We’re halfway through 2025 and it has been a great Mai Tai year so far, including some interesting new entries to our top tier Mai Tai list. Note that many of these feature custom rum orders compared to the standard-issue at these locations because sometimes you want a Mai Tai with a special rum to elevate the cocktail. If you ask nicely the bartender will typically be able to accommodate the request and this can often lead to outstanding results.
1. Rare Cane Jamaica Pot Still Mai Tai at Devil’s Reef
While there isn’t a strict 1944 Mai Tai on the menu, owner Jason Alexander made this one special for me using some pungent Jamaican rum of his choosing and it was so punchy and flavorful just like we like it.
2. Appleton 17 Mai Tai at Kona Street Market
We had to work with the bartender a bit on this but it was totally worth it and a bargain at only $45 with the exceedingly rare Appleton 17 rum.
3. Smuggler’s Cove
The standard issue Mai Tai at Smuggler’s is always a favorite and one of the best anywhere. On this evening it was basically perfect.
4. Kiki’s Premier Mai Tai at Inside Passage
Even better than Rumba’s next door, featuring symphony of rums including house barrel-aged Rivers Royale, Appleton 15, Chairman’s Reserve 1931, Rhum JM Terroir Volcanique, and Saint James 110 – plus two orange liqueurs. Worth a couple extra bucks.
5. “Xaymaca Mai Tai” at The Cellar
I called for Xaymaca in this off menu item and they also included aged Martinique rhum as well, but I didn’t mind given the stellar results.
6. Appleton 21 at the Make and Drink Studio
Part of a blind test with all of Appleton’s evergreen releases, the barrel notes and orange peel flavors made a great Mai Tai that both Derek and I thought was the best.
7. Dr Funk $8 Mai Tai Monday
It is the same as their world-class standard issue Mai Tai with Appleton 12 and Smith & Cross Jamaican rums but is only $8 all day on Mondays and such a value pick.
8. OG Mai Tai at The Fink
The Fink is Napa’s premier cocktail bar with a wide variety of styles, but their tiki cocktails are exceptional including a fantastic Mai Tai that would make Trader Vic smile.
9. Strong Water Anaheim
An evergreen strong contender in this category featuring rums from Guyana and Jamaica, so complex, chewy, and rich.
10. “Punchy Mai Tai” at Club 33
Given the exclusive nature of this venue you’d expect them to make a great off-menu Mai Tai and they really delivered. It was even better when I asked for a second on that was “more punchy.”
Just Missed the Top 10:
Appleton 17 at Wilfred’s Lounge
Pagan Idol
Okole’ Maluna Mai Tai at Da Tiki Hut
Bitter Mai Tai at Strong Water Anaheim
Boo Loo Lounge
Dublin Tai at Trader Vic’s Emeryville
Passion Tai at Trader Vic’s Emeryville
Rumba
Noteworthy Additions:
Trader Vic’s San Jose Airport
Ultra Chill Mai Tai at Bahama Breeze
China Live
Dave’s Special Mai Tai at Lucky Tiki
Clifton’s Pacific Seas
Honorable Mentions:
District San Jose, Fog Harbor Fish House, The Tonga Room, Luau Lounge 1944 Mai Tai