Far from the overly sweet, juice-packed versions often seen today, the original Mai Tai is a balanced, spirit-led classic. It was created in 1944 by famed bartender, Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron, who first served it to two friends from Tahiti. After tasting it, they exclaimed, “Mai Tai-Roa Aé!”—a Tahitian expression meaning “out of this world” or “the very best.” To serve, pour your Mai Tai into a rocks glass over crushed ice, then garnish with half a lime and a fresh sprig of mint.