Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai (Pineapple Juice Style)
This Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai is a tropical cocktail inspired by the version served at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. Unlike the original classic Mai Tai, this modern interpretation leans heavily into fruit juices, creating a sweeter, more approachable drink that highlights pineapple and orange flavors.
The cocktail is built with pineapple juice, orange juice, orange curaçao, and light rum, then finished with a floated layer of dark rum on top. The result is a vibrant, island-style drink that’s refreshing and juice-forward, designed to be enjoyed casually rather than as a rum-forward classic.
Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai (Pineapple Juice Style)
Course: Cocktail, DrinkCuisine: Hawaiian, TikiDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes~300
kcalIngredients
2 oz pineapple juice
1 oz orange juice
½ oz War shot
½ oz orange curaçao
1 oz light rum
1 oz dark rum (for floating on top)
Ice (about 8 oz, plus more if needed)
Cocktail umbrella (garnish)
Directions
- Build the drink base
Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, War shot, orange curaçao, and light rum into a small shaker tin. This forms the main body of the cocktail, combining all the sweet and citrus elements before chilling. - Add ice and shake
Add about 8 ounces of ice to the shaker tin. Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and well combined. - Pour into the glass
Strain the shaken mixture into a rocks glass. Add more ice to the glass if needed to fill it comfortably. - Float the dark rum
Carefully pour the dark rum over the top of the drink so it floats on the surface rather than mixing in. - Garnish and serve
Finish the drink with a cocktail umbrella. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- This version is intentionally juice-heavy and sweet; if you prefer a more rum-forward or balanced drink, reducing the juice slightly can help bring the spirits forward.
