The month of August 2024 is filled with celebratory milestones for beloved bar Trader Vic’s. It marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the world-famous tiki cocktail lounge and restaurant and the 80th anniversary of the cocktail creation of its mighty Mai Tai.
The story goes that back in 1934 in Emeryville, California, Victor “The Trader” Bergeron transformed his little Hinky Dinks local bar into a tiki haven that became the embodiment of island culture, which now boasts most extensive selection of rum-based cocktails in the world.
According to Raquel Rodriguez, Vice President Operations at Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group, the creating of the Mai Tai was a happy accident.
“The Trader was hosting friends visiting from Tahiti in 1944 when he whipped up his most famous concoction. Sliding it over for his guests to try, Carrie Guild [a friend from Tahiti] took one sip and exclaimed “Mai Tai - Roa Ae” which in Tahitian means out of this world; the best.”
Let’s hear it from The Man himself. This is what Trader Vic said about the creation of the Mai Tai.
“In 1944, after success with several exotic rum drinks, I felt a new drink was needed. I was at the service bar in my Oakland restaurant. I took down a bottle of 17-year-old Jamaican J. Wray & Nephew rum, added fresh lime, some Orange Curaçao from Holland, a dash of Rock Candy Syrup, and a dollop of French Orgeat, for its subtle flavor. A generous amount of shaved ice and vigorous shaking by hand produced the marriage I was after. Half the lime shell went in for color, [and] I stuck in a branch of fresh mint.”
And just like that, the Mai Tai was born and imbibers worldwide can rejoice. Below is the recipe for the world-famous Trader Vic’s Mai Tai. Enjoy in good health.
Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Recipe
¼ lime squeeze
¾ oz Lime Juice
¼ oz Trader Vic’s Rock Candy Syrup
½ oz Trader Vic’s Orgeat Syrup
¾ oz Orange Curacao
2 oz Trader Vic’s Royal Amber Rum
Shake with crushed ice and pour into Mai Tai tumbler, garnish with spent lime shell and fresh mint sprig.
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