We’re halfway through 2026 and it has been a great Mai Tai year so far, including a variety of on/off-menu Mai Tais at Trader Vic’s locations. There’s an obvious emphasis on various places serving Ultimate Mai Tais, my own favorite recipe. Hey, it’s my list!
The criteria is any commercial or home bar I’ve visited during the period. Separate riffs/versions get separate entries.
1. The Ultimate Mai Tai at The Fink
Served as part of our Mai Tai seminar, several people told me this was the best they’ve ever had. The Fink’s delicious house-made orgeat really worked with the bold rum blend this Mai Tai is famous for.
2. Kiki’s Premier Mai Tai at Inside Passage
Premium rums make this Mai Tai worth a couple bucks more. Still one of the best in the world.
3. OG Mai Tai at The Fink
The Fink’s standard issue Mai Tai features Jamaican and Martinique rums and is superbly balanced.
4. 1944 Mai Tai at Trader Vic’s Atlanta
You have to ask the bartenders to make it from scratch but they really did this one great, with a rummy flavor I loved.
5. Dr. Funk
Still just $8 on Mondays and $12 during Happy Hour, the rum blend features Appleton 12 and Smith & Cross rums, it’s super consistent and always made fresh in downtown San Jose.
6. Peanut Butter Mai Tai at Vic’s Atlanta
What if you add Trader Vic’s famous peanut butter spread to a Mai Tai? It is truly amazing and such a decadent treat.
7. Mikkel-Tai at Viking Mike’s
It has tequila but tastes like one of the best Mai Tais you’ve ever had, served in an immersive nordic yurt. We thought Viking Mike’s was so great.
8. Rumba
Inside Passage’s older sibling has a secret combo of rums and their Mai Tai leans a little lighter but is still one of the best you’ve ever had.
9. The Ultimate Mai Tai at Tiki Tom’s
We love that this is still on the menu and the team still does a great job. What can I say, I love this Mai Tai.
10. Tiki-Easy at Trader Vic’s Emeryville
A clarified Mai Tai fat-washed in peanut butter served to rave reviews at Trader Vic’s Hinky Dinks Speakeasy.
Rest of the Top 20
Tikieasy at Rosetta (revised formula)
Tai Game at Wilfred’s Lounge
The Ultimate Mai Tai at Tikeasy at Rosetta
Kenneth’s Mai Tai at Dr. Funk
Shipwrecked Paradise Island
Day Tripper
Smuggler’s Cove
Justin’s Mai Tai at Rocco’s
Menehune Juice at Trader Vic’s Emeryville
Just missed the Top 20
Hawaiian Mai Tai at Dr Funk’s Luau
Ultimate Mai Tai at Speakeasy Ray’s Kulikuli Room
SOS Tiki Bar
Trader Vic’s Emeryville
Trader Vic’s 1944 Mai Tai at Bar of America
To Go Original Mai Tai at Trader Vic’s SJC
The Ultimate Mai Tai at Fo’c’sle
New Luck Toy
The Jungle Bird
Guava Tai at Trader Vic’s Emeryville
Honorable Mentions
Forbidden Island, Zombie Village, Pandan Mai Way at The Jungle Bird, Xaymaca Mai Tai at Bamboo Hut, Pacific Catch