How to Make a Virgin Mai Tai Cocktail

Last Updated: June 15, 2021

A virgin mai tai cocktail leaves out the rum and triple sec and replaces it with orange juice and a dash of grenadine. If you can’t find orgeat syrup at your local store or supermarket, try making your own using the recipe that is included here.

Ingredients

Servings: 1

Orgeat Syrup

2 cups (300 g) whole blanched almonds, roughly chopped
1 cup (100 g) ground almonds
5 lb. (2.2 kg) bag granulated sugar
8-1/2 cups (2 L) mineral water
Rose water
Orange blossom water
Bitter almond extract

Cocktail

6 oz. (180 ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
6 oz. (180 ml) pineapple juice
Dash of grenadine
Dash of orgeat syrup
Dash of cream of coconut
Ice

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Make the Orgeat Syrup

Homemade orgeat syrup will greatly enhance the flavor of this virgin cocktail. Soaking the almonds in mineral water extracts their oils.

1
Combine the chopped whole almonds and ground almonds in a large pot.
2
Add 2 cups of the granulated sugar.

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3
Add the mineral water and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Cover the almond water and refrigerate it overnight.
5
Remove the almond water from the refrigerator and strain it through a cheesecloth or a fine sieve.
6
Pour the strained liquid into a large mixing bowl that is inscribed with measurements. Measure the quantity of almond water that you have.
7
Return the almond water to the pot.
8
Add 3-1/2 cups granulated sugar for every 1-1/2 cups of almond water that you measure.
9
Heat the almond water mixture over low heat until the liquid is simmering but not boiling. Cook the liquid until all of the sugar has dissolved.
10
Remove the syrup from the heat and allow it to cool.
11
Add a few drops of orange blossom water, rose water and bitter almond extract to the syrup. The syrup will have a golden color.
12
Pour the syrup into a sealable sterilized container and refrigerate it until you are ready to use it.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Make the Cocktail

If you don’t have a brandy snifter, then you can use a cocktail glass for this drink. For a bit of carbonation, you can add a splash of club soda to the finished drink.

1
Pour the ingredients into a brandy snifter.
2
Stir all of the ingredients together with a spoon.
3
Add ice cubes and serve the drink with a wedge of orange or pineapple for garnish. You can also float a maraschino cherry in the drink for added color.

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