Few cocktails wear the weight of their reputation quite like the Mai Tai. Often misunderstood as a sugary resort drink, the classic version is anything but. Built on a foundation of bold, funky rum and balanced with nutty orgeat, orange liqueur, and fresh lime, the Mai Tai is rich, layered, and bracingly fresh—especially when served over a mountain of crushed ice. That ice isn’t just for show; it tempers the cocktail’s intensity, aerates its texture, and keeps the flavors lively from first sip to last. Our house spec also calls for shaking the drink with a squeezed lime wedge inside the shaker, a trick known as the “regal shake,” which brings a touch of bitterness and bright lime oil flavor to the party. For us, the Mai Tai is a warm-weather essential: complex enough to satisfy serious drinkers, yet bright and refreshing enough to drink with sunglasses on.