What kind of rum should you use in a Mai Tai? We discuss the history of Mai Tai rums and offer some suggestions for making great Mai Tais at home.
Samoan Fog Cutter with Harvey’s Bristol Creme
Finally got some Sherry so I could try this Trader Vic’s classic at home. It’s delicious.
The classic Fog Cutter recipe dates from the 1940s and was included in the 1947 Trader Vic’s Bartender’s Guide. With four different spirits, it has been compared to a Long Island Iced Tea.
Fog Cutter (1940s)
2 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Orange Juice
½ oz Orgeat
2 oz Puerto Rican Rum
1 oz Brandy
½ oz Gin
Sherry wine float
Shake all except for Sherry with cracked ice. Pour into 14 oz glass and fill with more cracked ice. Add Sherry float.
The original Fog Cutter is also notable in that it is likely one of the first exotic cocktails to be served in a ceramic mug.
In the 1950s, Trader Vic adjusted the recipe to reduce the amount of rum and brandy. This new recipe was given the moniker Samoan Fog Cutter and remains on the Trader Vic’s menus today.
Samoan Fog Cutter
2 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Orange Juice
½ oz Orgeat
1½ oz Light Rum
½ oz Brandy
½ oz Gin
½ oz Cream Sherry, floated
If I was going to make it again, I probably would float a full ounce of sherry on top. It really is the special ingredient in this cocktail.
As a kid growing up in the 1970s, commercials for Harvey’s Bristol Creme were common. It’s actually pretty tasty.
Too Much Mint? Never!
This Mai Tai has some newly acquired 5 inch Hay Straws, perfect for short cocktails like this one.
Glassware: Trader Vic’s
International Mai Tai Day 2020
June 30 is a perfect time to highlight my Top 10 Mai Tais of 2020 (so far). My own homemade Mai Tais not included (with one exception). However you can celebrate, give a toast to The Trader today.
1) The last Ultimate Mai Tai from Terry Six at The Kon-Tiki
No bartender has made me a better Mai Tai than Terry.
2) Take Out 1944 Mai Tai from Trader Vic’s
It was so great to have a wonderful take-home Mai Tai. Gave me hope for lockdown.
3) 1944 Mai Tai with Appleton 12 at Trader Sam’s
Bartenders at Sam’s are always willing to go a bit off-menu.
4) Smuggler’s Cove
I landed here in February sort of by accident but it worked out perfect when I had a great Mai Tai.
5) Buz-Tai from Hula Hoops
Another take-out Mai Tai that was amazing. Bold variant.
6) Coruba / Hamilton 86 Mai Tai at Fred & Ginger’s
Home bar Mai Tai made by Terra Fritch
for a socially distant cocktail hour.
7) Trader Vic’s Mai Tai with Mai Tai Concentrate
I’ve been waiting years to try this at home. It’s finally available.
8) Grand Mai Tai
Pretty much a ’44 with the dark rum presented as a float. Good stuff from the Craftman’s hotel bar at Disneyland.
9) Blue Hawai-Tai
My own Blue Hawaii/Mai Tai riff that got press in Exotica Moderne and seemed to make fans worldwide.
10) Kai Mai Tai
Blood Orange in a Mai Tai? Yes, it’s delicious. And somewhat deadly.
Aloha Friday
Find some peace this weekend, however you can.
Lemon Juice in a Mai Tai?
It isn’t a state secret that Trader Vic’s often uses lemon juice in Mai Tais made with the Mai Tai Concentrate. The taste test is comparing a Mai Tai made only with Lime Juice and one made with Lemon and Lime.
¾ oz Lemon Juice (or Lime)
¾ oz Mai Tai Concentrate Mix
2 oz Royal Amber Rum
Shake with crushed ice and pour into glass
Squeeze juice of ¼ Lime Wedge
Garnish with wedge and mint.
Overall this was pretty close but the one with Lemon Juice indeed had a brighter overall taste and just a tad more balanced.
This tasted just like the “Trader Vic’s Mai Tai” from the restaurants.
Fab Lunch from Trader Vic’s Emeryville
It was pleasant enough for lunch on the lanai, an Aloha Bowl and a Samoan Fogcutter. Both were quite excellent. I did some walking around admiring the tikis at Trader Vic’s.
The trip to Trader Vic’s was because I wanted to get a bottle of the Royal Amber rum, which comes in a 1 Liter bottle (compare to an older 750ml bottle of Trader Vic’s Dark rum). I’m going to do some taste tests with this, though the initial reaction is that this Puerto Rican rum has a bit of a navy style flavor. More on the Royal Amber rum later.
