Mai Tai

About the Mai Tai

A Mai Tai is a tropical rum classic built on two rums, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup, and this version pairs Timber Creek Florida Rum with a dark rum float for extra depth. The result is a layered, almond-and-citrus-driven cocktail with real complexity in every sip. Orgeat syrup, made from almonds, gives the Mai Tai its signature nutty sweetness, while orange curaçao adds a bittersweet citrus note and lime juice keeps the whole thing from tipping too far into dessert territory. Timber Creek Florida Rum forms the base of the drink, and its grain-to-glass character, the product of the distillery’s PureBlend process of separate distillation and component blending, comes through clearly in the first sip before the darker, richer float takes over on the finish.

That contrast between the two rums, one bright and clean, one deeper and more molasses-forward, is really what makes a Mai Tai a Mai Tai. To build it, shake the Timber Creek rum with the curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat over ice until well chilled. Pour, ice and all, into a rocks or double old fashioned glass filled with crushed ice, then float the dark rum on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon so it sits as a distinct layer rather than mixing straight through. Garnish generously with fresh mint.

This is a warm-weather, entertaining cocktail best served alongside Kalua pork or grilled pineapple, both of which lean into the same rich, slightly smoky-sweet territory as the drink itself. It’s a natural choice for a luau-themed gathering or any evening that calls for something a little more involved than a simple rum and soda. Because this cocktail shares its name and recipe style with another entry in Timber Creek’s catalog, it should be reviewed for whether both versions are meant to remain listed separately or whether one should be retired or clearly differentiated on the menu before publishing. A properly chilled crushed-ice base makes a real difference in how the layered rums separate visually as well as how quickly the drink dilutes.

Layered rum drinks like this one carry more total alcohol than they often appear to, so pace accordingly. Please drink responsibly, and only if you are of legal drinking age.

A Mai Tai is a tropical rum classic built on two rums, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup, and this version pairs Timber Creek Florida Rum with a dark rum float for extra depth. The result is a layered, almond-and-citrus-driven cocktail with real complexity in every sip. Orgeat syrup, made from almonds, gives the Mai Tai its signature nutty sweetness, while orange curaçao adds a bittersweet citrus note and lime juice keeps the whole thing from tipping too far into dessert territory. Timber Creek Florida Rum forms the base of the drink, and its grain-to-glass character, the product of the distillery’s PureBlend process of separate distillation and component blending, comes through clearly in the first sip before the darker, richer float takes over on the finish.

That contrast between the two rums, one bright and clean, one deeper and more molasses-forward, is really what makes a Mai Tai a Mai Tai. To build it, shake the Timber Creek rum with the curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat over ice until well chilled. Pour, ice and all, into a rocks or double old fashioned glass filled with crushed ice, then float the dark rum on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon so it sits as a distinct layer rather than mixing straight through. Garnish generously with fresh mint.

This is a warm-weather, entertaining cocktail best served alongside Kalua pork or grilled pineapple, both of which lean into the same rich, slightly smoky-sweet territory as the drink itself. It’s a natural choice for a luau-themed gathering or any evening that calls for something a little more involved than a simple rum and soda. Because this cocktail shares its name and recipe style with another entry in Timber Creek’s catalog, it should be reviewed for whether both versions are meant to remain listed separately or whether one should be retired or clearly differentiated on the menu before publishing. A properly chilled crushed-ice base makes a real difference in how the layered rums separate visually as well as how quickly the drink dilutes.

Layered rum drinks like this one carry more total alcohol than they often appear to, so pace accordingly. Please drink responsibly, and only if you are of legal drinking age.