Mai tai...

Not the fake one with the pineapple juice and maraschino cherries.. but the real deal-it traces back to Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron Jr. in the 1930s. Orgeat is an almond-sugar syrup traditionally made from whole blanched almonds. The nut oil gives the syrup (and cocktails made with it) a richness that can’t be duplicated with a cheap syrup made with almond flavoring and sugar. Find it in a well-appointed liquor store or gourmet food store.



TIME/SERVINGS
Total Time: 5 mins
Active Time: 5 mins
Makes: 1 drink

INGREDIENTS
2 ounces aged rum
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, juiced lime half reserved
1/2 ounce orange curaçao
1/4 ounce Rich Simple Syrup, also known as rock candy syrup
1/4 ounce orgeat
1 cup crushed ice
1 mint sprig, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all ingredients except the mint sprig in a cocktail shaker, shake vigorously, and pour the entire contents into a double Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with the juiced lime half and a mint sprig.