Which ingredient is commonly used to float on top of a Mai Tai cocktail?

The ingredient that is commonly used to float on top of a Mai Tai cocktail is typically not grenadine. The classic Mai Tai is known for its layered appearance and flavor complexity, often achieved by floating a specific type of rum or sometimes a dark rum on top. Floating is a technique where a denser liquid is poured over the back of a spoon to create a distinct layer on top of a cocktail.

In the context of the Mai Tai, the most common choice for floating is a dark rum, lending an additional depth of flavor and enhancing both the visual appeal and the drink’s character. Floating grenadine, while it can create a beautiful effect in other cocktails, does not align with the traditional recipe or flavor profile of a Mai Tai.

Thus, it's essential to study the classic compositions of cocktails to understand which ingredients are quintessential to each drink. This not only helps in bartending but also in personalizing offerings based on the traditional standards.