The Mai Tai Swizzle is a tropical, layered version of the classic Mai Tai, featuring rich dark rum, bright citrus, orgeat syrup, and a touch of bitters. Served over crushed ice and vigorously swizzled, it’s both visually striking and immensely refreshing—a perfect tiki cocktail.
🍸 Style: Tiki / Tropical
🌿 Flavor Profile: Nutty, citrusy, rich
🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
🥃 Glassware: Tall glass or tiki mug
🧊 Method: Swizzled over crushed ice
Swizzle stick (or bar spoon)
Jigger or measuring tool
Citrus juicer or reamer
Tall glass or tiki mug
Crushed ice
Fill a tall glass or tiki mug with crushed ice and set aside.
In the glass, add:
1 oz dark rum
1 oz aged rum
¾ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz orgeat syrup
½ oz orange curaçao
¼ oz simple syrup (optional, to taste)
Insert a swizzle stick or bar spoon and swirl rapidly to mix and chill the ingredients.
The glass should frost over slightly, indicating it’s well-chilled.
Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters over the top.
Pack the glass with more crushed ice, mounding it high.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, lightly slapping it to release its aroma.
Add a lime wheel and, for a true tiki vibe, a bright orchid flower.
Serve with a straw for easy sipping.
Spicy Swizzle: Add a dash of cinnamon syrup or falernum for extra warmth and spice.
Fruity Twist: Float a splash of pineapple juice for added tropical sweetness.
Rum Blend: Use a mix of Jamaican and Demerara rums for a richer, more complex profile.
Bold Bitters: Substitute Angostura with Tiki bitters for more intense spice notes.
Frozen Mai Tai Swizzle: Blend the ingredients with ice for a frosty, beach-ready version.
Appetizers: Coconut shrimp, jerk chicken skewers, or crab rangoons
Snacks: Spiced nuts, plantain chips, or pineapple salsa
Dessert: Banana fritters, pineapple upside-down cake, or dark chocolate
0 servings