Cocktail Recipe: Teeling Mai Tai

Prepare yourself for a fun and refreshing cocktail – the Teeling Mai Tai! The drink originates in 1944, when Trader Vic. blended a new cocktail for his friends. Upon having the first sip, one of his friends said “Mai Tai-Roa Aé” which translates to “Out of this world – the best” in Tahitian. Hence, the drink was named the Mai Tai. 

The Teeling Mai Tai difficulty rating was 4/10. Although the making of the drink is relatively simple, achieving a garnish similar to our example is quite challenging.

Traditionally a rum-based cocktail, we decided to use Teeling Whiskey Small Batch in our Teeling Mai Tai. This whiskey is first aged in ex-bourbon barrels to impart an oaky, vanilla flavour, and then aged in ex-Central American rum casks. This brings a spiciness and sweetness to the whiskey. These notes blend well with the exotic and tropical flavours from the fresh pineapple juice, lemon juice and the rich and nutty flavour from the Orgeat.

By serving the Teeling Mai Tai in a traditional highball, you can really see the gradient colour change from a burnt-orange to yellow to white. We decided to garnish the cocktail with a wedge of pineapple and three pineapple leaves, which results in quite an impressive visual!

We also have more cocktail recipes featuring Teeling Whiskey. Want a classic? Try the Whiskey Sour or the Tipperary. Need refreshment? Give the Mint Julep a go. All of these cocktail recipes are featured on the Tipsy with Tyreek blog.

If you’re wanting to explore the Teeling Whiskey brand or purchase a bottle, click here for the website.

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Teeling Mai Tai

Prep Time 5 minutes

Creation Time 3 minutes

Total Time 8 minutes

Servings 1 drink

A tropical and refreshing cocktail featuring Teeling Whiskey Small Batch alongside Orgeat, pineaplpe juice, lemon juice and Angostura Bitters

Equipment

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Fine Strainer
• Paring Knife
• Small Cutting Board
• Glassware: Highball

Ingredients

Drink

• 2 oz Teeling Whiskey Small Batch
• 0.75 oz Orgeat
• 0.75 oz Pineapple Juice
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 6 – 10 dashes Angostura Bitters

Garnish

• 1 Pineapple Wedge
• 3 Pineapple Leaves

Instructions 

• Fill your highball glass with crushed ice to chill the glass.
• Add the Teeling Whiskey Small Batch, Orgeat, pineapple juice and fresh lemon juice into your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Shake for 10-15 seconds.
• Strain into your highball glass.
• Add 6 – 10 dahses of Angostura bitters on top of the ice.
• Garnish with your pineapple wedge and leaves.
• Enjoy your drink.

Course: Cocktail