It’s hard to beat the Original 1944 Trader Vic’s Mai Tai – using a combination of funky pot still Jamaican Rum and aromatic Rhum Grand Arome from Martinique. You can go through dozens of bottles in a hundred combinations trying to find just the right mix – we prefer Denizen Merchant’s Reserve, a blend of the two styles created with the guidance of a who’s who of rum experts for this exact recipe. Paired with Ferrand’s 19th Century Dry Curacao and Small Hand’s Orgeat syrup and never look back.

1944 Trader Vic’s Mai Tai

• 2 oz Denizen Merchant’s Reserve 8 Year Rum
• .5 oz Ferrand Dry Curacao
• .25 oz Small Hand Orgeat Syrup
• .25 oz Simple Syrup
• 1 oz Lime Juice

  Add all ingredients to a shaker with 2 cups crushed ice, shake for 10 seconds before pouring unstrained into an old fashioned glass, garnish with a mint sprig.