It's easy to equate the Mai
Tai with Waikiki and the
tropical cocktail is ubiquitous around the Islands and unfortunately it has
little respect precisely because most mai tais taste pretty crappy - all sweet and no substance. Therefore I
have been on a search every time I visit Hawaii
to find the absolute best. My quest has ended. Located inside the Aston Waikiki
Beach Hotel, the 1944 Mai Tai made
by the good folks at Tiki’s Grill & Bar will
be waiting for you – so go get one. Using Cruzan Estate Light Rum, Myers Dark Rum,
Orange CuraƧao, Orgeat Syrup and fresh lime juice, this stellar concoction is
then topped with what they call a Naval Passion Fruit Foam. I love passion fruit but I'm not a fan of foamy stuff in my drinks or on my food, but, this foam, made with
Licor43 (a Spanish liqueur made of fruit juices and vanilla, among other
ingredients), passion fruit puree, pasteurized egg whites, and the juice of a lemon,
is killer. This iteration avoids the sticky sweet cheap versions you find
everywhere (believe me, I found them) and it ain’t a fruity one sip wonder: you
get the mellow rum, a hit of tangy citrus from the juices and the delicate addition of passion fruit seals
the deal, adding a flavor dimension, and makes this mai tai immensely drinkable. It's an excellent libation which celebrates the tropical nature of Hawaii, but with mature non-touristy
flavors. I love this version and I drank it every chance I got. So make your
vacation better by visiting Tiki’s in Waikiki and savor this excellent Mai Tai. Tiki's Grill and Bar
$9/ 8-9 oz – Alc: Who’s counting, but after two of them
you’ll be seeing sunsets.
BOOZEHOUNDZ RATING
5 Bonz – Man’s Best
Friend
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