Post #652517 by christiki295 on Tue, Sep 18, 2012 6:17 AM

Here is another take:
Mai Tai History
The way you should know the Mai Tai was invented by Trader Vic in 1944 and it was awesome. The way you would like the Mai Tai more was adapted in 1954 by the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Both of these were likely a combination of stolen/inspired drink called the QB Cooler invented by Don the Beachcomber in 1937. But the Mai Tai you know is likely mostly interpreted by bartenders following the R.A.L.T.P.M. recipe (I’ll explain later).

Which is right? Which is best? The answer is quite simple, the one you like the most is the most. To explain further would involve me quoting – verbatim – Jeff Berry’s recent book along with old interviews from Trader Vic and Don Beach that most people don’t care to hear. But If you DO CARE FOR SPECIFICS, I very strongly suggest that you purchase, for money, from your local book store, both, Sippin Safari, and, Beach Bum Berry Remixed. Remixed, is mostly a recipe book for any tiki enthusiast, but, Sippin Safari, is a truly fascinating account of the tiki craze that was arguably the most successful food and beverage trend of the last 100 years.