Make the perfect Mai Tai

Rum's fortunes are said to be turning, with the dark and spiced varieties growing in popularity. The Mai Tai, therefore, is a cocktail menu must, which isn't that difficult to crack.

Make a Mai Tai:

Glass: Collins or highball

Ingredients:

  • 30ml white rum (we use Captain Morgan white)
  • 15ml dark rum (we use Captain Morgan original)
  • 15ml Cointreau or other triple sec
  • 40ml orange juice
  • 40ml pineapple juice
  • 10ml fresh lime juice
  • Splash of grenadine

Garnish: Wedges of orange and/or pineapple

Method: The original Mai Tai recipe calls for curaçao and almond syrup but this is a simplified pub-friendly version. Switch it up by using spiced as the main rum and/or dark as the second one. Shake all the ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Half-fill the glass with ice and strain the drink into the glass – and garnish.

Degree of difficulty: Intermediate

OR YOU COULD TRY:

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Floridita

Glass: Martini

Ingredients:

  • 45ml white rum
  • 15ml sweet vermouth
  • Dash of white crème de cacao
  • Dash of grenadine
  • Juice of half a lime

Garnish: lime slice

Method: Shake all the ingredients vigorously and strain into the glass.

Degree of difficulty: Intermediate

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Redleg Ginger Mojito

Glass: Tumbler

Ingredients

  • 50ml Redleg spiced rum
  • 10ml sugar syrup
  • Three wedges of lime
  • Ginger beer
  • 6–8 mint leaves

Garnish: Sprig of mint

Method: The Mojito remains the on-trade’s favourite cocktail and this twist from Hi-Spirits is a spicy take. Muddle the lime in the glass. Add the rum, sugar syrup and mint and fill with crushed ice. Stir with a bar spoon and top with ginger beer to taste.

Degree of difficulty: Intermediate