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The Mai Tai is the undisputed king of tiki cocktails, created in 1944 by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron at his Oakland restaurant. Legend has it that when Trader Vic first served it to friends visiting from Tahiti, one of them exclaimed "Mai Tai — Roa Ae!" — meaning "out of this world — the best!" — and the name stuck. Built on a foundation of aged rum, the drink layers fresh lime juice for bright citrus acidity, nutty orgeat almond syrup for a rich sweetness, and orange curaçao for a fruity depth, all coming together in a perfectly balanced, tropical sip. The Mai Tai is complex yet approachable — spirit-forward enough for serious cocktail drinkers, yet festive and fun enough to anchor any backyard luau or tiki night. Served over crushed ice and garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge, it remains one of the most iconic and beloved cocktails in history.