Post #532322 by Chip and Andy on Wed, May 26, 2010 7:06 AM

On 2010-05-26 05:59, Mama Z wrote:
...Yes, there's blue but I think I'd rather use orange juice than make a blue drink that's not supposed to be blue.

I'm still not seeing from this thread whether anyone thinks I can get away with using triple sec or cointreau as a replacement.

Blue can be used if you have nothing else available. Just switch to opaque glasses or mugs. Your Mai Tai will taste fine, but the color will be very unfortunate.

I use Cointrau in my Mai Tais and am very pleased. It is a more expense spirit, but I like the dryness of it and it compliments my homemade orgeat very well (mine's also on the sweeter side).

Triple Sec works well too, just make sure you get a 'good one.' In my opinion, the Bols tastes like Orange Gasoline, and the DeKyuper might as well be Orange Cough Syrup. Your mileage may vary because I am spoiled with the Cointreau.

Your best bet is to make one with what you have and see if it tastes good. Then adjust the recipe to balance your Triple Sec/Cointrau/Creole/Citron with your homebrew Orgeat.