Mai Tai by the Pitcher

June 30th is National Mai Tai Day! Did you know that once upon a time, The Zombie was the Cosmopolitan of its day. In a way, the Zombie paved the way for the Mai Tai. It was the Zombie that put Tiki drinks on the map. Then, in 1959 Hawaii became a state and the islands became a tourist Mecca almost overnight. Americans flocked to luaus where they were served a fruity tropical drink called the Mai Tai. Thanks to the tourist industry and Luaus, that rum-kicking Mai Tai knocked the Zombie off its Tiki Pedestal.

Summertime is the perfect time to sit back, relax and sip a cool tropical drink that packs a mean punch. Light the Tiki Torches and dip your toes in the pool. Don’t have a pool? Sure you do, even if it’s only a child’s wading pool with sand on the bottom. Put yourself in a tropical mood. A vacation is easier than you think. And those cute little paper umbrellas with help set the get away stage. I can hear the gentle waves kissing the sand and feel the sun setting on my face. Can’t you?

Mai Tai by the Pitcher
2 cups Light Rum
1 cup Dark Rum
1 cup 151 Proof Rum
1 cup Orange Curacao (orange flavored liqueur)
1 cup Torani Almond Syrup
1 cup Simple Syrup (below)
10 Limes, juiced
1/2 gallon fresh Orange Juice

In a large jar, pitcher or drink cooler, combine the light rum, dark rum, 151 rum, orange liqueur, almond syrup, simple syrup, and lime juice. Stir to blend, then and top off with orange juice.

Simple Syrup
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Water

In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool.

Garnish
1 Pineapple, sliced as needed
1 Jar Maraschino Cherries with stems as needed
Paper Umbrellas as needed

To serve, pour into 8 to 12 ounce glasses over ice. Garnish each glass with a slice of pineapple, cherry and paper umbrella.