Perfect for beach days or summery picnics, a mai tai can is packed with Caribbean flavors and bursting with tropical tiki vibes.
The classic cocktail’s name is said to be derived from maitaʻi, the Tahitian word for “excellence,” and the drink is an exotic blend of rum, Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice.
Purported to have been invented in 1944 at Trader Vic’s restaurant, the original mai tai cocktail recipe has been open to interpretation over the years.
Ready-to-drink mai tais in cans is a great way to enjoy this bright cocktail on the fly, and here’s our roundup of the best ones currently on the shelves.
5 Best Mai Tais in Cans
Whether you are looking for a classic mai tai in a can or one with an extra-tropical taste, there are plenty of excellent ready-to-drink cocktails on the market to get you in that tiki mood.
A tiki rum mai tai cocktail is the ultimate tropical cocktail, and a can or two will surely put you in that vacation state of mind. Here’s our roundup of the best, be they top-shelf or budget options, to help you get in sync with your tiki vibes:
Winner: Best Mai Tai in a Can
Cutwater Tiki Rum Mai Tai
When it comes to a mai tai can, the blend of Cutwater Barrel Aged Rum and Bali Hai Tiki Gold Rum is hard to beat.
While the other alcoholic beverages on this list are all superb, the level of aged depth provided by the top-quality spirits provides an added level of taste to this tiki classic.
Budget Option
Monaco’s Classic
Monaco’s Classic is a refreshing craft cocktail with light, and dark rum blended with a citrus mix to balance the distilled spirits. The tropical notes and orange curaçao add an extra level of flavor to make this an affordable option for any occasion.
Best Top Shelf Mai Tais
Post Meridiem
True to the original recipe, Post Meridiem’s signature mai tai in a can is a blend of Caribbean rums with real lime juice, orange curacao, almond orgeat, and a hint of mint to balance this bright cocktail with an aged depth.
Just one sip of this unique citrus mix is enough to start you on the path to a vacation state of mind, and at 23.5% ABV, it certainly packs a punch.
Best with Organic Ingredients
JuneShine Spirits
Tickle your tiki with this organic offering from JuneShine Spirits. Made from award-winning Malahat craft rum, organic orange, pineapple, and an added level of flavor from lime, you can sip your way to tiki paradise with this tropical drink with 10% ABV.
Best Calorie-Friendly (Skinny)
Deacon Giles Speakeasy Cocktails
With 7% alcohol by volume and only 210 calories, the Deacon Giles Speakeasy Cocktail is crafted to taste as if you just ordered it at a tropical tiki bar on the beach. These will surely put you in a vacation state of mind as you’re drinking distilled spirits and a unique citrus mix that helps you stay beach-body-ready!
FAQs
What is Mai Tai in a can?
A Mai Tai in a can is your favorite tropical beverage in a premixed, portable version. The signature Mai Tai features rum, orange curacao, orgeat, and lime juice. However, you can find versions in a can with other tropical flavors added in. Pineapple and coconut flavors are popular additions.
How much alcohol is in Cutwater Mai Tai?
Made with Cutwater barrel-aged rum, their versions in a can come in at 12.5% ABV.
What does Tiki Rum Mai Tai taste like?
The Tiki Rum Mai Tai by Cutwater tastes like a tiki paradise in a can! It’s made with award-winning spirits, including Bali Hai Tiki Gold Rum which adds a level of aged depth. Subtle notes of pineapple and coconut flavors then combine to balance this bright cocktail. Note that the traditional cocktail recipe doesn’t have pineapple (usually) or coconut, but something about the way the Cutwater balances the flavors is perfect.
Key Takeaways
- A mai tai cocktail in a can is a great way to take the tropical flavor to the beach.
- The blend of Caribbean rums with a citrus mix to balance the flavors is akin to summer in a can.
- Cutwater makes the best we have tasted, but others are worthy contenders.
- Post Meridiem is a great choice if you’re looking for a top-shelf option
- Shop around, and try out different flavor varieties of the classic mai tai cocktail.