The list includes commercial restaurants and bars, plus Mai Tais we had at home tiki bars and events. You can view the full list and additional details on our page:
Top 10 Mai Tais of 2022
10: The Rum House
Trader Nic’s Mai Tai, named after the head bartender, features Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Black and unaged Rhum JM, plus a tiny float of OFTD.
9: Dealer’s Choice Mai Tai by Adrian Castañeda at The Kon-Tiki Room
Adrian used 1 oz of Worthy Park Kon-Tiki Single Barrel (aged 5 yrs, cask strength), along with ½ oz each of Worthy Park 109 and Uruapan Charandra Anejo.
8: Sunken Harbor Club
Everything they say is true! The famed Mai Tai created by Garret Richard for Sunken Harbor Club in Brooklyn is indeed a top-notch Mai Tai.
7: The Kon-Tiki Single Barrel Mai Tai
This version with Kon-Tiki’s special single barrel release from Worthy Park was totally fantastic.
6: Dr. Funk (original blend)
The original rum blend in the Dr. Funk Mai Tai featured two of our favorite rums, Appleton 12 and Smith & Cross.
5: Smuggler’s Cove with Appleton and Hamilton Rums
We thank bartender Steven Liles for indulging us with the custom order and for making a great Mai Tai.
4: Hale Pele
Who knew that a combination of inexpensive Jamaican rums like Coruba Dark and Wray & Nephew Overproof could be so flavorful and memorable?
3: Maunakea Mai Tai at Skull & Crown Trading Co.
Skull & Crown three Mai Tais on their menu but we prefer this traditional 1944 style Mai Tai made with Appleton 12, Clement Select Barrel, Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum.
2: Classic Mai Tai with Appleton and Hamilton Rums by Skipper Nate at Trader Sam’s
I found myself at the bar at Trader Sam’s on a slow afternoon and Skipper Nate totally willing to work with me to find the very best Mai Tai that could be made on the premises.
1: Birds of Paradise Lounge
This Mai Tai features a complex four rum blend of Appleton 12, Smith & Cross, Plantation Xaymaca, and Kō Hana Kea.
It seems impossible to believe that a party Mai Tai served in a plastic cup could be the best this year but when the Correy and Mariella Bravo make a Mai Tai their way you know it’s going to be Maita’i roa ae.