Escape the Winter Blues with Our January Cocktail of the Month: The Mai Tai
Looking for the best cocktail to try this January? Our Cocktail of the Month, the Mai Tai, is a must-try tropical escape at The Glenview Hotel & Leisure Club. Crafted by our expert mixologist Emily, this refreshing drink features a delicious blend of premium rum, fresh lime juice, and almond orgeat syrup, creating the perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavours.
We recently sat down with Emily to discuss what makes her Mai Tai recipe special, read on and book your visit to The Conservatory Bar to try it for yourself!
Interviewer: Emily, congratulations on having the Mai Tai as our January Cocktail of the Month! What do you think makes this classic cocktail such a hit with our guests?
Emily: Thank you! The Mai Tai is timeless because it strikes a perfect balance between bright, citrusy flavors and the rich, smooth depth of the rum. It’s tropical and refreshing, which is a nice escape during the colder months.
Interviewer: That’s a great point! What’s your twist on the Mai Tai that makes it so special here at our bar?
Emily: I love staying true to its roots while giving it a unique touch. I use a carefully selected blend of rums to bring complexity, and I incorporate fresh, hand-pressed lime juice and a custom-made almond orgeat syrup for a richer flavor. I also garnish it with a sprig of mint and fresh lime for that extra wow factor.
Interviewer: That sounds amazing! What kind of feedback have you been getting from customers about the Mai Tai?
Emily: People have been loving it! Some guests tell me it reminds them of their tropical vacations, while others are trying it for the first time and are surprised by how layered and flavorful it is. It’s been wonderful to see so many happy faces.
Interviewer: Do you think the Mai Tai is the perfect cocktail for January? If so, why?
Emily: Absolutely! January can feel a bit gloomy after the holidays, and the Mai Tai offers a mini getaway in a glass. It’s uplifting, energizing, and a great way to kick off the year with good vibes.
Interviewer: You’re known for your attention to detail, especially when it comes to glassware. Can you tell us about the glass you pair with the Mai Tai?
Emily: Absolutely! Presentation is part of the experience. For the Mai Tai, I use a short, wide-bottomed rocks glass with a slight curve—it feels solid in your hand and keeps the drink looking elegant. It also allows the garnish—a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge or even a small tropical flower—to really pop visually.
Interviewer: Any food pairings you’d recommend with the Mai Tai?
Emily: The Mai Tai pairs beautifully with light, tropical-inspired dishes. One of my top recommendations would be crispy battered prawns—their golden crunch and delicate seafood flavour complement the drink’s citrusy and nutty notes perfectly.
Interviewer: Thanks, Emily! It’s clear why the Mai Tai is such a success this month.
Emily: Thank you! I hope everyone comes in to enjoy it. Cheers!
Ingredients:
- Rums: Light rum and dark rum (like Jamaican)
- Orange liqueur: Typically Curaçao or Cointreau
- Orgeat syrup: Almond-flavored syrup
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed
- Ice
How to Make:
- Combine: In a shaker, mix light rum, dark rum, orange liqueur, orgeat, and lime juice.
- Shake: Add ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain: Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish: Add a lime wedge and/or mint sprig.
Enjoy!
