Post #252807 by thinkingbartender on Thu, Sep 7, 2006 5:45 AM

After looking for information on the Mai Tai, of which there is little, it
became clear that "Mai Tai" simply means "Good" in Tahitian.

Anyone looking into old stories can find plenty of references to the word Mai
Tai. Mai Tai is a very common phrase in Tahitian:

"Maitai oe -- Are you well?"
"Maitai roa -- Very Well!"

So is it true to say that:

"Mai tai -- roa aee!" equals "Out of this world, the best!"?

I don't think it is.

Also after reveiwing some Trader Vic cocktail recipes, it became clear that
Trader Vic already had a Mai Tai recipe, from 1937, which is before he
"switched" to Tiki-dom.

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Cocktail.

2 ounces Barbados Rum,
3/4 ounce Fresh Lime juice,
2 dashes Cointreau
2 teaspoons Falernum

Shake with Ice, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

That is not a million miles away from Trader Vic's original Mai Tai.

• 2 oz 17-year-old J. Wray Nephew Jamaican rum
• 1/2 oz French Garnier Orgeat
• 1/2 oz Holland DeKuyper Orange Curacao
• 1/4 oz Rock Candy Syrup
• juice from one fresh lime

Shake with Ice, and then strain into Rocks Glass, which is filled with Crushed
Ice. Garnish with the half lime, and a Mint Sprig.

It seems that "Mai Tai" is all marketing, and hear-say.

Does anyone else have something to add to this?

Cheers!

George S.

g.sinclair[at]yahoo.co.uk

http://www.wiki.webtender.com/wiki/