tai' comes from the Tahitian word 'Maita'i', which means 'good' or 'excellence'.
- Despite its tropical image, the original Mai Tai was not overly sweet or fruity; it was a balanced cocktail focused on the quality of the rum.
Ingredients
- Light rum: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Dark rum: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Banana liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Orgeat syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orange curaçao: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice cubes: as needed
- Mint sprig: 1
- Garnish: Banana Slice
Light Rum
Light rum adds a subtle sweetness and a smooth, crisp spirit base to the cocktail without overpowering the other ingredients. It's the backbone of the drink, but if you overdo it, you'll overshadow the delicate banana and citrus flavors. Underdo it, and you'll get a less boozy, flatter cocktail.
Alex Green
Dark Rum
Dark rum adds depth with its rich and slightly caramel-like flavor. It provides a nice contrast and complexity to the light rum. Skipping it would make the cocktail less robust, whereas too much might dominate the drink.
Emma Rose
Banana Liqueur
Banana liqueur brings in the tropical flair, adding sweetness and the obvious banana flavor which makes this Mai Tai unique. If omitted, you'd lose the signature banana essence. A good alternative could be a splash of crème de banane for a similar effect.
Mary Mitkina
Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice is essential for adding a zesty tang and balancing the sweet components. If you use bottled lime juice, the drink could end up tasting a bit flat, so fresh is best. Too little, and the drink might be too sweet; too much, and it could become too tart.
Alex Green
Orgeat Syrup
Orgeat syrup introduces a nutty and slightly floral element that is a hallmark of Mai Tais. If you don't use it, the drink would lose some complexity. Almond syrup can be a substitute but may lack the subtlety of traditional orgeat.
Emma Rose
Orange Curaçao
Orange curaçao brings a sweet, bitter orange peel touch that complements the tropical profile. If it's missing, the drink won't have that characteristic hint of orange that completes the flavor palate. Triple sec is a possible alternative, offering a similar citrusy sweet profile.
Mary Mitkina
Ice Cubes
Ice is crucial for chilling and diluting the cocktail to the perfect strength and temperature. Without enough ice, you could end up with a cocktail that's too warm and strong. More ice might over-dilute the drink, weakening the flavors.
Alex Green
Mint Sprig
Adds a fresh, aromatic garnish that gives a nice contrast to the sweetness of the drink. Plus, it looks pretty! If you skip the mint, it's not a deal-breaker, but you'll miss out on that refreshing scent each time you take a sip.
Emma Rose
Banana Slice
The banana slice garnish nods to the banana flavor in the drink and offers a tropical touch. Without it, the presentation would be less fun. It's all about those small details that enhance the overall experience.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Banana Mai Tai Drink
To craft the perfect Banana Mai Tai, follow these steps:
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour in the light rum, dark rum, banana liqueur, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange curaçao.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a banana slice on the rim of the glass.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of orgeat syrup.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Grilled Seafood: The sweet and citrus notes of the Banana Mai Tai complement the smokiness of grilled fish or shrimp.
- Poultry Dishes: Chicken or turkey with tropical fruit salsas pair well and maintain that island vibe.
- Hawaiian Pizza: The combination of ham and pineapple echoes the sweet and tangy flavors of the cocktail.
Drink Pairings
- Cold Brew Coffee: The coffee's bitterness can be a nice contrast to the Banana Mai Tai's sweetness for a refreshing experience.
- Sparkling Water with a Splash of Pineapple Juice: Keeps things light and enhances the tropical theme.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Banana Mai Tai
If you're looking to substitute ingredients, here are some options:
- Banana Liqueur: You can use crème de banane or a banana-flavored syrup.
- Orgeat Syrup: Almond syrup or amaretto can be used as alternatives.
- Orange Curaçao: Triple sec or another orange-flavored liqueur could work in a pinch.
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Coconut Banana Mai Tai
Replace the orgeat syrup with coconut syrup for a tropical twist. This version will transport you straight to the shores of an exotic beach with its creamy coconut note paired with the banana and rum.
Spiced Banana Mai Tai
Introduce a dash of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick in the shaker. The spice will give a warm contrast to the tropical flavors—ideal for sipping on a cooler evening.
Berry Banana Mai Tai
Add a splash of raspberry liqueur or muddle a few fresh berries before shaking. This addition will bring a tart and sweet dimension that plays well with the banana and citrus, creating a lovely balance.
In case you forgot basics how to make Banana Mai Tai
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Banana Mai Tai
What type of glass is best suited for serving a Banana Mai Tai?
A double old-fashioned glass or a tiki mug are common choices for serving a Banana Mai Tai, as they enhance the tropical experience.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Yes, you can make a mocktail version by omitting the rums and replacing them with additional fruit juices or non-alcoholic spirit alternatives.
What's the best way to juice limes for cocktails?
Using a hand-held citrus squeezer or a citrus press will help you get the most juice out of your limes.
How can I make my own orgeat syrup?
Homemade orgeat syrup can be made by simmering almond milk with sugar and adding a touch of orange flower water or almond extract.
What is the shelf life of a Banana Mai Tai if pre-mixed?
It's best to enjoy Banana Mai Tai immediately after mixing, as the fresh ingredients like lime juice don't store well for long periods.
What are some common garnishes for tropical cocktails like the Banana Mai Tai?
Common garnishes include tropical fruits, such as pineapple wedges, maraschino cherries, and edible flowers to enhance the tropical presentation.
Is there a specific technique to shaking cocktails?
The key is a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds to ensure that all the ingredients are well-chilled and mixed, giving the cocktail a smooth texture.
More similar recipes to Banana Mai Tai!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Banana Daiquiri
The Banana Daiquiri has a sweet, creamy, and fruity taste with a hint of tartness from the lime juice. It's a well-balanced cocktail that combines the tropical flavors of banana and rum with the refreshing citrus notes of lime.
Havana Banana
The Havana Banana is a sweet, creamy, and tropical cocktail. It has a strong banana flavor with a hint of coconut and a smooth rum finish. The taste is refreshing and light, making it a perfect summer drink.
Elvis Presley
The Elvis Presley cocktail is sweet, creamy, and rich. The peanut butter and banana flavors meld together perfectly, creating a smooth, dessert-like taste. The rum adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
Three Dots and a Dash
The Three Dots and a Dash cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a rich and complex taste, with notes of citrus, honey, and spices. The rum adds a warming, smooth finish to the drink.
Headhunter
The Headhunter cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a strong tropical taste, with hints of citrus and pineapple. The rum adds a warm, smooth finish to the drink.
Inca
The Inca cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring sweet, sour, and slightly bitter notes. The fruity flavors from the passion fruit and pineapple are complemented by the warmth of the pisco and the herbal touch of the bitters.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Jungle Bird
The Jungle Bird has a complex and well-balanced taste profile, featuring sweet, sour, and bitter notes. The sweetness of the pineapple juice is balanced by the tartness of the lime juice and the bitterness of the Campari. The dark rum adds depth and warmth to the drink.
Blue Hawaii
The Blue Hawaii cocktail has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. The combination of pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and Blue Curaçao creates a fruity and tropical flavor profile, while the vodka and light rum add a subtle kick.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Bramble
The Bramble cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The blackberry liqueur and simple syrup bring a sweet, fruity balance to the drink.
Bellini
The Bellini is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the peach puree. The bubbles from the Prosecco add a pleasant effervescence, making it a perfect drink for warm weather and celebrations.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon cocktail has a sweet and tangy taste with a hint of citrus. It is light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm summer days. The combination of blue curaçao and lemonade gives it a unique, tropical flavor.
Mary Pickford
The Mary Pickford cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. The pineapple juice and grenadine give it a tropical sweetness, while the maraschino liqueur adds a hint of cherry and almond. The rum provides a smooth and slightly warming finish.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Cuba Libre
The Cuba Libre has a sweet and refreshing taste, with the sweetness of the cola balanced by the warmth and spice of the rum. The addition of lime juice adds a touch of tartness and brightness to the drink.
Flaming Dr. Pepper
The Flaming Dr. Pepper has a unique, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is reminiscent of the Dr. Pepper soft drink, with a hint of caramel and a warming sensation from the flaming alcohol.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lime and sugar provides a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the cachaça adds a unique, earthy flavor. The drink is strong, yet smooth and easy to sip.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.