Post #793601 by Prikli Pear on Wed, Mar 6, 2019 12:50 PM

On 2019-03-06 07:31, tikiskip wrote:
Did you know there was cinnamon in the drink jet pilot from the Mai Kai?
If you have had one you might say "really, I don't taste it, wait I guess maybe".
That is a successful drink and is one of not only my favorite drinks at the Mai Kai but a favorite of many people.

I think the question isn't "can you taste it," but rather "can you taste its absence"? Some ingredients/flavors aren't apparent on their own, but act as boosters/enhancers or maybe bridges among other flavors present. They don't stand out on their own, but if omitted, you immediately realize something is missing, even if you can't put your finger on what it is.

As for your mint question, I confess I'm not a huge fan of the mai tai. I'll drink them, but there's a long list of cocktails I'd rather drink instead. Whenever I make them, I always make an effort to include the mint sprig. I've understood the aromatic component primes the consumer for the flavors to come--I certainly know that once bruised, that mint scent is inescapable. Maybe it's essential, maybe it's the power of suggestion, or maybe it's just the theatrical nature of the presentation. Tiki's as much about ritual as anything, so I like to include that component, regardless.