Bitter mai tai

Bitter Mai Tai

(1 ratings)

A modern twist on the classic Mai Tai, replacing the second rum with Campari for a bittersweet, complex tropical cocktail.

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Recipe

1 cocktail (165ml)
  • Jamaican Rum 
    30 ml
  • Campari 
    30 ml
  • Orange Curaçao 
    15 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    30 ml
  • Orgeat Syrup 
    22.5 ml
  • Fresh Mint sprigs 
    1 sprig
  • Lemon Wheel 
    1 wheel
Recipe credit: Jeremy Oertel at Dram (Brooklyn, 2011)

Instructions

Step

Fill a double old-fashioned or rocks glass with crushed ice to chill while preparing the cocktail.

Step

Add the Jamaican rum, Campari, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat syrup to a cocktail shaker.

Step

Add a small scoop of crushed ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 5-10 seconds using a whip shake technique.

Step

Pour the entire contents including ice into the prepared glass and top up with more crushed ice to fill.

Step

Slap the mint sprig between your hands to release aromatics, then insert into the drink along with a lime wheel garnish.

Equipment

Shaker
Jigger

Description

The Bitter Mai Tai is a modern, bittersweet riff on the classic Mai Tai, created by Jeremy Oertel in 2011 at Dram (and later Donna) in Brooklyn, New York. This sophisticated cocktail replaces the traditional second rum with Campari, adding a bold, complex bitterness that balances the drink’s tropical sweetness and almond notes. The result is a more complex, adult interpretation of the beloved tiki classic that maintains all the tropical appeal while adding Italian bitter sophistication.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (165ml)
Calories
185
ABV
22 %
Alcohol
14 g
Carbs
12 g
Carbs from Sugar
11 g
Fat
0.1 g
Protein
0.2 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Allergens
Nuts

Tips & Notes

  • Use overproof Jamaican rum like Smith & Cross for its bold flavor that stands up to Campari's bitterness and provides the necessary tropical backbone.

  • Always use high-quality orgeat syrup with real almond and orange blossom water - avoid artificial versions that lack complexity and proper balance.

  • The whip shake technique with crushed ice is crucial - it provides proper aeration and dilution without over-watering the complex flavors.

  • If Campari is too bitter for your taste, reduce it slightly to 22.5ml and increase orgeat to 25ml for a sweeter balance.

  • Always slap the mint garnish to release its essential oils - this aromatic component is crucial to the complete sensory experience.

Yes, you can use other red Italian bitters like Martini Bitter or Aperol, though Aperol will be sweeter and less bitter. Campari remains the classic choice for its distinctive bitter profile that defines this cocktail.

Overproof Jamaican rums like Smith & Cross are preferred for their funky, bold flavor profile that can stand up to Campari. Other good options include Appleton Estate or Blackwell, but avoid light or mild rums that will get lost in the mix.

Yes, crushed ice is essential for proper dilution, temperature, and the authentic tiki presentation. It provides faster dilution and chilling than cubed ice, which is crucial for balancing the strong flavors and creating the right texture.

Absolutely! Homemade orgeat is often superior to commercial versions. Blend blanched almonds with simple syrup and add orange blossom water and a touch of rose water. Strain well and store refrigerated for up to one month.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Jamaican Rum
    30 ml
  • Campari
    30 ml
  • Orange Curaçao
    15 ml
  • Lime Juice
    30 ml
  • Orgeat Syrup
    22.5 ml
  • Fresh Mint sprigs
    1 sprig
  • Lemon Wheel
    1 wheel

Method

  1. Fill a double old-fashioned or rocks glass with crushed ice to chill while preparing the cocktail.
  2. Add the Jamaican rum, Campari, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat syrup to a cocktail shaker.
  3. Add a small scoop of crushed ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 5-10 seconds using a whip shake technique.
  4. Pour the entire contents including ice into the prepared glass and top up with more crushed ice to fill.
  5. Slap the mint sprig between your hands to release aromatics, then insert into the drink along with a lime wheel garnish.