As with 2023 we had so many great Mai Tais that many of them would have been deep into the top 10 in past years and this year couldn’t crack the top 10. But they’re nonetheless worth noting and we thank the bartenders and bar owners for making these stellar Mai Tais.
For this list the rating is solely about what’s in the glass and does not factor in other elements such as ambiance, food, service, or decor. Each location only gets one Mai Tai on the list, exceptions for guest cocktails such as the Mister, Might I… at The Kon Tiki.
Some of the Mai Tais involve rum substitutions from what the bar would normally serve, such as custom blend at the Lucky Tiki. This presents the reader with more to consider when visiting these places, but highlights that making spirit substitutions is often what changes a good Mai Tai into a great one.
11. Smuggler’s Cove
12. Latitude 29
13. Bootlegger Tiki
14. Stray Pirate
15. My Tie, Youse Tai
16. Mister, Might I… by Doc Parks at The Kon-Tiki
17. “Impress Me” Mai Tai at The Lucky Tiki by Skipper Christian
18. Mai Tai with Appleton 15 at Rumpus Tiki Budapest
19. Tai-Lo by Pagan Idol at Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Day
20. Brujo’s Mai Tai at The Kon-Tiki
21. Frozen Mai Tai at Make & Drink Studio
22. Mai Tai with Appleton 17 at Kona Street Market (shhhh…)
23. Sugar Plum Mai Tai (Sippin’ Santa) at 55 South
24. Original Mai Tai with LH 151 float at Trader Vics’s Emeryville
25. Zombie Village with Saint Benevolence Rum Clairin
Just Missed:
California Gold, Lost Inferno, The Fink, Trader Vic’s SJC, Frozen Mai Tai at Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, Trailer Happiness, Equiano Rum Mai Tai at The Shipwreck, Boo Loo Lounge, Kamalatai at Forbidden Island.
Honorable Mentions:
Wilfred’s Lounge, Our Big Luauski, Damn Fine Mai Tai by Greg Smith/Becca Morris, Trader Vic’s Munich, The Formosa Cafe, Red Dwarf, Hula Hoops (Lilikoi Tai), Kapu Bar, Golden Tiki