Your Maui Mai Tai Guide

The History

The world owes a “Thank You” to Victor J. Bergeron, known at Trader Vic. “Mai Tai-Roa Aé,” translates to “out of this world/the best” in Tahitian. Trader Vic shortened his famous Caribbean cocktail’s name to “Mai Tai”. And it has evolved over time both in location and ingredients. 

The Recipe

The current day recipe in the Trader Vic’s Bartending Guide Book contains:

  • 1 lime

  • 1/2 ounce orange curaçao

  • 1/4 ounce rock candy syrup

  • 1/4 ounce orgeat syrup

  • 2 ounces Trader Vic Mai Tai rum

Seven Maui Mai Tai Reviews

But who wants to make their own, when you can have one crafted for you in paradise?! The following list is carefully curated by my fiance, Matt, with ratings and descriptions! If you are not a Mai Tai fan, I included my drink choice at each restaurant as well.

Hali'imaile General Store

» 8.4

» Awesome flavor profile: hints of coconut, great alcohol to juice ratio

» Added elements: bubbly & a cherry on top

Alternative: Lemongrass Ginger Frost

Merriman's Kapalua

» 8.1 

» Great flavor profile: hints of orange and nut, great alcohol to juice ratio 

» Added elements: whipped topping

Alternative: No Kai ‘Oi

Monkeypod by Merriman

» 8

» Great flavor profile: hints of orange and nut, good alcohol to juice ratio

» Added elements: whipped topping

Alternative: No Kai ‘Oi

Mama's Fish House

» 7.9

» Good flavor profile: variety of fruit notes, good alcohol to fruit ratio, a little sugary 

» Added elements: umbrella & flower decor

Alternative: Pau Hana

Kimo's Maui

» 7.7 

» Solid flavor profile: very juicy compared to alcohol, a little sugary

Duke's Beach House

» 7.5

» Solid flavor profile: more rum forward than proportionate with the fruity juices

Alternative: Luscious Lilikoi

Hula Grill Kaanapali

» 5.5 

» Uneven flavor profile: Overwhelming alcohol taste compared to juice, but dang the views are nice!

Alternative: Woo Woo