THE OTHER MAI TAI
This started as a Mai Tai, but when I realized I didn’t have all of the ingredients, I improvised using our Golden Masala Balsamic Vinegar - who knew a little Indian Spice could change a favorite drink for the best… and wow - what an enjoyable refreshment!
The weather is warming up and I’m craving a Mai Tai. No need to drive across town for an overly sweet cocktail made with really bad rum and an umbrella… and so my gathering of ingredients begins. Yes, I have frozen pineapple because I have teenagers that need a smoothie at 3 am on a Wednesday for reasons beyond my imagination. I also have a bottle of 18 year old rum that I hesitate to mix anything with, but I can’t always be a purist, nor is there a point in saving it forever… and yes, I live in So Cal and so I can walk into my back yard and grab oranges and juice them. The mint - it belongs to the neighbor, but sneaks under our fence and provides me just enough good smells without becoming invasive. I’ll have to forgo the umbrella… I am not going to the dollar store just to embellish my glass, but hey - if you’ve got a drawer with umbrellas in it - go for it!
![Screenshot+2020-05-01+10.40.15.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/556764d0e4b0b64f96c230b4/1588357982907-43KJ7198D9K8017LA82W/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kNAVxqCfUyAqWf2TxA5pow1Zw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWEtT5uBSRWt4vQZAgTJucoTqqXjS3CfNDSuuf31e0tVG59oBttLHkSgkya03rJbOWnQRC9AXnQONm9aeLpthO_IHJ-hq6KEIH20BWg6R3AVM/Screenshot%2B2020-05-01%2B10.40.15.jpg)
THE OTHER MAI TAI
4 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
1 jigger rum
2 tablespoons Golden Masala Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup frozen pineapple “ice cubes”
optional -
a mint leaf or edible flower for garnish
lime wedge
Ahead of time note - if your market has fresh pineapple, there isn’t anything better. Take a few slices and put in the freezer in the morning. By cocktail hour (ok for clarification - late afternoon), they ought to be ready.
The non-blender method -
Mix OJ, rum and Golden Masala thoroughly. Remove pineapple ice cubes from freezer and put in glass. Pour mixture over and garnish with mint and lime.
The blender method -
Add pineapple, OJ, rum and Golden Masala to blender. Pulse to desired smoothness. Pour, garnish and enjoy!