Post #757979 by Warboys on Wed, Jan 27, 2016 2:03 PM

So I went and made my first Mai Tai. I used the Beachbum's recipe with RumDood's recommended mix of Appleton 12 (now Signature Blend iirc) and Clement VSOP.

Not sure if it looks the part (didn't have the mint sprig and my ice distribution is completely clueless) but it tasted delicious once I got past the tart first sip.

For my first ever drink I was really surprised how good it tasted, with my reference being memories of Tiki Bungalow... a bar in Beijing that introduced me to the whole Tiki drink thing. It was strong, it was super drinkable, and I don't know if I can ever have a cheap cocktail again :wink:

I decided to try experimenting a bit, since I have no palette for Rum yet, and switched out the Appleton for the Smith & Cross for a second drink. Unfortunately I screwed up the Curacao pour (measuring it over the glass + a very unsteady hand) so I guess I got an extra 10-15mls of Bols in there, but it was still pretty delicious.

It was only after I got halfway through and the room started spinning that I realized Smith & Cross is 57% ABV compared to the Appleton 12's 40%... so that would explain the punch in the face! I suppose I'll bring out the S&C when I want to knock someone's socks off!

About to hit the hay but I think the next Mai Tai ingredient change I'll try is replacing the Appleton/S&C with Myers. It's the cheapest rum I have and I want to find good cheap varieties in case I host a party and don't want guests to drain my 'premium stuff'.

Any idea for replacements for the VSOP? That bottle is my most expensive and I don't think I possess anything that could replace it right now.