Which ingredient is primary in a Mai Tai?

The primary ingredient in a Mai Tai is rum, which is fundamental to the drink's distinctive flavor profile. Traditionally, a Mai Tai is crafted using a combination of light and dark rums to create depth and complexity. The rum serves as the backbone of the cocktail, providing both sweetness and richness, which are essential for balancing the other components, such as lime juice, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup.

The drink hails from Polynesian-inspired cocktail culture and is designed to showcase the qualities of rum, making it the star of the show. Since the Mai Tai is a rum-based cocktail, the inclusion of other spirits like vodka, tequila, or whiskey would fundamentally alter its character and not adhere to the traditional recipe.