Pour into a double old-fashioned glass

Garnish with a mint sprig and spent lime shell (a hollowed-out half lime) Tips from Trader Vics:

Use crushed ice, use crushed ice, use crushed ice We consider ice an actual integral ingredient rather than just a cooling component. Dont believe us? Try making one with crushed ice and one with cubed ice for yourself: Youll notice that the crushed ice helps to round out the flavors and brings out different nuances that cubed ice just can not achieve.

Use fresh ripe limes for maximum flavor and the perfect amount of oil that naturally comes when squeezing a wedge of lime (the entire lime from rind to center lends their own unique flavors that you dont want to miss). Bottled lime juice cant always compare, especially if its been modified with additives and sugars. You can squeeze and bottle your own lime juice that should hold for two to three days.

If youre making more than one Mai Tai or are having a party, line up your glasses and measure each ingredient over each glass to build your cocktails. You can then hold these pre-measured cocktails and add crushed ice and shake as needed.