The Best Mai Tai in Seattle

It's Friday so let's talk about Hawai`i's most celebrated cocktail: the mai tai. There is much debate over both the origins of the mai tai, and the exact recipe. Both Trader Vics and Don the Beachcomber claim to have invented the tropical wonder. One thing is certain, though: the drink originated in California, not Hawai`i. However, as tourism began to soar with the advent of airplanes, the drink quickly became synonymous with Paradise.

All in the name of research, we've sipped our way through many variations of the drink that in Tahitian means "good." The most standard recipe calls for orange juice, pineapple juice, orgeat, lime juice, grenadine, light rum and dark rum. However, some mixologists choose orange caracou over the OJ while others go with a different type of juice altogether. The real "juice," though, is almost always light rum mixed in with a float of dark rum on top.

We can rave about Don the Beachcomber's famed delight that we've had at the Royal Kona or delicious buckets of aloha at Honolulu Airport's Stinger Ray's, but today we shall comment on those more accessible to us. Here we will rate four version of the institution known as the Mai Tai right here in our hometown:

1. 'Ohana - Ohana Mai Tai 8.00
Bacardi Light Rum, Amaretto, orange and pineapple juices, a dash of grenadine, and a float of Myer’s Dark Rum.



We've only been to `Ohana once and we'll get into the food and service in some future post. As for the mai tai, we were not very impressed. In fact, it's our least favorite on the local scene. Too much grenadine and not enough rum made for a lingering, saccharine taste. The Amaretto in lieu of the orgeat is a nice touch if done correctly, though, and we've been inspired to start doing that at home.

2. Hula Hula

Their menu only says "A Blend of Rum & Juices Create this Native Delight." Hula Hula is a relatively new establishment in Seattle's Lower Queen Anne neighborhood. Again, we have only been here once but were impressed with the layout and decor. They even had surfing videos playing behind the bar and the bartender was incredibly friendly.

This one rates fairly high, and deserves an honorable mention. It wasn't too sweet, or toxically strong and the flavors were fresh. Third place, but definitely one to keep on the radar.

3. The Islander

Rum, Apricot Brandy, Crème de Noyeaux, Lime,
Passionfruit, Pineapple Juice, Myer’s Rum Float (8 bucks)

We go to The Islander fairly often, as they have great food, outdoor seating and a wicked drink menu (be careful!). Their mai tai is a bit of a departure, using apricot brandy instead of orange juice and Creme de Noyeaux (an almond liquer) instead of orgeat or amaretto. They serve them in nice tall glasses, and they disappear rapidly. This is one of Seattle's best happy hours all around and home of the second best mai tai in town.

4. Luau



That brings us to the big kahuna, numero uno (or quattro in this list). Hands down the winner for best mai tai in Seattle is Luau Polynesian Lounge in the Green Lake neighborhood.

Kaha Mai Tai
Bacardi Silver, Meyers Dark rum, guava nectar, pineapple juice, Grenadine and the Kaha secret...$6.40

Maybe it's the guava nectar, maybe it's the secret ingredient or perhaps it's the Noon-6pm happy hour when you can suck them down at 5 bucks a pop...this masterpiece is one we always come back to (though Dan G. is currently addicted to their Pina Coladas and that is another post entirely).

We find ourselves at Luau more regularly than any other spot in town, and we don't live very close. Aside from the drinks, the food is `ono and the staff is usually brimming with aloha. We'll be talking about this place often.

Happy Friday. Drink up! A hui hou!